Dual mode microendoscope concentrating light emission into ring area

A microendoscopy method comprising:

• providing a microendoscope comprising:
• (i) a tube housing that defines an optical path;
• and (ii) a lens assembly positioned within a distal end of the tube housing, wherein the distal end of the tube housing is shaped to facilitate optimized collection of light emission from the sample when examined using the microendoscope, and further wherein the lens assembly comprises within the optical path:
• a second element including a convex proximal surface and a concave distal surface, and a third element including a convex proximal surface mated with the concave distal surface of the second element, as well as a straight distal surface, at least a portion of each of the second element and the third element including a dichroic coating;
• and (iii) a plurality of light pipes directly coupled to a proximal side of the lens assembly;
• wherein an interior finish of a region of the distal end of the tube housing comprises a reflective material coating for emission wavelengths, and wherein at least the region of the distal end of the tube housing has a parabolic or spherical shape configured to concentrate a light emission into a ring area, and wherein the light pipes are positioned within the ring area;
• and
• examining the sample while using the microendoscope.