MEDICAL IMAGING LENS SYSTEM, AND METHOD WITH HIGH-EFFICIENCY LIGHT COLLECTION AND COLLINEAR ILLUMINATION

We have discovered an improved lens system for biomedical optical imaging applications for collecting light from tissue with an improved efficiency and geometry, and for delivering collinear, pre-aligned illumination to a the sample, for the purpose of enabling imaging applications in which a catadioptric lens and mirror system ( 103 ) is used for light collection, and integrated collimating illumination optics and aperture ( 159 ) have been provided, has been constructed in accordance with the present invention to allow for high-efficiency light collection in operating room and radiology suite imaging geometries. The efficient collection of light from the collinear illumination, allows this lens system to operate at higher speeds and with improved ease-of-use, as well as to be integrated into a lens system ( 103 ), a medical probe ( 255 ), or a catheter ( 270 ). A medical system incorporating the improved device, and medical methods of use, are described.