Endoscopes and other viewing devices that control the light that contacts
a sample and/or that is detected emanating from a sample. The viewing
devices are particularly well suited for in vivo imaging, although other
uses are also included. The viewing devices, and methods related thereto,
comprise a spatial light modulator in the illumination and/or detection
light path so that light transmitted to the target via a bundle of light
guides or optical system is transmitted substantially only into the cores
of the light guide bundle and not into the cladding surrounding the light
guides, filler between the light guides in the bundle, or undesired light
guides. Also, methods and apparatus for mapping the pixels of the spatial
light modulator to the cores of the light guides in the bundle
(preferably at least 3 pixels (e.g., at least 3 mirrors for a digital
micromirror device) for each core), as well as for mapping the light
guides of one light guide bundle to another.