Optical analysis system and approach therefor

Abstract

Imaging, testing and/or analysis of subjects are facilitated with a capillary-access approach. According to an example embodiment, a capillary is implanted into a specimen and adapted to accept an optical probe to facilitate optical access into the specimen. In some applications, the capillary is implanted for use over time, with one or more different probes being inserted into the capillary at different times, while the capillary is implanted. Certain applications involve capillary implantation over weeks, months or longer. Other applications are directed to the passage of fluid to and/or from a sample via the capillary. Still other applications are directed to the passage of electrical information between the sample and an external arrangement, via an implanted capillary.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . An optical system for imaging a sample in a specimen, comprising:
 a capillary configured for implantation in said specimen;   an optical probe disposed in said capillary, wherein said optical probe is in optical communication with said sample in said specimen, wherein said optical probe is configured to communicate electrical information between said sample and an external arrangement; and   said external arrangement.   
     
     
         5 . The optical system of  claim 4 , further including a housing (1) affixed to said specimen and (2) configured and arranged to repeatedly receive the optical probe and provide stable optical access to a target region of the sample for the optical probe. 
     
     
         6 . The optical system of  claim 5 , wherein the housing includes one or more optical elements configured to pass light between the target region and the optical probe, and wherein the one or more optical elements includes a micro-mirror configured and arranged to direct light to and from the target region. 
     
     
         7 . The optical system of  claim 4 , wherein the external arrangement includes an image processor configured and arranged to generate structural subcellular resolution images from light collected by the optical probe.