Devices for vulnerable plaque detection

An intravascular probe comprising:

• a sheath having a distal portion and a proximal portion;
• a first optical waveguide extending along the sheath, the first optical waveguide being configured to carry optical radiation between the distal and proximal portions;
• an optical bench disposed at the distal portion, in which a distal end of the first optical waveguide is seated;
• a first beam redirector disposed on the optical bench in optical communication with the first optical waveguide;
• a second optical waveguide extending along the sheath, the second optical waveguide being configured to carry optical radiation between the distal and proximal portions, and having a distal end seated in the optical bench;
• a second beam redirector disposed on the optical bench in optical communication with the second optical waveguide;
• an ultrasound transducer disposed at the distal portion and coupled to the optical bench, the ultrasound transducer being configured to couple ultrasound energy between the intravascular probe and a transmission medium;
• and
• a wire extending along the sheath in electrical communication with the ultrasound transducer.