ULTRA-COMPACT FOLDED-BEAM PATH CONFOCAL ENDOMICROSCOPE

摘要

A compact single-axis confocal endomicroscope is provided, capable of complying with 2.8 mm diameter endoscope space requirements. The single-axis confocal endomicroscope uses a folded path design achieved between a fixed mirror and a lateral plane scanning mirror thereby producing high numerical apertures that allow for diffraction-limited resolution in sub-surface scanning. The scanning mirror has a central aperture that allows for illumination beam expansion in the folded path design.