1. An imaging system for producing a high resolution topographic representation of an object, comprising: deformable means for deforming to at least a portion of a shape of an object in contact therewith, said deformable means having a light reflecting surface; means for detecting reflections from said reflecting surface and for converting the detected reflections into data signals; light modifying means between said reflecting surface and said detecting means for varying the intensity of the reflections in accordance with a deformation of said deforming means; and means for processing said data signals to produce said high resolution image of said object.