Method of scanning and light collection for a rare cell detector

An imager for imaging a generally planar surface, the imager including:

• a linearly translating stage for translating a planar surface in at least a first direction;
• a light path having a first end arranged to define an input aperture for viewing the sample on the linearly translating stage, and a distal end arranged to define an output aperture disposed away from the imager stage;
• a polygon driven scanner arranged to scan a beam along a path that is perpendicular and proximate to the sample surface such that the beam interacts with the sample surface to produce a substantially circular light signal that is collected by the input aperture and communicated to the output aperture;
• a photodetector arranged to detect the light signal at the distal bundle end;
• and
• a processor that processes the light signal detected by the photodetector.

A method for imaging a sample, comprising:

• supplying a substantially circular beam of radiation perpendicular to the sample;
• maintaining the perpendicular direction of the radiation beam as it sweeps along a scan path on the sample;
• reflecting at least some light produced by beam interaction with the sample in a direction away from the sample;
• collecting light produced by beam interaction with the sample in at least one proximate element of an array of fiber optic first ends;
• detecting collected light at a selected output region;
• and
• coordinating sweeping, moving and detecting to generate an array of picture elements representative of at least a portion of the sample.