The present invention relates to a small diameter imaging probe or endoscope, a solid state imaging device, and a light transmitting path that collects light at a distal end of the probe and directs the light along the length of the probe to the imaging device. The invention also relates to a small diameter endoscope having a light transmitting path with a light absorbing layer and a super clad layer defining the image aperture.The invention relates to a small diameter endoscope system for imaging of objects or tissue within a body. An image relay is used to couple image light between optical elements of the probe such that an image is detected by an imaging sensor at a proximal end of the device.
