Fabrication process for fiber optic endoscopes and fiber optic endoscopes

Abstract

This disclosure reveals a fabrication process for a fiber optic endoscope and the endoscope itself, relating to the field of medical device manufacturing, particularly ophthalmic OCT equipment. The fabrication process includes: Step S1, providing an assembly mold with grooves, and using the assembly mold to fabricate a dedicated optical fiber with a controllable deformation section; Step S2, connecting a capillary steel tube and a coarse steel tube via a connector; Step S3, providing an optical adjustment platform, and using the optical adjustment platform to assemble the controllable deformation section of the fabricated dedicated optical fiber and a lens into the capillary steel tube, while simultaneously fixing the dedicated optical fiber to the coarse steel tube. This fabrication process has low production costs and high assembly precision. The resulting fiber optic endoscope has a small overall size. Using this endoscope in clinical surgery can reduce surgical incisions, facilitating minimally invasive surgery, and can alleviate patient pain to some extent, promoting postoperative recovery.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of medical instrument manufacturing, and the field of ophthalmic OCT devices, and particularly relates to a preparation process for a fiber endoscope and the fiber endoscope. BACKGROUND

[0002] Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a relatively advanced imaging technology in the field of ophthalmic imaging, and has the characteristics of high resolution and non-destructive to the measured tissue, and provides a more accurate and convenient method for understanding and discovering eye diseases. An endoscopic scanning probe generally uses optical fiber transmission, because optical fiber has the characteristics of small size and convenient operation. SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure provides a preparation process for a fiber endoscope and the fiber endoscope, which has low assembly cost and high assembly precision. The overall size of the fiber endoscope prepared by the preparation process is small, and the prepared fiber endoscope can be used for clinical surgery to reduce surgical incisions, facilitate minimally invasive surgery, and to some extent alleviate the pain of patients and facilitate postoperative recovery of patients.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a preparation process for a fiber endoscope, comprising:

[0005] Step S1, providing an assembly mold with a groove, and using the assembly mold to prepare a special optical fiber with a controllable deformation section, wherein the step S1 comprises:

[0006] Step S11, preparing a first piezoelectric film and a second piezoelectric film with opposite polarities, and preparing a spare optical fiber, wherein the spare optical fiber includes a bare optical fiber end without a coating layer;

[0007] Step S12, laying the first piezoelectric film on the bottom of the groove;

[0008] Step S13, placing the bare optical fiber end without a coating layer of the spare optical fiber in the groove and on the first piezoelectric film, while making the end of the bare optical fiber end extend from one end of the groove along the axial extension direction of the groove, and gluing the first piezoelectric film and the bare optical fiber end together;

[0009] Step S14, laying the second piezoelectric film on the bare optical fiber end, and making the second piezoelectric film not contact the first piezoelectric film, while gluing the second piezoelectric film and the bare optical fiber end together;

[0010] Step S15: Connect the first piezoelectric film and the second piezoelectric film to the corresponding connecting wires respectively, and the bare optical fiber end, the first piezoelectric film and the second piezoelectric film bonded together form the controllable deformation section;

[0011] Step S2: Connect the capillary steel pipe to the coarse steel pipe using a connector;

[0012] Step S3: Provide an optical adjustment platform, and use the optical adjustment platform to assemble the lens and the controllable deformation section of the prepared special optical fiber into the capillary steel tube, while fixing the special optical fiber to the thick steel tube.

[0013] As an optional approach, step S14 further includes:

[0014] The second piezoelectric film is offset from the first piezoelectric film along the axial direction of the spare optical fiber.

[0015] As an optional approach, prior to step S2, the preparation process further includes:

[0016] Step S2': An observation port is opened on the side wall of one end of the capillary tube; in step S2, the end of the capillary tube away from the observation port is connected to the connector.

[0017] In step S3, the lens is inserted into the capillary tube through the axial through-hole at the end of the capillary tube near the observation port and moved to the vicinity of the observation port for fixation; the controllable deformation section of the special optical fiber is inserted into the capillary tube through the axial through-hole at the end of the capillary tube away from the observation port and moved to the vicinity of the observation port, so that the fiber end face of the controllable deformation section is spaced apart from the mirror surface of the lens by a preset distance X0.

[0018] As an optional approach, step S3 further includes:

[0019] When inserting the controllable deformation section of the special optical fiber into the capillary tube through the axial through hole at the end away from the observation port, first move the end face of the optical fiber of the controllable deformation section to a state of close contact with the mirror surface of the lens, and then move the end face of the optical fiber away from the mirror surface of the lens along the axial direction of the capillary tube until the distance between it and the mirror surface of the lens reaches the preset distance X0.

