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Abstract

An optical examination technique employs an optical system (15, 45, 100, 150, 200, 260 or 300) for in vivo, non-invasive examination of internal tissue of a subject. The optical system includes an optical module (12 or 14), a controller and a processor. The optical module is arranged for placement on the exterior of the abdomen or chest. The module includes an array of optical input ports and optical detection ports located in a selected geometrical pattern to provide a multiplicity of photon migration paths targeted to examine a selected tissue region, such as an internal organ or an in utero fetus. Each optical input port is constructed to introduce into the examined tissue visible or infrared light emitted from a light source. Each optical detection port is constructed to provide light from the tissue to a light detector. The controller is constructed and arranged to activate one or several light sources and light detectors so that the light detector detects light that has migrated over at least one of the photon migration paths. The processor receives signals corresponding to the detected light and forms at least one data set used for tissue examination.

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First Claim