Apparatus for non-invasive optical imaging of biological tissues

Abstract

A device for non-invasive optical imaging of biological tissue, comprising:an optical probe configured for positioning proximate a biological tissue surface to collect scattered and reflected light from the tissue;a multi-wavelength light source coupled to the optical probe, the light source configured to emit light at a plurality of different wavelengths, the wavelengths selected to penetrate biological tissue and interact with different tissue types based on their optical properties;a detector array configured to receive the scattered and reflected light from the biological tissue, the detector array comprising a plurality of optical detectors arranged to collect light from multiple angles and depths within the tissue;a signal processing unit in communication with the detector array, the signal processing unit configured to process the received scattered and reflected light signals to reconstruct high-resolution images of the biological tissue, the signal processing unit applying techniques to distinguish between tissue types based on their optical properties; and a display unit in communication with the signal processing unit, the display unit configured to display real-time images of the biological tissue, including 3D visualizations of tissue layers and structures for diagnostic analysis.

Claims

[1] A device for non-invasive optical imaging of biological tissue, comprising: an optical probe configured for positioning near a biological tissue surface to collect scattered and reflected light from the tissue; a multi-wavelength light source coupled to the optical probe, the light source configured to emit light at a plurality of different wavelengths, the wavelengths selected to penetrate biological tissue and interact with different tissue types based on their optical properties; a detector array configured to receive the scattered and reflected light from the biological tissue, the detector array comprising a plurality of optical detectors arranged to collect light from multiple angles and depths within the tissue; a signal processing unit in communication with the detector array, the signal processing unit being configured to process the received scattered and reflected light signals to reconstruct high-resolution images of the biological tissue, the signal processing unit applying techniques to distinguish between tissue types based on their optical properties; and a display unit in communication with the signal processing unit, the display unit configured to display real-time images of the biological tissue, including 3D visualizations of tissue layers and structures for diagnostic analysis. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein the optical probe is made of a flexible material that allows the probe to be adapted for use on various tissue surfaces, including skin, mucosal surfaces, and internal organs. [3] The device of claim 1, wherein the multi-wavelength light source is a tunable laser emitting light across the visible and near-infrared spectrum, enabling a depth penetration of at least 3 millimeters into biological tissue. [4] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detector array is configured to detect scattered light at different depths in the tissue using time-of-flight measurements and angle-resolved detection techniques to generate depth-resolved image data. [5] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal processing unit comprises a three-dimensional reconstruction technique that generates volumetric images from the acquired data, thus enabling visualization of tissue structures in three dimensions, and wherein the technique compensates for tissue movement during imaging. [6] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal processing unit further applies noise reduction and image enhancement techniques to improve image quality in demanding diagnostic environments, such as imaging tissues with low scattering properties. [7] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display unit is configured to provide customizable settings for zooming, contrast mapping, and tissue type differentiation. [8] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical probe is further configured for use in conjunction with a flexible endoscope or a handheld device, thereby enabling imaging in difficult-to-reach anatomical areas such as internal organs and deep tissue structures. [9] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal processing unit is configured to detect abnormalities in tissue composition, including the identification of tumors, lesions, and vascular abnormalities, by analyzing variations in the optical scattering and absorption properties of the tissue. [10] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light source emits light pulses at a high repetition rate and the detector array is capable of detecting temporal properties of the reflected light to enable rapid imaging of dynamic biological processes, including blood flow and tissue perfusion.

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