[0020] As an optional approach, step S3 further includes:

[0021] During the process of moving the fiber end face away from the lens surface along the axial direction of the capillary tube, the actual distance between the fiber end face and the lens surface is measured in real time through the observation port using the optical adjustment platform.

[0022] As an optional solution, in step S11, preparing the spare optical fiber includes:

[0023] A fiber segment of length L1 is cut off, and the coating layer is stripped from one end of the fiber segment to obtain a bare fiber end of length L2, which is used to form the spare fiber.

[0024] As an optional solution, in step S11, preparing the spare optical fiber further includes:

[0025] After stripping the coating to obtain the bare fiber end with a length of L2, the end of the bare fiber end is cut flat along the radial direction of the fiber segment.

[0026] As an optional approach, step S11 includes:

[0027] Prepare the first piezoelectric film and the second piezoelectric film, both with a thickness of 28 μm; or

[0028] Prepare the first piezoelectric film and the second piezoelectric film, both with a thickness of 52 μm.

[0029] As an optional approach, prior to step S3, the preparation process further includes:

[0030] Step S3': Perform surface insulation treatment on the capillary steel pipe, the coarse steel pipe, and the connector respectively.

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a fiber optic endoscope, which can be manufactured using the fiber optic endoscope manufacturing process described in any embodiment of this disclosure.

[0032] The fabrication process provided in this disclosure allows for the fabrication of medical fiber optic endoscopes with excellent parameters and reliable performance using optical fibers and two piezoelectric thin films. Compared to fabrication processes that require custom-made optical fibers, this process has a lower manufacturing cost.

[0033] Furthermore, the fabrication process provided in this disclosure utilizes a dedicated assembly mold, allowing for precise positioning of the spare optical fiber and the two piezoelectric films during assembly. A dedicated optical adjustment platform also ensures that the spacing between the fiber end face and the optical lens or lens group remains highly consistent with the simulated value. Therefore, this fabrication process achieves high overall assembly precision. Moreover, by connecting the high-precision fiber optic endoscope to an OCT imaging device for frontal line scanning, high-quality frontal line scanning OCT imaging can be obtained.

[0034] Furthermore, the fiber optic endoscope manufactured using the fabrication process provided in this embodiment can achieve vibration by shrinking and deforming the controllable deformation section of the fiber through a piezoelectric film with a very small or even negligible thickness. In addition, the outer side of the controllable deformation section of the fiber in this embodiment is not covered with a protective layer or any other coating layer. Therefore, the overall size of the fiber optic endoscope can be reduced. When used in surgery, it can reduce the surgical incision, facilitate minimally invasive surgery, and alleviate the patient's pain to a certain extent, which is beneficial to the patient's postoperative recovery. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this disclosure and these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 A flowchart of a fabrication process for a fiber optic endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated by way of example;

[0037] Figure 2 An exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of an assembly mold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 3 A flowchart of a fabrication process for a fiber optic endoscope according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated by way of example;

[0039] Figure 4 An exemplary schematic diagram illustrates the assembly of a spare optical fiber and a piezoelectric thin film to form a dedicated optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram of the dimensions of a spare optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0041] Figure 6 An exemplary schematic diagram of the dimensions of a piezoelectric thin film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0042] Figure 7 An exemplary schematic diagram of a fiber optic endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0043] Figure 8 A flowchart of a fabrication process for a fiber optic endoscope according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated by way of example;

[0044] Figure 9 An exemplary schematic diagram of the dimensions of a capillary steel tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0045] Figure 10 An exemplary schematic diagram of the dimensions of a lens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0046] Figure 11 An exemplary schematic diagram of a coarse steel pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] In the picture:

[0048] 100 - Assembly mold; 101 - Groove;

[0049] 1-Dedicated optical fiber; 11-Controllable deformation section; 12-First piezoelectric film; 13-Second piezoelectric film;

[0050] 1' - Spare fiber; 11' - Bare fiber end;

[0051] 2-lens;

[0052] 3-Capillary steel tube; 31-Observation port; 32-Axial through hole;

[0053] 4-Connector; 5-Rough steel pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, not the entire structure.

[0055] In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0056] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0057] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0058] It should be understood that the smaller the overall size of a fiber optic endoscope, the less damage it causes to the human body during diagnosis or treatment, thus reducing patient suffering. However, the smaller the size of the fiber optic endoscope, the more difficult it is to assemble. Greater assembly difficulty makes it harder to control assembly precision, potentially leading to low precision. When a fiber optic endoscope with low assembly precision is connected to an OCT device, it affects the forward-facing OCT imaging effect, compromising OCT image quality.

[0059] In this regard, the present disclosure provides a fabrication process for fiber optic endoscopes, which can be used to fabricate small-sized fiber optic endoscopes and can ensure assembly accuracy.

