University of California

Colorado State University Research Foundation

Richard C Haskell

Bruce J Tromberg

Michael W Berns

June I Medford

Lara O Svaasand

Daniel C Petersen

Ruye Wang

Barbara M Hoeling

Mary E Williams

Tsong T Tsay

A high resolution optical coherence microscope system for visualizing structures below a surface of a biological sample is provided. The system includes a light source emitting light in a wavelength of between 700 and 1500 nm, the light being directed along a sample path and a reference path. The length of at least one of the paths is a modulated path having a selected amplitude of modulation that is equal to or less than about 3 fringes of the wavelength.

Optical coherence microscope and methods of use for rapid in vivo three-dimensional visualization of biological function

Optical measurements of turbid media, that is media characterized by multiple light scattering, is provided through an apparatus and method for exposing a sample to a modulated laser beam. The light beam is modulated at a fundamental frequency and at a plurality of integer harmonics thereof. Modulated light is returned from the sample and preferentially detected at cross frequencies at frequencies slightly higher than the fundamental frequency and at integer harmonics of the same. The received radiance at the beat or cross frequencies is compared against a reference signal to provide a measure of the phase lag of the radiance and modulation ratio relative to a reference beam. The phase and modulation amplitude are then provided as a frequency spectrum by an array processor to which a computer applies a complete curve fit in the case of highly scattering samples or a linear curve fit below a predetermined frequency in the case of highly absorptive samples. The curve fit in any case is determined by the absorption and scattering coefficients together with a concentration of the active substance in the sample. Therefore, the curve fitting to the frequency spectrum can be used both for qualitative and quantitative analysis of substances in the sample even though the sample is highly turbid.

Apparatus and method for qualitative and quantitative measurements of

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Claremont, CA, United States of America

Richard C Haskell