Compact AOTF-based spectral imaging system for medical endoscopic analysis

A prototype of a spectral imaging module is described which can be attached to conventional rigid and flexible medical endoscopes. It is based on acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTF) and provides fast spectral image registration at an arbitrary series of wavelengths. The main advantage of the device is the minimization of spatial and spectral image distortion by use of a specialized double AOTF monochromator. These properties ensure immediate and reliable detection of spectral features in any image pixel. Real-time spectral analysis, in addition to spectral visualization, provides the opportunity to make medical photoluminescence diagnostics more effective.