| Distal optics of the multi-beam OCT endoscopic probe. (a) Opto-mechanical arrangement of the probe, with inset showing fibre array mounting. The probe was covered in heat shrink fluorinated ethylene propylene tubing, which extended to the proximal drive unit and also serves to propel the probe within the outer catheter. The four fibres were protected within a 900 µm sheathed fibre assembly and the exiting light was collimated. The beams were then projected through the walls of both plastic tubes via a mirror angled at 55°. (b). Close-up of the fibre optics mounted in the brass ferrule, showing stepped arrangement. (c) Outside diameter of
the multi-beam OCT probe was 5.6 mm. |
