Optical fibers for high-resolution in vivo microendoscopic fluorescence imaging

Optical fiber-based high-resolution fluorescence imaging techniques have promising applications in clinical practice and preclinical research using animals. Here we review the instrumentation and applications of microendoscopy based on various types of optical fibers. Single-mode fibers and double-clad fibers have been widely used for delivering light from light sources to tissues and collecting light from tissues to photodetectors. Coherent fiber bundles, cylindrical graded-index lenses, and multi-mode fibers have been employed in both beam-scanning and non-scanning microscopy. With continuing advances of optical fiber technologies, further innovations in optical microendoscopy are expected.