| ΘΟ:ϊ J This application relates to and claims priority iron) U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/758, 130 filed January 29, 2013 and. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/791 ,996 filed March 15, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference,

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STATEMENT REGARDING .FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[ΘΘ02) This invention was made with Government support under grant number N!H 2R IHL076398-06 awarded by the National Institute of Health. The Government has certain rights therein.

15

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

10003] The present disclosure relates generally to exemplary methods and apparatus for providing .raesoscopic optical imaging of structures in a catheter, and more particularly to exemplary embodiments of methods, systems and apparatus for providing and/or utilizing mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography ( SET) of structures in a catheter.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

|0004] A majority of diseases arise within luminal organs such as the coronary arteries and the gastrointestinal tract. Understanding and diagnosis of these diseases can require knowledge of their gross and microscopic structure. [0005] An optica! imaging catheter has become an importan tool to assess and diagnose diseases arising from luminal organs. Since many of the mechanisms involving diseases occur os a microscopic scale, high-resolution imaging techniques have become relevant. Two important techniques for high-resolution imaging are optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) and spectrally encoded cosfocai microscopy (SECM), where rotaiionaliy scanning catheters can he used for studying the cross-sectional and three-dimensional rnicrostructore of luminal tissues. However, e.g., OFDI and SECM provide information at a maximum depth of 1 -2 millimeters. Therefore, a method to perform optical imaging of structures located, at greater depths would be valuable, [ΘΘ06] To address this unmet .need and advance catheter-based diagnosis,, ii may be possible to utilize other optical tomography techniques, such as, e.g., laminar optical tomography (LOT) or diffuse optical tomography (DOT). LOT facilitates imaging of absorbing or -fluorescent contrast in tissues to depths of 2-3 millimeters, in the so-called mesoscopic regime. Meanwhile, the domain of DOT has been on. the order of centimeters, with breast and brain as two of the more common tissues of interest. The .resolution of LOT is 100-200 micrometers, whereas DOT exhibits a resolution of several millimeters. However, neither LOT nor DOT has been implemented as a catheter-based solution.

[ΘΘ07] Accordingly , there may be a need to address at least some of the above-described deficiencies. SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

|0008] Ii is one of the objects of the present invention to provide a catheter-based approach to perform mesoscopic optical tomography, in. accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary methods and apparatus can be provided. which enable the implementation of spectrally encoded mesoseopic tomography of structures in a catheter.

(0009] Another one of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a catheter-based approach to perform optical tomography at greater depths, and more specifically in the mesoseopic .regime.

[ΘΘ1.0) In order to perform mesoseopic optical tomography in. a catheter, we propose to spectrally encode multiple wavelengths to generate different sources at specific spatial locations. Furthermore, we collect the information from each source separately b spectral - encoded detec tion of light coming out of the sample. A source-detector separation of, e.g., at most 10 mm can indicate that information from approximately 5 mm deep within the tissue can be collected, thus facilitating the assessment of the mesoseopic region. The exemplary technique can be flexible in terms of providing different source-detector arrangements by modifying the spectral encoding scheme.

[ΘΘ1.1.) Catheter-based mesoseopic spectrally encoded tomography can be performed in conjunction with exemplary embodiments of the devices, apparatus and methods according to the present disclosure utilizing stead state, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data. The utilization of such exemplary information facilitates a determination of the optical parameters of the sample. In an exemplar tomography setup according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, such data can facilitate a reconstruction of the domain under review , jw)12] Further, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a device/apparatus can be provided which can include a mesoseopic spectrally encoded tomography - optical frequency domain imaging / spectrally encoded confocal microscopy (MSET-OFDI SECM) catheter thai illuminates the tissues and collects signals from the inside of the lumen, a MSET-OFDl SECM system which generates light sources, detects returning lights, and processes signals, and a MSET-OFDI/SECM rotary junction which rotates and pulls back the catheter and connects the moving catheter to the stationary system. In another exemplary embodiment, a dual-modality catheter system can be provided for simultaneous microstrttctural and deep imaging of arteries in vivo. Any of these embodiments can benefit from the use of steady state, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data, j _. 0013] For example, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an arrangement can provide eleciro-magnetic radiation, to an anatomical structure through one optical fiber. Such exemplary arrangement can employ the same fiber to perform. OFDI/SECM imaging, and. an adjacent .fiber for MSET. The arrangement can also include at least one apparatus, which is configured to transmit the radlation(s) via OFDI/SECM and MSET fiber(s) to and from the anatomical structure,

[ΘΘ 4] The exemplary apparatus can be provided in an optical coherence tomography system. Further, a system can be provided which obtains information regarding the anatomical structure and deeper structural information based on the radiation(s) using spectrally encoded mesoscopic tomography.

