Fiber-optic fluorescence imaging.
Optical fibers guide light between separate locations and enable new types of fluorescence imaging. Fiber-optic fluorescence imaging systems include portable handheld microscopes, flexible endoscopes well suited for imaging within hollow tissue cavities and microendoscopes that allow minimally invasive high-resolution imaging deep within tissue. A challenge in the creation of such devices is the design and integration of miniaturized optical and mechanical components. Until recently, fiber-based fluorescence imaging was mainly limited to epifluorescence and scanning confocal modalities. Two new classes of photonic crystal fiber facilitate ultrashort pulse delivery for fiber-optic two-photon fluorescence imaging. An upcoming generation of fluorescence imaging devices will be based on microfabricated device components.
Flusberg
Benjamin A
BA
James H. Clark Center for Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
Cocker
Eric D
ED
Piyawattanametha
Wibool
W
Jung
Juergen C
JC
Cheung
Eunice L M
EL
Schnitzer
Mark J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D055100:Optical Fibers