| abstract |
An imaging system includes forward directed optical coherence tomography (OCT), and non-retroreflected forward scanning OCT, and also interferometric imaging and ranging techniques and fluorescent, Raman, two-photon, and diffuse wave imaging can be used. The forward scanning mechanisms include a cam (70) attached to a motor (61), pneumatic devices (96), a pivoting device (90, 94), piezoelectric transducers (74), electrostatic driven slides (108) for substantially transverse scanning; counter-rotating prisms (144), and offset lenses (62) are used for arbitrary scanning. The imaging system of the invention is applied to hand held probes including probes integrated with surgical probes, scalpels, scissors, forceps and biopsy instruments. Hand held probes include forward scanning lasers. The imaging system is also applicable to laparoscopes and endoscopes for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in body orifices, canals, tubes, ducts, vessels and cavities of the body. |