Nir clinical opti-scan system

Abstract

The present invention relates to three-dimensional optical imaging techniques and, more particularly, to the detection and three-dimensional imaging of absorbing and/or scattering structures in complex random media, such as human body tissue, by detecting scattered light emerging from the medium. An apparatus for optical tomographic imaging of tissue structures with non-uniform surface geometries in accordance with the invention comprises: an optical source capable of providing light having a wavelength capable of at least attenuated transmission through the tissue; a fiber array consisting of fiber bundles for transmitting light from the optical source to the tissue to be imaged, and a second fiber array consisting of fiber bundles for receiving light scattered by the tissue; an adjustable assembly comprising an adjustable support member supporting one end of each fiber bundle, the fiber bundles being distributed along the portion of each support member which conforms to a surface of a specimen being imaged so as to transmit light into, and collect light emanating from, the surface of the imaged tissue at a multitude of spaced-apart points; and a detector array receiving light collected by the fibers in the second fiber bundle.