Spectrally-encoded endoscopy techniques and methods

Abstract

Exemplary apparatus for method for forming at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration. For example, it is possible to modify a spacer configuration and an lens optics configuration to have respective predetermined lengths, and also to modify a dispersive optics configuration to have a further predetermined length. Further, the modified spacer and modified lens optics configurations can be attached to one another to form a combined spacer-lens optics configuration. The modified dispersive optics configuration can be attached to a substrate to form to form a grating substrate configuration. Additionally, the combined spacer-lens optics configuration can be connected to an optical fiber, and the modified attached dispersed optics configuration can be connected to the modified attached lens optics configuration to form the spectral encoding endoscopy configuration(s) which can extends along a particular axis. The dispersive optics configuration can be modified to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the particular axis.

Claims

1. A method for forming at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration, comprising: a) changing respective predetermined lengths of a spacer configuration and an lens optics configuration by altering respective physical aspects thereof; b) modifying a dispersive optics configuration to have a further predetermined length; c) attaching the changed spacer and changed lens optics configurations to one another to form a combined spacer-lens optics configuration; d) attaching the modified dispersive optics configuration to a substrate to form a grating substrate configuration; and e) connecting the combined spacer-lens optics configuration to an optical fiber, and the modified attached dispersed optics configuration to the changed attached lens optics configuration to form the at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration which extends along a particular axis, wherein the dispersive optics configuration is modified to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the particular axis.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the lens optics configuration includes a GRIN lens.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the dispersive optics configuration including a grating, and wherein the substrate is a grating substrate.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of steps (a) or (b) includes polishing at least one of the spacer configuration, the lens optics configuration, or the dispersive optics configuration.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) includes gluing the changed spacer and changed lens optics configurations to one another.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein step (d) includes gluing the modified dispersive optics configuration to the substrate.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein step (e) includes gluing the combined spacer-lens optics configuration to the optical fiber.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, prior to step (e), cleaving the optical fiber.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing the at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration into a sheath.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined lengths of the spacer configuration and the lens optics configuration are reduced by polishing the spacer configuration and the lens optics configuration.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the further predetermined length is reduced by polishing the dispersive optics configuration.

12. A method for forming at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration, comprising: a) modifying a spacer configuration and an lens optics configuration to have respective predetermined lengths; b) modifying a dispersive optics configuration to have a further predetermined length; c) attaching the modified spacer and modified lens optics configurations to one another to form a combined spacer-lens optics configuration; d) attaching the modified dispersive optics configuration to a substrate to form a grating substrate configuration; and e) connecting the combined spacer-lens optics configuration to an optical fiber, and the modified attached dispersed optics configuration to the modified attached lens optics configuration to form the at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration which extends along a particular axis, wherein the dispersive optics configuration is modified to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the particular axis, wherein step (b) includes stacking and mounting a plurality of glass rods with different diameters in a mount at a particular location.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the glass rods are separated from one another by a lead foil.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein step (b) further includes polishing the stacked and mounted glass rods at the predetermined angle and at a particular end inside the mount.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein step (b) further includes cleaning a polished surface of at least one of the polished glass rods thereby providing the dispersive optics configuration.

16. The method according to claims 14, wherein, after the polishing substep, step (b) includes further polishing the glass rods at a further end thereof that is different from the particular end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures showing illustrative embodiments of the present invention, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a procedure for implementing one-dimensional space-to-spectrum encoding;

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an SEE imaging system/probe;

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the SEE imaging system/probe, in which a prism is used as a dispersing element;

(5) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an additional exemplary embodiment of the SEE imaging system/probe, in which a micro spherical lens is used with the grating following a lens;

(6) FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a further exemplary embodiment of the SEE imaging system/probe, which has a micro spherical lens design with the grating before the lens;

(7) FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a micro spherical lens configuration with the grating provided before the lens, and in which the lens can be formed by a drop of optical epoxy at a tip of a fiber;

(8) FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an endoscopic system/probe that can use a holographic optical element (HOE) formed in a drop of photosensitized polymer combining the functionality of expansion, focusing and dispersing regions;

(9) FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the endoscopic system/probe assembly that may be non-monolithic to facilitate zooming and/or refocusing;

