Abstract

Advances in the fields of micro-optics and micro-mechanics are enabling the construction of increasingly miniature optical instruments capable of high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy. Such instruments will be of considerable practical value for a range of in vivo imaging and spectroscopy techniques, where use of traditionally sized optical instrumentation is a barrier preventing access to many sites in the body. In this paper we describe a compact confocal laser scanning microscope and Raman microspectrometer that incorporates a micromechanical scanning mirror in a compact optical design. We present preliminary images and spectra obtained with a prototype instrument (λ=852 nm, N.A.=0.2, 1 μm spot size), and discuss a development path that would employ micro-optical and micromechanical elements in an endoscopically deployed confocal imaging microspectrometer.

© 2000 Optical Society of America