Compact forward-viewing multimodal fluorescent and optical coherence tomography endomicroscopic probe

Abstract

We present a compact multimodal endomicroscope that enables simultaneous fluorescence (FL) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. While current endoscopy techniques are effective for wide-area and rapid inspection, there is a growing demand for real-time precise diagnostics, including detailed tissue morphology and tumor invasion depth. Histological analysis through biopsy remains the diagnostic standard but involves a time-consuming process that can delay treatment decisions. Our approach integrates two complementary imaging modalities-FL for visualizing tissue morphology and OCT for cross-sectional imaging-within a single probe compatible with standard gastrointestinal endoscopic channels. The system employs a Lissajous scanning mechanism to achieve forward-viewing, uniform illumination, and high-speed imaging. A compact imaging probe is fabricated by assembling a composite fiber, piezoelectric tube actuator, and asymmetrically attached polymer stiffener in parallel, enabling combined fluorescence and optical coherence imaging with complementary performance characteristics. Real-time image reconstruction is implemented using parallel computing to support high-throughput data processing. Imaging experiments on phantom targets and ex-vivo animal tissues confirm the system's capability to produce detailed, co-registered images of tissue morphology and structure. This technology offers a promising platform for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and enabling real-time decision-making in gastrointestinal endoscopy.