(10) FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the endoscopic system/probe assembly having monolithic distal optics and a grism as a dispersing element in an exemplary configuration for side imaging;

(11) FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the endoscopic system/probe assembly having monolithic distal optics and a double prism grism as a dispersing element in an exemplary configuration for forward imaging;

(12) FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cylindrical grating substrate with a tilted base for a Littrow regime;

(13) FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a prismatic grating substrate with a tilted base for the Littrow regime;

(14) FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the cylindrical grating substrate with a mirror tilted base and flatten side for the Littrow regime;

(15) FIG. 10D is a schematic diagram another exemplary embodiment of the prismatic grating substrate with a mirror tilted base for the Littrow regime;

(16) FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of yet another exemplary embodiment of the endoscopic system/probe assembly in an exemplary balloon catheter configuration, in which approximately all of the optical functionality is transferred to the balloon by via HOE that is deposited on the balloon surface;

(17) FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of still another exemplary embodiment of the endoscopic system/probe assembly in balloon catheter configuration, in which at least some optical functionality is transferred to the balloon by the use of high refractive index transparent liquid to fill a thin wall balloon to form an inflatable focusing lens;

(18) FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a catheter system/probe delivery technique using an exemplary guide catheter;

(19) FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a catheter system/probe delivery procedure using an exemplary biopsy needle;

(20) FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for making the exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe shown in FIG. 2; and

(21) FIG. 15 is an illustration of procedural steps of an exemplary embodiment of a process for mounting grating substrates which can be facilitated for an exemplary grating fabrication process.

(22) Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

(23) Prior to providing a detailed description of the various exemplary embodiments of the methods and systems for endoscopic microscopy according to the present invention, some introductory concepts and terminology are provided below. As used herein, the term endoscopic probe can be used to describe one or more portions of an exemplary embodiment of an endoscopic system, which can be inserted into a human or animal body in order to obtain an image of tissue within the body.

(24) Prior to describing the exemplary embodiments of the systems and/or probes for spectrally encoded endoscopy according to the present invention, certain exemplary concepts and terminology are provided herein. For example, the term endoscopic probe may be used to describe a portion of an endoscopic system, which can be inserted into a human body in order to obtain an image of tissue within the human body. The term monolithic may be used to describe a structure formed as a single piece, which can have more than one optical function. The term hybrid may be used to describe a structure formed as a plurality of pieces, e.g., each piece having one optical function.

(25) The exemplary embodiments of the system, apparatus, probe and method described herein can apply to any wavelength of light or electro-magnetic radiation, including but not limited to visible light and near infrared light.

(26) FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a SEE imaging system/probe 200 (e.g., endoscopic probe having a single mode fiber that deliver light from a light source to the tip of the fiber) which can include an optical fiber 210, an expansion region 220, a focusing region 230, an angled region 240 and a dispersing element 250 (e.g., grating). The exemplary system/probe 200 can generate a spectrally encoded imaging signal, e.g., a line 260 on the imaged surface with the longer wavelengths 280 deviated further from the probe axis than the shorter wavelengths 270.

(27) The optical fiber 210 can be a single-mode fiber and/or a multi-mode fiber (e.g., preferably single mode for preserving the phase relation of the source light and the light remitted by the sample). By facilitation a light delivery through the optical fiber 210, SEE capabilities can be provided in a catheter or endoscope. Thus, a high-resolution microscopy of surfaces of the body accessible by endoscope can be facilitated by the exemplary embodiment of the system/probe 200.

(28) A multiple of (e.g., four) distinct regions with specific optical properties can be used to determine the system/probe functionality.

(29) For example, the expansion region can be used to facilitate the beam that is confined in the fiber core to expand and fill an aperture. The expansion region can be composed of optical glass (e.g., a piece of coreless fiber spliced to the main fiber and then cleaved to a predetermined length), optical epoxy, air, or transparent fluid. Index matching with the fiber core may be desirable for reducing the back reflection from the interface between the fiber and the expansion region. Other techniques and/or arrangements for reducing the back reflection, e.g., anti-reflection coating or angle cleaving, can be employed in case of air or other non-matching media used as an expansion region.

