Abstract

In collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin and the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center a fiber optic confocal imaging system has been designed and tested for the detection of cervical and oral cancers. This system along with specially developed techniques has achieved an unprecedented specificity and sensitivity to the diagnosis of certain cancers in limited clinical trials. The goal of this instrument is to provide a clinically viable pre-cancer screening which is currently unavailable without an intrusive biopsy. The initial prototype optical probe for this imaging system was made from an all glass design. In order to transform this research tool into a clinically viable instrument disposable optical probes are desired. Design of a 7-mm OD, NA=1 water immersion injection-molded objective will be discussed and preliminary imaging results will be presented.

© 2003 Optical Society of America