3D microphotonic probe for high resolution deep tissue imaging.

Ultra-compact miniaturized optical components for microendoscopic tools and miniaturized microscopes are required for minimally invasive imaging. Current microendoscopic technologies used for deep tissue imaging procedures are limited to a large diameter and/or low resolution due to manufacturing restrictions. We demonstrate a platform for miniaturization of an optical imaging system for microendoscopic applications with a resolution of 1 µm.

Microphotonic needle for minimally invasive endoscopic imaging with sub-cellular resolution.

Ultra-compact micro-optical elements for endoscopic instruments and miniaturized microscopes allow for non-invasive and non-destructive examination of microstructures and tissues. With sub-cellular level resolution such instruments could provide immediate diagnosis that is virtually consistent with a histologic diagnosis enabling for example to differentiate the boundaries between malignant and benign tissue. Such instruments are now being developed at a rapid rate; however, current manufacturing technologies limit the instruments to very large sizes, well beyond the sub-mm sizes required in order to ensure minimal tissue damage.