PROBE ASSEMBLY AND DISPOSABLE COVER PARTICULARLY FOR USE IN ENDOSCOPE APPLICATIONS OF LOW COHERENCE INTERFEROMETRY

摘要

A fiber optic probe assembly comprises an optical engine and a fiber optic probe. A proximal end connector comprises a self-aligning connector for connecting optical fibers of the fiber optic probe to the optical engine and an integrated fiber optic-based polarizer. A disposable cover is provided for enclosing at least a portion of a fiber optic probe assembly. The disposable cover comprises an elongated tubular housing and a sheath portion adapted to receive at least a portion of the fiber optic probe between ends of the housing. A handle is disposed on a proximal end of the housing, the handle comprising a self-tensioning device. An optical window is disposed on a distal end of the housing, the optical window adapted to provide for alignment with optical elements of the fiber optic probe.

主权项

1. A fiber optic probe assembly, comprising:
an optical engine; a fiber optic probe having a proximal end and a distal end, the fiber optic probe including a plurality of fibers extending between the proximal end and distal end of the fiber optic probe; and a proximal end connector, comprising
a self-aligning connector for connecting the optical fibers of the fiber optic probe to the optical engine; andan integrated fiber optic-based polarizer.