Live being optical analysis system and approach

Abstract

Analysis of live beings is facilitated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a light-directing arrangement such as an endoscope is mounted to a live being. Optics in the light-directing arrangement are implemented to pass source light (e.g., laser excitation light) into the live being, and to pass light from the live being for detection thereof. The light from the live being may include, for example, photons emitted in response to the laser excitation light (i.e., fluoresced). The detected light is then used to detect a characteristic of the live being.

1 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . An imaging system for imaging a cell in vivo, comprising:
 a base plate configured to affix on a subject, wherein said subject comprises said cell;   a housing capable of removably attaching to said base plate; and   an optical arrangement at least partially enclosed by said housing, wherein said optical arrangement allows for optical communication between said cell, a light source, and a light detector.   
     
     
         6 . The imaging system of  claim 5 , further including the light source and the light detector configured and arranged to (1) generate a signal from light collected by the light source, and (2) pass said signal to an image processor that is configured to generate structural cellular resolution images. 
     
     
         7 . The imaging system of  claim 6 , wherein the optical arrangement further includes an objective lens that is configured to (i) provide an optical path for the source light from the light source to one or more cells and (ii) provide an optical path for the response light from the one or more cells to the light detector. 
     
     
         8 . The imaging system of  claim 5 , wherein the optical arrangement further includes optics which direct the source light to one or more cells and the light source is configured to provide source light to the one or more cells, wherein the source light induces a response light from the one or more cells.