An apparatus for evaluating a target of interest of a living subject. In
one embodiment, the apparatus has a first light source for generating a
broadband light, a second light source for generating a monochromatic
light, a beamsplitter optically coupled to the first light source for
receiving the broadband light and splitting it into a reference light and
a sample light, a reference arm optically coupled to the beamsplitter for
receiving the reference light and returning it into the beamsplitter, and
a probe having a working end placed proximal to a target of interest of a
living subject, optically coupled to the beamsplitter and the second
light source for receiving the sample light and the monochromatic light,
delivering them from the working end to the target of interest,
collecting from the working end a backscattering light and a Raman
scattering light that are obtained from interaction of the sample light
and the monochromatic light with the target of interest, respectively,
and returning the backscattering light into the beamsplitter so as to
generate an interference signal between the returned backscattering light
and the returned reference light in the beamsplitter.