SPECTRAL VOLUME MICROPROBE ARRAYS

    公开(公告)号:CA2359576A1

    公开(公告)日:2000-07-20

    申请号:CA2359576

    申请日:2000-01-11

    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a characteristic of a sample of a material by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with th e 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 element s. 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. T he 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 ca n be disposed between the optical assembly and a body tissue, to prevent contamination of the optical assembly by said body tissue.

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