(30) In the focusing region, the diverging beam can be transformed to a converging one. For example, a gradient index (GRIN) lens or spherical micro lens can be used as shall be described in more detail below with reference to other exemplary embodiments. For example, the GRIN lens can be made by splicing a piece of GRIN fiber and cleaving it to a predetermined length. The spherical lens can be formed on the coreless fiber tip by melting it, by polishing, or by applying a small measured amount of optical epoxy.

(31) The angled region can be used to support the dispersing element and/or provide an incidence tilt for the output direction and/or the desired regime (Litrow) in certain cases (e.g., a diffraction grating). As with the expansion region, different media can be used, and different techniques and/or arrangements for obtaining the desired tilt can be employed. For example, some of such exemplary techniques can include angle cleaving, polishing, molding of the optical epoxy etc.

(32) The dispersing element can tilt different parts of the incident spectrum at different angles, thus producing the desired spatial spread of the incident light. It can be a prism made of high dispersion material or a high efficiency diffracting grating. It is possible to also produce a grating at the fiber tip. For example, transmitting or reflecting gratings can be used in different regimes depending on the application.

(33) Other numerous combinations and permutations of the above-mentioned regions can provide a functional system/probe, certain exemplary embodiments of which shall be described in further detail below. For example, two general types of dispersing elements can be used: prism or diffracting grating. The holographic optical element that combines the dispersing power of the grating and the focusing power of a lens can also be used as shown in FIG. 7.

(34) Prism made of dispersing material can be used when the light source has a very broad spectrum, e.g., a femto-second laser source with microstructured fiber for super-continuum generation. In such exemplary source, the spectrum can span in visible and near infrared.

(35) FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe 300 which can include a single mode optical fiber 310 spliced to a coreless fiber 320 (e.g., the expansion region). Further, a short piece of gradient refracting index (GRIN) fiber 330 can be spliced to the coreless fiber (e.g., the focusing region). In addition, another short piece of coreless fiber 340 can be spliced to the focusing region 330. The output surface 350 may be angle polished/cleaved, thus forming a refracting boundary between the fiber 340 and the external medium 355 (e.g., air, water or other liquid). In FIG. 3, an exemplary use of the prism 340 is illustrated as a dispersive element. With an anti-reflecting coating on the output surface 350, this exemplary configuration can provide a high transmission efficiency. It may be desirable for the angled region to be made of a highly dispersive material. In the case of a normal dispersion, longer wavelength parts of the original spectrum 370 may deviate less than the shorter wavelengths 380, thus forming the imaging line 360.

(36) Diffracting gratings can be preferable in the case of narrow band source because of the higher dispersing power that can be achieved with such gratings. For example, the transmission and reflection diffracting gratings can be used. FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a further exemplary embodiment of the SEE imaging system/probe 500, which has a micro spherical lens 530 with a grating 550 provided before the lens 530 use of the reflection diffracting grating. In other exemplary configuration, the use of reflection diffracting grating utilizes a housing that can enlarge the system/probe. The additional details of the exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe 500 shall be described in further detail below.

(37) The selected dispersing element can be a transmission diffracting grating. It is also possible to use other grating, e.g., a volume holographic grating or a surface phase grating. The volume holographic gratings can exhibit a higher efficiency, but are less common, and some of the materials used therefore generally require sealing from the humidity, as well as more expensive and difficult to replicate. The surface phase gratings may be less efficient, but are easy to replicate and mass-produce when a master grating is made. For both of these exemplary elements, the grating can be a thin film (5-10 m) that is applied to the angled region.

(38) FIG. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe 400 which can include a single mode optical fiber 410 spliced to a coreless fiber 420. In this exemplary embodiment, the tip of the expansion region 420 can be melted to form a small spherical surface 425, and then a low refractive index epoxy 430 may be used to attach the grating 440 at an angle to the system/probe 400. In this exemplary system/probe 400, the focusing region can be the surface that separates the expansion region and the angled region. The longer wavelengths 460 of the original spectrum may deviate more than the shorter wavelengths 470, thus possibly forming the imaging line 450.

