Optics: measuring and testing – By light interference – Having light beams of different frequencies
Patent
1998-05-28
2000-11-21
Kim, Robert
Optics: measuring and testing
By light interference
Having light beams of different frequencies
356489, G01B 902
Patent
active
061511277
ABSTRACT:
An improved confocal microscope system is provided which images sections of tissue utilizing heterodyne detection. The system has a synthesized light source for producing a single beam of light of multiple, different wavelengths using multiple laser sources. The beam from the synthesized light source is split into an imaging beam and a reference beam. The phase of the reference beam is then modulated, while confocal optics scan and focus the imaging beam below the surface of the tissue and collect from the tissue returned light of the imaging beam. The returned light of the imaging beam and the modulated reference beam are combined into a return beam, such that they spatially overlap and interact to produce heterodyne components. The return beam is detected by a photodetector which converts the amplitude of the return beam into electrical signals in accordance with the heterodyne components. The signals are demodulated and processed to produce an image of the tissue section on a display. The system enables the numerical aperture of the confocal optics to be reduced without degrading the performance of the system.
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Kim Robert
Lukacher Kenneth J.
The General Hospital Corporation
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