[0060] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a fabrication process for a fiber optic endoscope according to an embodiment of this disclosure is provided. Figure 1 As shown, the fabrication process for the fiber optic endoscope may include the following steps or operations:

[0061] Step S1: Provide an assembly mold 100 with a groove 101, and use the assembly mold 100 to prepare a special optical fiber 1 with a controllable deformation section 11;

[0062] Step S2: Connect the capillary steel pipe 3 and the coarse steel pipe 5 using the connector 4;

[0063] Step S3: Provide an optical adjustment platform and use the optical adjustment platform to assemble the lens 2 and the controllable deformation section 11 of the prepared special optical fiber 1 into the capillary steel tube 3, while fixing the special optical fiber 1 to the thick steel tube 5.

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of an assembly mold 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as an example. (See reference...) Figure 2 The assembly mold 100 is generally rectangular in shape, and a groove 101 is formed on the assembly mold 100. In this embodiment, the groove 101 is provided to extend through both sides of the assembly mold 100 along the width direction to prevent the dedicated optical fiber 1 from bending in the groove 101, thereby affecting the assembly accuracy and the performance of the fiber optic endoscope assembled using the assembly mold 100. In other embodiments, the groove 101 can also be provided to extend through both sides of the assembly mold 100 along the length direction, achieving the same effect.

[0065] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a fabrication process for a fiber optic endoscope according to another embodiment of this disclosure is provided. (Reference) Figure 3 In this embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 1 Step S1 shown may include:

[0066] Step S11: Prepare a first piezoelectric film 12 and a second piezoelectric film 13 with opposite polarities, and at the same time prepare a spare optical fiber 1', wherein the spare optical fiber 1' includes a bare optical fiber end 11' without a coating and a non-bare optical fiber end with a coating.

[0067] Step S12: Lay the first piezoelectric film 12 at the bottom of the groove 101;

[0068] Step S13: Place the bare fiber end 11' of the spare fiber 1' without coating in the groove 101 and place it on the first piezoelectric film 12 (e.g., place it in the center of the first piezoelectric film 12), while making the end of the bare fiber end 11' extend from one end of the groove 101 along the axial extension direction of the groove 101, and glue the first piezoelectric film 12 to the bare fiber end 11' together.

[0069] Step S14: The second piezoelectric film 13 is laid on the bare optical fiber end 11', and the second piezoelectric film 13 is not in contact with the first piezoelectric film 12. At the same time, the second piezoelectric film 13 is glued to the bare optical fiber end 11'.

[0070] In step S15, the first piezoelectric film 12 and the second piezoelectric film 13 are connected to the corresponding connecting wires respectively, and the bare optical fiber end 11', the first piezoelectric film 12 and the second piezoelectric film 13 bonded together form a controllable deformation section 11.

[0071] Figure 4 An exemplary schematic diagram is shown of a spare optical fiber 1' assembled with a piezoelectric thin film to form a dedicated optical fiber 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A schematic diagram illustrating the dimensions of a spare optical fiber 1' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment of the present disclosure, step S11 mentions the need to prepare a spare optical fiber 1'. Preparing a spare optical fiber 1' may include: cutting an optical fiber segment of length L1 and stripping the coating layer from one end of the optical fiber segment to obtain a bare optical fiber end 11' of length L2, so as to form the spare optical fiber 1' required in this embodiment.

[0072] In this embodiment of the disclosure, an operator can use wire strippers to remove the fiber coating. For example, the length L1 of the fiber segment can be set to L1 = 1500 mm; the length L2 of the fiber segment from which the coating needs to be removed can be set to L2 = 30 mm.

[0073] This embodiment does not limit the specific values ​​of the length L1 of the cut fiber segment and the length L2 of the coating to be removed from the fiber segment. Operators can adjust them according to the actual situation. For example, the length L1 of the cut fiber segment can be any one of the following values: L1 = 1400mm, L1 = 1600mm, L1 = 1450mm, or L1 = 1550mm, etc.; the length L2 of the fiber segment to be stripped can be any one of the following values: L2 = 25mm, L2 = 26mm, L2 = 28mm, L2 = 32mm, or L2 = 35mm, etc. For example, the operator can cut an optical fiber segment with a total length L1 = 1400 mm and remove the coating layer L2 = 25 mm from the optical fiber segment to form the spare optical fiber 1' required in this embodiment; or the operator can cut an optical fiber segment with a total length L1 = 1600 mm and remove the coating layer L2 = 35 mm from the optical fiber segment to form the spare optical fiber 1' required in this embodiment; or the operator can cut an optical fiber segment with a total length L1 = 1550 mm and remove the coating layer L2 = 32 mm from the optical fiber segment; the above values ​​can be freely combined, and this embodiment will not provide specific examples of each combination.