[00.15] The exemplary apparatus can also be provided in a probe, a catheter, an eye box, an endoscope, etc. Further, at least one additional fiber can at least be located adjacent to the other fiber(s). In addition, at least one additional fiber can at least be located adjacent to the other fiber(s). Also, spectraliy encoded mesoscopic tomography can be performed with at least one fiber with multiple cores. [0016] According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, method and computer-accessible m dium can be provided for determining at least one characteristic of at least one structure or composition. Using suc method and/or computer- accessible medium, it is possible to receive .first data associated with the structure(s), where the first data include information which facilitates a correction of a physical parameter associated with the structore(s}. Second data associated with at least one structure or composition can. fee received which, is different from the first data. The first and second data can be obtained from substantially the same location on or in the structure(s . ^' Further information associated with the second data can be ascertained based on the physical parameter. Then, the c ^' haracteristie(s) of at least one structure or composition can. be determined based on the ftsrther data. These data include at least one of the following: steady state, lime-reso!ved, and frequency-resolved, data.

[ΘΘ17] For example, the first data can include optical coherence tomography data. The second data can include mesoscopic spectrall encoded tomography data. The physical parameter can be the size of a deeply embedded tissue, internal structure, etc. The further information can include absorption and/or scattering properties of the tissueis). The computer-accessible medium can include instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computer arrangement, the computer arrangement is configured to perform the above- described exemplar procedures. fOillSj According to yet further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an arrangement can be provided for transmitting at least, one electro-magnetic radiation between at least two separate waveguides in an optical fiber. Such exemplary arrangement can. include at least one first waveguide, and at least one second waveguide, where the optical fiber. which contains the first waveguide(s) and/or the second waveguide ^' s), can be rofatahle. At least one first optical arrangement can be provided which communicates with the first waveguide and/or the second waveguide to transmit the at least one electro-magnetic radiation there through. At least one second arrangement can be provided which is configured to rotate the first optical fiber which contains the first waveguide and/or the second waveguide . j001 ] At least one fourth arrangement can also be provided which is configured to generate at least one image of a sample as a function of the first optical coherence iomogmphy radiation and the second mesoscopic speciTally encoded tomography radiation. The generated image(s) can he provided for an. anatomical structure (eg., a lumen).

[0020] According to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an arrangement can he provided for performing exclusively mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography in a single waveguide of an optical fiber. Mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography can be performed by utilizing steady state, time-resolved, and frequency- resolved data.

[0021 ] The exemplary MSET technique can be performed individually and in conjunction with optical frequenc domain imaging (O.FDl) or spectrally encoded confocal microscopy (SECM). According to certain exemplary embodiments, it is possible to provide system, apparatus and method to facilitate an. acquisition of mesoscopic information from tissue by employing steady state, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved MSET data.

[0022] These and other objects of the present disclosure can be achieved by provision of an apparatus for illuminating a sample(s) that can. include, for example, a first arrangement that can transmit a first electro-magnetic radiation and a second electro-maanetic radiation. the first and second electro-magnetic radiations can have different wavelengths from one another. The first arrangement can transmit the first and second electro-magnetic radiations to different spatial locations on the sample(s). A. second, arrangements) can be configured to receive a third radiation(s) provided from the sar.n.p.le(sL the third radiatkm(s) can. be associated with an interaction of the first and second electro-magnetic radiations in the sample(s). A processing third arrangement can be configured to receive, from the second, arrangement, at least one fourth radiation that can be based on the third radiation(s), and generate information regarding a sub-surface portion(s) of the sample(s) based on the fourth radiation.

