DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPTICALLY EXAMINING THE INTERIOR OF A BODY PART
A device for optically examining the interior of a body part by transillumination is provided. The device comprises: an illumination unit ( 2 ) adapted for emitting polarized light ( 8 ) towards a body part ( 5 ) to be examined; and a detector unit ( 6 ) adapted for detecting light in transmission. A polarizer ( 10 ) is arranged in front of the detector unit ( 6 ).
1 . Device for optically examining the interior of a body part by transillumination, the device comprising:
an illumination unit ( 2 ) adapted for emitting polarized light ( 8 ) towards a body part ( 5 ) to be examined; and
a detector unit ( 6 ) adapted for detecting light in transmission;
wherein a polarizer ( 10 ) is arranged in front of the detector unit ( 6 ).
2 . Device according to claim 1 , wherein the illumination unit ( 2 ) is adapted such that the polarized light ( 8 ) is polarized in a first direction (A) and the polarizer ( 10 ) is arranged such that light polarized in the first direction is blocked.
3 . Device according to claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a support ( 4 ) adapted for accommodating a body part ( 5 ) to be examined.
4 . Device according to claim 3 , wherein the support ( 4 ) is adapted for accommodating a human hand as a body part ( 5 ) to be examined.
5 . Device according to claim 3 , wherein the illumination unit ( 2 ) comprises the support and the support comprises an additional polarizer ( 12 ) for generating the polarized light.
6 . Device according to claim 1 , wherein the illumination unit ( 2 ) is adapted for emitting collimated light.
7 . Device according to claim 1 , wherein the illumination unit ( 2 ) comprises at least one laser as a light source ( 3 ).
8 . Device according to claim 1 , wherein the device is a medical optical examination apparatus.
9 . Device according to claim 1 , wherein the device is adapted for optical detection of joint diseases.
10 . Method for optically examining the interior of a body part ( 5 ) by transillumination; the method comprising the steps:
illuminating the body part ( 5 ) with polarized light;
directing light which has interacted with the body part and light which has not interacted with the body part to a polarizer ( 10 ); and
detecting light which has passed through the polarizer ( 10 ).
11 . Method according to claim 10 , wherein the polarized light used for illuminating is polarized in a first direction (A) and the polarizer ( 10 ) is arranged such that light polarized in the first direction is blocked.
12 . Method according to claim 10 , wherein collimated light is used for illuminating the body part ( 5 ).
13 . Method according to claim 10 , wherein at least one laser is used to generate the polarized light.