(39) FIG. 5 shows the exemplary SEE probe 500 described above, which can include a single mode optical fiber 510 spliced to a coreless fiber 520. The tip of the expansion region 520 can be melted to form a ball 530. The ball may be polished at an angle (Littrow) and on the flat surface 540 that can result from this exemplary procedure, a reflecting grating 550 may be deposited. The light beam can expand in the expansion section after exiting an end 510 of the core of the optical fiber 510, and may then be dispersed by the grating 550. Different monochromatic beams that can result may then be focused by the near spherical surface of the glass ball to form the imaging line 560. The dispersing element may be provided before the focusing element. The longer wavelengths 580 of the original spectrum may deviate more than the shorter wavelengths 570.

(40) FIG. 6 shows another exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe 600 which may include a single mode optical fiber 610 spliced to a short piece of coreless fiber 620 that may be angle cleaved or polished at an angle (which can be the Littrow angle for the grating 630) and the grating 630 may be deposited on the tip of the expansion region 620. A drop of an optical epoxy 640 can be cured at the tip of the fiber 610 to protect the transmission grating 630 and form the focusing surface 650. The dispersing element 630 can be provided before the focusing element 650, and the expansion region 620 and the angled region 620 may coincide. The longer wavelengths 670 of the original spectrum may deviate more than the shorter wavelengths 680 to form the imaging line 660.

(41) FIG. 7 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe 700, which can include a single mode optical fiber 710. A holographic optical element (HOE) 730 written in a drop of photosensitive polymer 720 can incorporate the optical functionality of the expansion, focusing and dispersing elements. The longer wavelengths 750 of the original spectrum can deviate more than the shorter wavelengths 760 to form the imaging line 740.

(42) FIG. 8 shows still another exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe 800 which can include a static monolithic core 810 and a spinning flexible thin wall Teflon tubing 820 with the angled region 850 attached to its end. An optical fiber 830, an expansion region 835, and a focusing region 840 may be attached/glued/spliced together to form the core 810. A dispersing element/grating 857 can be deposited on the tilted output surface of the angled region 850. The glass-to-air interfaces of the focusing region 840 845 and the angled region 850 853 may be anti-reflection coated. Changing the gap between such elements by advancing the core 810 can effectively change the distance 880 of the imaging line 860 to the output surface of the system/probe 800 (e.g., the grating 875).

(43) Exemplary non-monolithic configurations similar to those shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 can allow for additional functionality such as zooming and/or focusing to be provided in the distal probe end. Multi-lens configurations may also be implemented.

(44) The use of a prism-grating combination (grism) may facilitate a control of the angle of incidence and the probe output direction. Exemplary arrangement which implements such configurations are shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. In particular, FIG. 9A shows a further exemplary embodiment of the SEE imaging system/probe 900 which can include a static sheath 905 with a transparent window 908 and a monolithic optical core 910 that can be scanned. The core can include an optical fiber 915, an expansion region 917, a focusing element (e.g., a GRIN lens) 920, and a prism 925 with the grating 930 deposited on its output surface. The optical elements may be maintained together with a micro mechanical housing 940. This exemplary configuration may represent a side looking imaging system/probe.

(45) FIG. 9B shows still another exemplary embodiment of the SEE imaging system/probe 950 which can include a static sheath 955 with a transparent window 958 and a monolithic optical core 960 that can be scanned. The core can include an optical fiber 965, an expansion region 967, and a focusing element (GRIN lens) 970. A grating 980 may be sandwiched between prisms 975 and 977. The optical elements may be maintained together with a micro mechanical housing 990. This exemplary configuration can represent a forward-looking imaging system/probe.

(46) It may be beneficial for this exemplary application to utilize a grating in Littrow regime when the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of diffraction (e.g., for the central wavelength). In this exemplary configuration, the shape of the beam may not change after the grating, and thus provide an effective regime. FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate exemplary embodiments of the substrate that can provide a Littrow regime for the grating.