J 0 23| In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second arrangements can be spatially separated from one another. The separation can be by more than 1 mm, more than 2 mm, more than 5 mm, and/or more than 10 mm. The processing third arrangements) can generate the information by applying a diffuse, a mesoscopic tomography or a reconstruction procedure to obtai a composition or a structure of the at least one sub-surface portion ,

S0024 In certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first arrangement and/or the second arrangement can include a waveguide arrangement. The waveguide arrangement can include an optical fiber arrangement, which can include a fiber bundle. The first arrangement and or the second arrangement can include a dispersive optical arrangement The first arrangement and/or the second arrangement can include a km arrangement. In certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first arrangement and/or the second arrangement can be provided in a housing, which can be structured to be provided into the sample! s) which can be an anatomical structure. The housing can be part of a catheter or an endoscope. [0025] In some exemplary embodimems of the present disclosure, a fourth arrangement can be configured to receive a fifth electro-magnetic radiation from the second arrangement(s) that can be based on third radiation(s), the fourt arrangement can provide data thai can be of reflectance- confoeai microscopy, SECM, OFDL SD-OCT, FFOCM, 2 ^,u¾ and 3 ^rd harmonic microscopy, fluorescence microscopy or RAMAN. A laser source can provide a source radiation for receipt by the first arrangement In certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a iighi modulating arrangement can be configured, to modulate -art intensity of the first and second electro-magnetic radiations, thereby modulating an intensity of the third radiation. The processing arrangement can obtain the intensity information regarding the modulation and a phase of the third radiation. The processing arrangement can utilize information regarding a modulation and a phase to generate further information regarding the samplers). The further information can be tomographic information, structural information, compositional information or optical property information.

(ΘΘ26) These and other objects, features and ad vantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Further objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures showing illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, in which: [0028] Figure 1 (a) is a side cross-sectional view of a mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography - optical frequency domain imaging (MSET-OFDi) optica! imaging catheter with a side-viewing ball lens, and a conventional diffraetive element for MSET detection, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; ft)t)29] Figure 1 (b) is a side cross-sectional view of a mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography - optical frequency domain imaging (MSET-OFDI) optical imaging catheter with a side-viewing ball lens, and a grazing configuration, of the diffraetive element to facilitate deeper imaging in the MSET detection, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030) Figure 2(a) is a side cross-sectional view of a mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomograph - spectrally encoded cootbeal microscopy (MSET-SECM) optica! imaging catheter with a refieetive/difiraetive component for SECM. and a diftractive element for MSET, according to still exemplar embodiment of the present disclosure;

(0031) Figure 2(b) is a side cross-sectional view of a mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography - spectrally encoded confocal microscopy (MSET-SECM) optical imaging catheter, where both diffraetive elements are used in a grazing configuration to permit deeper imaging, accordin to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; [0032] Figure 3(a) is a side cross-sectional view of a standalone mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography (MSET) optical imaging catheter with one source and multiple detectors according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure:

(0033] Figure 3(b) is a side, cross-sectional view of a standalone mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography (MSET) optical imaging catheter with multiple sources and multiple detectors according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4(a) is a scheraaiic diagram and a bench-top embodiment of a mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography - optical .frequency domain imaging (MSET-OFDJ) system, the setup also represents a standalone MSET with one source and multiple detectors according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram and a bench-top embodiment of a mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography - spectrally encoded confoca! microscopy (MSET-SECM) system, the setup also represents a standalone MSET with multiple sources and multiple detectors according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; [0036] Figure 5(a) is an exemplary image of a tissue-mimicking phantom with one inclusion and the corresponding MSET experimental results by utilizing the exemplary methods, devices and apparatus according to the present disclosure; and

[0037j Figure 5(b) is an exemplary image of a tissue-mimicking phantom with two inclusions and the corresponding MSET experimental results by utilizing the exemplary methods, devices and apparatus according to the present disclosure.

