OPTICAL SCANNING AND IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

An optical scanning and imaging system and related method for scanning and imaging an object is disclosed. The scanning and imaging system does not use mechanically moving components to achieve lateral scanning of an object. Instead, the system includes a deflecting prism comprised of a material havi ng an index of retraction that varies with changes in an applied electromagneti c field and that remains substantially constant with changes in wavelength of incident light within a predetermined wavelength range. An optical fiber transmits light within a predetermined wavelength from a light source throug h a gradient index lens which sends a collimated beam of light to the prism. D ue to the unique properties of the prism, the light is deflected at a substantially constant angle within a lateral scanning plane. The scanning system is adapted to be used for medical imaging by disposing it within a distal end of a catheter.