(47) For example, FIG. 10A shows an exemplary embodiment of a diffracting grating substrate 1000 which can include a cylindrical body 1005 with one side 1020 polished at the Littrow's angle 1015. FIG. 10B shows another exemplary embodiment of the diffracting grating substrate 1025 which includes a prismatic body 1030 with one side 1045 polished at the Littrow's angle 1040. FIG. 10C shows still another exemplary embodiment of the diffracting grating substrate 1050 which can include a cylindrical body 1055 with one side 1057 polished at the complimentary to Littrow's angle 1058 and a mirror 1087 deposited. Another flat surface 1065 may be polished parallel to the cylinder axis where the grating is to be deposited. FIG. 10D shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the diffracting grating substrate 1075 which can include a prismatic body 1080 with one side 1087 polished at the complimentary to Littrow's angle 1085 and a mirror 1087 deposited. The grating is intended to be deposited on the side 1095. It should be understood that the illustrated sizes are merely exemplary, and other sizes are possible and are within the scope of the present invention.

(48) In certain exemplary applications, the system/probe can be small enough to be introduced through a small opening, and big enough to be able to image at big distances in a cavity. These conflicting preferences can be met by using an inflating balloon with added optical functionality. Two such exemplary configurations are shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

(49) In particular, FIG. 11A shows another exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe 1100 which can include a single mode optical fiber 1110. A holographic optical element (HOE) 1125 written on the surface of the inflating balloon 1120 can incorporate the optical functionality of the focusing and dispersing elements. The dispersed light may be focused into the imaging line 1130. When the exemplary system/probe 1100 is spun, the image of the area 1135 may be obtained. This exemplary configuration may be further defined by the material availability for infrared applications and the possible difficulties associated with the holographic process.

(50) FIG. 11B shows still another exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe 1150 which can include a single mode optical fiber 1160. A holographic optical element (HOE) 1165 written in a drop of photosensitive polymer 1067 deposited on the tip of the fiber 1060 can incorporate the optical functionality of the expansion, and dispersing elements. Further, the balloon catheter 1170 may be filled with a high refractive index biocompatible liquid, thus forming a near spherical refracting focusing surface 1175. This exemplary configuration may be further defined by the material availability for infrared applications and the possible difficulties associated with the holographic process.

(51) One exemplary advantage of the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be the relative simple configurations and designs of the exemplary embodiments of the systems/probes. According to one exemplary embodiment, e.g., the system/probe can include an optical fiber with a modified tip. (See FIGS. 2-7). For example, the system/probe can illuminate a line at the object and acquire one line of image at a time. In order to acquire an image with this exemplary system/probe, it may be preferable that the imaging line is scanned in transverse direction across the object. This can be a repetitive or a single scan. In such cases, an image or the surface that the line scans can be acquired and displayed. The information obtained from the back-scattered light can be interpreted in various manners to represent different tissue types, different states of the same tissue, various types of dysphasia, tissue damage etc. as well as motion of body liquids and cells. Certain exemplary arrangements which can be used for placing the probe and scanning the tissue may be as follows.

(52) Catheter Exemplary Embodiments

(53) Where catheters are used in medicine, a very thin wall sealed PTFE tube can be used as a protective transparent sheath for the probe that can be delivered through the lumen of a guide catheter to the area of interest (as shown in FIG. 12). When in place, the fiber inside the thin tube can be scanned by rotating or by pulling in order to obtain an image. A short distal part of the catheter can be of a small diameter. The proximal end can be of a bigger diameter with added additional springs/shafts to protect the fiber and convey the motion.

(54) For example, FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a catheter of the SEE system/probe 1200 which can include an optical core 1230. The exemplary system/probe 1200 can be protected by a transparent sheath 1220 that can allow the transmission of the imaging light 1240 into the region of interest. The imaging catheter 1220 can be placed trough a guide catheter 1210.

(55) Needle Exemplary Embodiments

(56) For needle biopsies that are traditionally performed under CT, Mill, or ultrasound guidance, the fiber optic probe may be inserted into the biopsy needle (as shown in FIG. 13). In this exemplary configuration, the fiber optic probe may be embedded within the needle biopsy device or inserted through the lumen of the needle. The image can be acquired during the insertion of the needle or by rotating of the probe inside the needle and, e.g., only looking at a limited angle

(57) FIG. 13 shows another exemplary embodiment of a catheter of the SEE system/probe 1300 which can include an optical core 1330. The exemplary system/probe 1300 can be delivered to the region being imaged through the lumen of a biopsy needle 1320 that may be delivered through an endoscope or guide catheter 1310.