10038] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like .features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to ihe figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments, ft is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described exemplary embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1(a) shows a side cross-sectional view of a mesoscopic spectrally encoded tomography - optical frequency domain imaging (MSET-OFDI) optical imaging ca theter with a side-viewing bail lens, and a conventional diffractive element for MSET detection, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosore. In particoiar, as shown in Figure 1(a), an MSET-OFDI system 100 is employed, A modulated broadband or swept- source light 102 is split 104 and delivered through a fiber 106, Optical elements 108, 1 10, and 1 12 (e.g., spacer and lenses) can be used to focus the light 1 14 onto the sample 1 16. An arrangement of diff active element 124, lens 126, spacer 128, and output fiber 130, can serve to spectrally detect 122 scattered light 1.20 coming from different depths within the sample. Information for Optical Frequency Domain Imaging 1 18 may be obtained from the output of fiber 106 after traversing the splitting, unit .Steady state, time-resolved, and/or frequency- resolved data 1 34 can be obtained after spectral separation or photodeteetion 132 from the output MSET fiber 130, MSET information, including a structural reconstruction, can be obtained from the QFD1 processing unit output 136 and the steady state, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data 134. Exemplary elements in Figure 1(a) are as follows: MSET-OFDI system 100, fiber 106, 130, spacer 108,128, lens 1 10,126, ball lens 1 12, and difiractive element 124. [0040] Figure 1(b) shows a side cross-sectional view of the MSET-OFDI optical imaging catheter with a side-viewing hall lens, and a grazing configuration of the diffractive element to facilitate deeper imaging in the MSET detection, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in particular, as shown in Figure 1 (b), an MSET- OFDi system 100 is employed. A .modulated broadband or swept-source light 1.02 is split 104 and delivered through a fiber .106, Optical elements 108, 1 10, and 1 1 2 (e.g., spacer and. lenses) can be used to focus the light 1 14 onto the sample 1 16, The arrangement of reflective element 140, diffractive element 138, lens 126, spacer 128, and output fiber 130, ca serve to spectrally detect 122 scattered light 120 coming from different depths within the sample. The diffractive element 138 can be used in a grazing configuration to enable wide spectral separation, information for Optical Frequency Domain imaging 1 i 8 may be obtained from the output of fiber 106 after traversing the splitting unit. Steady state, time-resolved, and or frequency-resolved data 134 can be obtained after spectral separation or photodetection 132 from the output MSET fiber 130. MSET information, including a structural reconstruction, can be obtained from the OFDI processing unit output 136 and the steady state, iime- resoived, and/or frequency-resolved data 134, ^' Exemplary elements in Figure ifb) are as follows: MSET-OFDI system 100, fiber 106,130, spacer 108 J 28, Sens 1 10, 126, ball lens 1 12, reflective element 140, and diffractive eiemeut 138 at grazing, configuration.

(ΘΘ41] Figure 2(a) shows a side cross-sectional view of the MSET-SECM optical imaging catheter with a refleciive/diffraetive component for SECM, and a diffractive element for MSET, according to still exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in particular, as shown in Figure 2(a), an .MSET-SECM system 200 is employed, A modulated broadband or swept-source light 202 is split 204 and delivered through a. fiber 206. With elements 208, 21 , and 212 (e.g., spacer, lens, and refieclive/diffractlve element), different wavelengths are encoded spectrally to generate multiple sources 214 at different spatial points on the sample 216. The arrangement of diffractive element 224, lens 226, spacer 228, and output .fiber 230, serve to spectrally detect 222 scattered light 22 coming from different depths within the sample. Information for Spectrally Encoded Confocal Microscopy 218 may be obtained from. the output of fiber 206 after traversing the splitting unit. Steady state, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data 234 .may be obtained after spectral separation or photodeteeiioii 232 from the output MSET fiber 230. MSET information, including a structural reconstruction, may be obtained from the SECM processing unit output 236 and the steady state, time- resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data 234. Exemplary elements in Figure 2(a) are as follows: MSET-SECM system 200, fiber 206,230, spacer 208,228, lens 210,226, reflective diifractive element 212, and diffractive element 224.

