Multimodal probes for tissue interrogation
Aspects of the disclosure relate to the use of an optical detection scheme enabling multiple imaging sub-systems concurrently optimized for retrieving multiple characterization modalities. The feature described is an offset illumination and detection arrangement for a multimodal imaging probe. The imaging probe comprises multiple waveguides disposed within a torque-transfer coil, distally terminating at longitudinally separated positions. A first waveguide may have focusing optics for focused illumination and/or detection. Any number of other waveguides may be deployed for illumination and/or detection having no focusing optics. The disclosure enables high-fidelity multimodal imaging systems.
1 . A probe for characterizing bodily lumens, comprising:
a first waveguide positioned within the probe that transmits and detects a signal from a first characterization modality, the first waveguide comprising a first beam redirector and a focusing optic disposed in an optical path of the first waveguide such that a first beam transmitted by the first waveguide can be focused towards a wall of a lumen; and a second waveguide positioned within the probe that detects a signal from a second characterization modality, the second waveguide having no focusing optic and positioned proximally of the first waveguide.
2 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide is constructed to detect signal for an interferometric imaging modality.
3 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein the first and second waveguides are disposed within a torque transfer coil.
4 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein the first beam redirector and the focusing optic are physically connected with the first waveguide.
5 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein the first beam redirector is an angled fiber optic.
6 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein the focusing optic is a ball lens.
7 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein the focusing optic is a gradient index lens.
8 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein the first beam redirector and the focusing optic are each a curved mirror surface.
9 . The probe of claim 1 , further comprising a spectroscopic modality subsystem optically connected to the second waveguide to detect light received through the second waveguide.
10 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein the second waveguide is optically connected to a light source.
11 . The probe of claim 1 , comprising a characterization modality subsystem optically connected to the first waveguide such that a reflectance intensity is detected by the first waveguide.
12 . The probe of claim 1 , comprising an interferometric modality subsystem optically connected to the first waveguide.
13 . The probe of claim 1 , comprising an intensity modality subsystem optically connected to the second waveguide.
14 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein the probe is in optical communication with a rotatable combiner.