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Abstract

An optical coupler for in vivo examination of biological tissue includes an optical input port positionable on or near the examined tissue, a first light guide optically coupled to the optical input port and constructed to transmit optical radiation of a visible or infra-red wavelength from a source to the optical input port. The optical coupler also includes an optical detection port, positionable on or near the examined tissue, constructed and arranged to receive radiation that has migrated in the examined tissue from the input port. Connected to the detection port is a detector light guide, constructed to transmit radiation from the detection port to an optical detector. Disposed at least partially around the examined tissue and the input and detection ports is optical medium arranged to couple the radiation to the tissue, limit escape of photons, or account for photons that escaped from the tissue. The optical coupler also enables a precise relative geometry of input and detection ports. The optical coupler may further include a system for altering controllably absorptive or scattering properties of the optical medium. The optical coupler may be further adapted for needle localization procedure, ultrasonic examination of tissue, and may include coils for magnetic resonance imaging of the tissue also examined optically.

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