| _. ΘΘ42] Figure 2(b) shows a side cross-sectional view of the MSET-SECM optical imaging catheter, where both diffractive elements are used in a gracing configuration to permit deeper imaging., according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, as shown in Figure 2(b), an MSET-SECM. system. 200 is employed, A modulated broadband or swept-source light 202 is split 204 and delivered through a. fiber 206. With elements 208, 210, 238, and 240 (e.g., spacer, lens, reflective element, and diffractive element), different wavelengths ca be encoded spectrally to generate multiple sources 21.4 at different, spatial points on the sample 216. The exemplary arrangement of diffractive element 242, reflective element 244, lens 226, spacer 228, and output fiber 230, can serve to spectrally detect 222 scattered light 220 coming from different depths within the sample. Exemplary grazing configurations, both, for input and output ports, can facilitate wide source-detector separations, and thus deeper imaging. Information for Spectrally Encoded Confocal Microscopy 218 may be obtained from the output of fiber 206 after traversing the splitting unit. Steady slate, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data 234 may be obtained alter spectral separation or photodeiection 232 from the output MSET fiber 230. MSET information, including a structural reconstruction, may be obtained from the SECM processing unit output 236 and the steady state, time-resolved, awl/or frequency-resolved, data 234. Exemplary elements in Figure 2(b) are as follows: MSET-SECM system 200, fiber 206,230, spacer 208,228, Sens 210,226, reflective element 238,244, and diffractive element 240,242 at grazing configuration. j _. 0043] Figure 3(a) shows a side cross-sectional view of standalone niesoseopic spectrally encoded tomography (MSET) optical imaging catheter with one source and multiple detectors according to one exemplary embodiment: of the present disclosure. In particular, as shown in Figure 3(a), a MSET system 300 is employed. A modulated broadband or s ^' wept-source light 302 is split 304, delivered, and collected through a .fiber 306. A -45 deg. polarizer, followed by a 45 deg. polarization rotator can be used to selectively transmit light through a polarization sensitive splitting unit (e.g., components 308, 310, and 314). Additionally, light reflected at the splitting unit can also be minimized. Elements 314, 316, 31 8, and 320 (e.g., polarization, sensitive splitting unit, spacer, 45 deg. polarization rotator, and 45 deg, polarizer) ca function as one or more optical isolators. Lenses 12, 322, and 324 can be used to relay and focus light 326 onto the sample 328. The perpendicularly polarized component of the scattered light 330 can be spectrally detected 332 by the diffractive element, splitting unit, lens, rotator, and polarizer (see, e.g., components 334, 314, 312, 310, and 308). A non-reciprocal element, such as a circulator, can be used to isolate the diffuse light. It is possible to use a diffractive element in a grazing configuration, to enable wide spectral separation. Steady state, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data 338 may he obtained alter spectral separation or photodeiection 336 from the output fiber 306. MSET formalion, including a structural reconstmction, may be obtained from the steady state, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data 338, Exemplary elements in Figure 3(a) are as follows: MSET system 300, fiber 306, - + 45 deg. Polarizer 308,320, 45 deg. polarization rotator 31 ,318, leas 312,322, polarization sensitive splitting unit 314, ditTxaetive element 334, a spacer 31 , and ball lens 324.

[0044} Figure 3(b) shows a side cross-sectional view of the MSET optical imaging catheter with multiple sources and multiple detectors according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, as shown in Figure 3(b), a MSET system. 300 is employed. A modulated broadband or swept-source light 302 is split 304, delivered, and collected through a fiber 306. A -45 deg. polarizer, followed by a 45 deg. polarization rotator can be used to selectively transmit light- through a polarization sensitive splitting unit (see, e.g., components 308, 310, and 314). Additionally, light reflected at die splitting unit can also be reduced and/or minimized. Elements 14, 16, 318, and 320 (e.g., polarization sensitive splitting, spacer, 45 deg. polarization rotator, and 45 deg. polarizer) can. function as one or more optical isolators. Lenses 312, 322, and 342 can be used to relay light. With spacer 340, lens 342, reflective element 344, and diffract! ve element. 346, e.g., different wavelengths can he encoded spectrally to generate multiple sources 348 at different spatial points on the sample 328. The perpendicularl polarized component, of the scattered light 330 can be spectrally detected 332 by the difiiactive element, splitting unit, lens, rotator, and polarizer (see, e.g., components 334, 314, 312, 310, and 308). A non-reciprocal element, such as a circulator, can be used to isolate the diffuse light. Grazing exemplar}-' configurations, both for input mid outpu ports, can facilitate wide source-detector separations, and thus deeper imaging. Steady state, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data 338 may be obtained alter s ectral separation or photodetection 336 from, the output fiber 306. MSET information, including a structural reconstruction, may be obtained from the steady state, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data 338. Exemplary elements in Figure 3(b) are as follows: MSET system 300, fiber 306, -/+ 45 deg. Polarizer 308,320, 45 deg. polarization rotator 310,3.18, lens 312,322,342, polarization sensitive splitting unit 3.1 , difiraeuve element 346,334, spacer 3 16,340, arid reflective element 344.