(58) Intraoperative Exemplary Embodiments

(59) For example, the exemplary system/probe may be incorporated into an electrocautery device, scalpel, or be an independent hand-held device.

(60) Exemplary Optical Parameters

(61) One exemplary parameter for comparing different miniature endoscope technologies may be the number of resolvable points. This exemplary parameter can be the limiting factor that may render a technology more or less useful for the particular application. The total number of resolvable points provided by the exemplary embodiments of the SEE system/probe (n) for the first diffraction order can be defined by:

(62) $n={\left(\frac{d}{{}_0\cos \left({}_i\right)}\right)}^2$

(63) Exemplary determinations can indicate that for a source with a center wavelength, .sub.0, source bandwidth, , of 250 nm, a grating input angle, .sub.i, of 49 and a grating groove density, , of 1800 lines per mm, a 250 m diameter SEE probe may facilitate imaging with, e.g., 40,000 resolvable points. In comparison, a commercially available 300 m diameter fiber-optic image bundle (Holl Meditronics, 30-0084-00) contains only 1,600 resolvable points.

(64) FIG. 14 shows a flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for making the exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe shown in FIG. 2. In particular, the end of SMF-28 optical fiber 210 or any other optical fiber can be stripped (step 1410). In step 1420, the spacer can be polished to a predetermined length. The GRIN lens can be polished to a predetermined length in step 1430. Further, in step 1440, the grating 250 can be polished to a predetermined length and angle.

(65) The results of step 1410 are provided to step 1450, in which the end of the optical fiber is cleaved. The results of steps 1420 and 1430 are provided to step 1460, in which the spacer and GRIN lens are glued together. The results of step 1440 are provided to step 1470, in which the grating 250 is deposited on the grating substrate. The results of steps 1450 and 1460 are provided to step 1475, in which the spacer-GRIN lens assembly is glued to the optical fiber using an optical epoxy and the spacing is varied to achieve the desired focal properties. The results of steps 1475 and 1470 are provided to step 1485 in which the grating 250 bearing the grating substrate is glued to the GRIN lens. In step 1480, flexible, optically clear, bio- and device-compatible sheath can be provided for housing the imaging core. The results of steps 1480 and 1485 are forwarded to step 1490, in which the exemplary system/probe is assembled, e.g., by inserting the core into the sheath and sealing and sterilizing the resultant assembly.

(66) FIG. 15 shows an illustration of procedural steps of an exemplary embodiment of a process for mounting grating substrates which can be facilitated for an exemplary grating fabrication process. It should be understood that dimensions and materials provided in FIG. 15 are exemplary, and numerous other dimensions and materials can be utilized in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For example, several glass rods 1500, 1510 with different diameters can be stacked and mounted together inside a particular mount 1520 into a particular location 1525. The rods can be separated by a thin lead foil 1530 (e.g., 127 m thick). The rod stack can then be polished at an angle while inside the mount 1520. After polishing, the polished face can be cleaned, and a grating 1540 may be fabricated, e.g., without disassembling the pieces. When grating fabrication is completed, the pieces can be disassembled. The individual pieces may then be polished from the other side 1550. The completed grating 1560 can then be assembled into the fiber or lens. The stack of fibers and the lead foil 1530 is shown in FIG. 15 as a small square 1525 in the middle of the particular mount 1520 (e.g., a holder). In a top projection indicated in FIG. 15, the same stack is shown as a parallelogram in the middle. This stack is further enlarged in the top right drawing of FIG. 15, labeled Top view. The final exemplary product (e.g., a completed piece 1560) can be obtained from one of the rods 1500 by shortening and/or polishing the non-grating-carrying end to obtain the desired length.

(67) The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Indeed, the arrangements, systems and methods according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be used with and/or implement any OCT system, OFDI system, SD-OCT system or other imaging systems, and for example with those described in International Patent Application PCT/US2004/029148, filed Sep. 8, 2004, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/266,779, filed Nov. 2, 2005, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/501,276, filed Jul. 9, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the invention and are thus within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, to the extent that the prior art knowledge has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above, it is explicitly being incorporated herein in its entirety. All publications referenced herein above are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.