Spectral volume microprobe arrays

• Main Authors: Modell, Mark, Hed, Ze'ev, Bee, David, Lipson, David, Kwo, Jennie, Emans, Matthew, Nordstrom, Robert
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 30.11.2004

The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a barrier to prevent contact of an optical probe from surrounding features of the environment. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a disposable sheath for a medical apparatus. Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a characteristic of a sample of a material by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the sample. The apparatus includes an optical assembly and a protective barrier. The optical assembly sequentially illuminates a plurality of volume elements in the sample with an intensity distribution in the sample that drops off substantially monotonically from a first region in a first optical path and collects electromagnetic radiation emanating from each of the volume elements. The optical assembly collects the electromagnetic radiation emanating from each of the volume elements with a collected distribution that drops off substantially monotonically from a second region in a second optical path. The first and second regions at least partially overlap in each of the volume elements. The optical assembly can be configured as a probe, to be directed to the evaluation of a sample of a biological material. A protective barrier can be disposed between the optical assembly and a body tissue, to prevent contamination of the optical assembly by said body tissue.