[0045] Figure 4(a) shows a schematic diagram and a bench-top embodiment of the MSET-OFDl system, the setup also representing a standalone MSET system with one source and multiple detectors according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. This exemplary configuration can be equivalent to the one employed with an exemplary MSET- OFDl system and can be utilized to study external organs or other bench-top samples. In particular, as shown in Figure 4(a), modulated broadband or swept-sotsree light 402 is delivered through a fiber 400, employed on the return path, for Optica! Frequency Domain Imaging. Optical elements 404, 408, 412, and 416 (e.g., lenses, diffractive element, and splitting unit) can be used to collimate 406, diffract (zero-order diffraction shown) 10, split 414, and focus the light 418 onto the sample 420. An arrangement of lens 416, splitting unit 412, and diflraciive element 432, can serve to spectrally detect 430 scattered light 428 coming from different depths within the sample. The spectrally detected light 430 is coliimated 434 and coupled 438, through, use of at least one lens 436, into the output MSET fiber 440, information for OFDl may be obtained after the reflected light 41 from the sample is split 422, diffracted 424, and coupled 426 Into the output OFDl fiber 400. Steady state, time- resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data can be obtained after spectral separation or photodeteeiion irom. the output M.SET fiber 440. Exemplary elements in Figure 4(a) are as follows: fiber 400,440, lens 404,416,436, splitting unit 412, and diffractive element 408,432. [0046] Figure 4(b) shows a schematic diagram ami an exemplary bench-top embodiment of the MSET-SECM system, the setup also representing a standalone MS.ET system with multiple sources and multiple detectors according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. This exemplary configuration, can be equivalent to the one employed in an exemplary embodiment of the MSET-SECM system and may be used to assess external organs or other bench-top samples. 1» particular, as shown in Figure 4(h), modulated, broadband or swept-source light 402 is delivered through a fiber 442, utilized on the return path for Spectrally Encoded Confoca ^' l Microscopy. Optical elements 404, 408, 412, and 416 (e.g., Senses, diffractive element, and splitting unit) can be used to coilimate 406, diffract 444, split 446, and locus the light 448 onto the sample 420. An arrangement of lens 41 , splitting unit 412, and diffractive element 432, can serve to spectrally detect 430 scattered light 428 coming from different depths within the sample. The spectrally detected light 430 is collimated 434 and coupled 438, through use of at least one lens 436, into the output MSET liber 440. Information for SECM may be obtained, after the reflected light 448 from the sample is split 450, diffracted 452, and coupled 454 into the output SECM fiber 442. Steady state, time-resolved, and/or frequency-resolved data can be obtained after spectral separation or photodeteetion from the output MSET fiber 440. Exemplary elements in Figure 4(b) are as follows: fiber 442,440, lens 404,41 ,436, splitting unit 12, and diffractive element 408,432.

[ΘΘ47] Figure 5(a) illustrates an exemplary image of a tissue-mimicking phantom with one inclusion and the corresponding MSET experimental results by utilizing the exemplary methods, devices and apparatus according to the present disclosure. Figure 5(b) is an exemplary image of a tissue-mimicking phantom with two inclusions and the corresponding MSET experimental results by utilizing the exemplary methods, devices and apparatus according to the present disclosure. [0048] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Indeed, the arrangements, systems and methods according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with and/or implement any OCT system, OFDi system, SD-OCT system or other imaging systems, and for example with those described in International Patent Application- PCT/US2004/02 ] 48, filed September 8, 2004 which published as international Patent Publication No. WO 2005/047813 on May 26, 2005, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/266,779, filed November 2, 2005 which published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0093276 on May 4, 2006, and U.S. Patent Application No. 10/501,276, .filed July 9, 2004 which published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/001 8201 on January 27, 2005, and. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/01.22246, published on May 9, 2002, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, it will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, and procedures which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and can he thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, in addition, ail publications and references referred to above can be incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It should be understood thai the exemplary procedures described herein can be stored on any computer accessible medium, including a hard drive, RAM, ROM, removable disks, CD-ROM, memory sticks, etc, and executed by a processing arrangement and/or computing arrangement which can be and/or include a hardware processors, microprocessor, mini, macro, mainframe, etc., including a plurality and'or combination thereof. In addition, certain terms used in the present disclosure, including the specification, drawings and claims thereof, can be used synonymously in certain instances, including, but not limited to, e.g., data and information. It should be understood thai, while these words, and/or other words that can. be synonymous to one another, can be used synonymously herein, that there can be instances when such words can be intended to not be used synonymously. Farther, to the extent that the prior art knowledge has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above, it can be explicitly being incorporated herein in it entirety. All publications referenced above can be incorporated herein by reference.: