OCT OPTICAL PROBE AND OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING APPARATUS

摘要

An OCT optical probe to be inserted into a subject includes: a cylindrical sheath to be inserted into a subject; an optical fiber disposed in the internal space of the sheath; a rotatably-supporting portion fixed to the optical fiber in the vicinity of a distal end of the optical fiber; a distal optical system to deflect light emitted from the distal end of the optical fiber toward the subject; a holding portion to hold the distal optical system such that the optical system is rotatably supported by the rotatably-supporting portion; and a flexible shaft covering the optical fiber in the internal space, wherein the holding portion is fixed to a distal end of the flexible shaft. Using the OCT optical probe of the invention, the problem of degradation of measurement accuracy due to optical insertion loss and optical reflection loss at a rotary joint can be eliminated inexpensively and safely.