Imaging catheter with integrated reference reflector
In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. In addition, the film surrounds a portion of the beam director.
1. A lens assembly comprising:
a micro-lens;
a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens;
a substantially transparent sheath comprising a plurality of light scattering particles, the sheath defining a bore and capable of bi-directionally transmitting light; and
a rotatable optical fiber disposed in the bore, wherein the micro-lens is in optical communication with the rotatable optical fiber, the plurality of light scattering particles arranged to generate a controlled amount of backscatter, wherein the beam director and micro-lens are disposed in the bore.
2. The lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the controlled amount of backscatter is an amount of light at least sufficient to calibrate at least one imaging system parameter.
3. The lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the substantially transparent sheath comprises a polymer and wherein the plurality of light scattering particles are arranged to backscatter light to the beam director.
4. The lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the substantially transparent sheath is doped with the plurality of light scattering particles.
5. A lens assembly comprising:
a micro-lens;
a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens;
a sheath comprising a substantially transparent film capable of (1) bi-directionally transmitting light, and (2) generating a controlled amount of backscatter, wherein the substantially transparent film defines a bore, the beam director disposed in the bore; and
a rotatable optical fiber disposed in the bore, the rotatable optical fiber in optical communication with the micro-lens and beam director,
the substantially transparent film comprising a plurality of light scattering particles arranged to backscatter light to the beam director.
6. The lens assembly of claim 5 wherein the controlled amount of backscatter is an amount of light at least sufficient to calibrate at least one imaging system parameter.
7. The lens assembly of claim 5 wherein the plurality of light scattering particles each comprise titanium dioxide.
8. The lens assembly of claim 5 wherein the sheath is configured to allow transmission of substantially undistorted imaging light.
9. The lens assembly of claim 8 wherein the sheath comprises a polymer.
10. The lens assembly of claim 9 wherein the polymer is doped with the plurality of light scattering particles.