[0074] It should be noted that the optical fiber used in this embodiment to prepare the spare optical fiber 1' can be a standard optical fiber provided in related technologies, without the need for special customization. Therefore, compared with solutions that require specially customized optical fibers, the solution adopted in this embodiment is lower in cost. This embodiment does not limit the type of optical fiber used; it can be single-mode or multimode optical fiber. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the fiber segment of length L1 can be an optical fiber with an outer diameter D2 = 250 μm, and the diameter D1 of the bare fiber end 11' can satisfy D1 = 125 μm.

[0075] Continue to refer to Figure 4In step S11, a first piezoelectric film 12 and a second piezoelectric film 13 of the same size are prepared so that their vertical or horizontal amplitudes tend to be consistent when the controllable deformation section 11 vibrates under the same voltage.

[0076] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the dimensions of a piezoelectric film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. It should be noted that the length, width, and thickness of the first piezoelectric film 12 and the second piezoelectric film 13 can be specifically set according to actual needs. For example, refer to... Figure 6 The thickness A1 of the first piezoelectric film 12 is ≤ 87.5 μm, and the thickness A1' of the second piezoelectric film 13 can be set in the same or similar manner. Using the fabrication process provided in this embodiment, the first piezoelectric film 12 and the second piezoelectric film 13, satisfying the above-mentioned thickness settings, are adhered to the bare fiber end 11' of the spare optical fiber 1', allowing for the assembly of a dedicated optical fiber 1, with the overall size of the assembled dedicated optical fiber 1 being less than or equal to 0.3 mm. The fabrication process provided in this embodiment can reduce the size of the endoscope probe by minimizing the thickness of the first piezoelectric film 12 and the second piezoelectric film 13 while ensuring the assembly accuracy of the fiber optic endoscope. Compared to fabrication processes that require custom-made dedicated optical fibers, this fabrication process has a lower manufacturing cost.

[0077] In an optional embodiment, the thickness A1 of the first piezoelectric film 12 is 28 μm; the thickness A1' of the second piezoelectric film 13 is 28 μm. After assembling the spare optical fiber 1', the first piezoelectric film 12 and the second piezoelectric film 13 that meet the above thicknesses, the overall thickness of the obtained dedicated optical fiber 1 can be 181 μm.

[0078] This embodiment does not limit the thickness of the first piezoelectric film 12 and the second piezoelectric film 13; the operator can adjust them according to the actual situation. For example, the thicknesses of the two piezoelectric films can satisfy any one of the following combinations: A1 = A1' = 52 μm, A1 = A1' = 50 μm, A1 = A1' = 45 μm, A1 = A1' = 40 μm, or A1 = A1' and both are values ​​within the range of 28 μm to 87.5 μm.

[0079] In steps S13 and S14, during the laying process, the bare optical fiber end 11' is placed in the center of the first piezoelectric film 12, and the bare optical fiber end 11' is placed in the center of the second piezoelectric film 13. This allows for precise assembly between the first piezoelectric film 12 and the bare optical fiber end 11', as well as between the second piezoelectric film 13 and the bare optical fiber end 11'. This ensures that the first piezoelectric film 12 and the second piezoelectric film 13 can apply the same force to both sides of the bare optical fiber end 11' under the same voltage, thereby ensuring that the vertical or horizontal amplitude of the controllable deformation section 11 is basically consistent when it vibrates.

[0080] For example, in step S13, the first piezoelectric film 12 is glued to the bare optical fiber end 11', and in step S14, the second piezoelectric film 13 is glued to the bare optical fiber end 11', which facilitates operation and ensures a stable connection. Optionally, adhesive is used to bond the first piezoelectric film 12 to the bare optical fiber end 11' and the second piezoelectric film 13 to the bare optical fiber end 11'. In this embodiment, the adhesive can be a fast-drying adhesive or a UV adhesive. Of course, other adhesives capable of bonding the first piezoelectric film 12 to the bare optical fiber end 11' and the second piezoelectric film 13 to the bare optical fiber end 11' can also be used.

[0081] refer to Figure 2 The length of groove 101 can be set to L0, the width of groove 101 can be set to B0, and the depth of groove 101 can be set to A0. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The length of the first piezoelectric film 12 is L3, the width of the first piezoelectric film 12 is B1, and the thickness of the first piezoelectric film 12 is A1; wherein the above settings must satisfy the following conditions: L0≥L3; and / or B0≥B1; and / or A0≥A1. This design facilitates the placement and positioning of the first piezoelectric film 12 within the groove 101, and also facilitates its removal after the dedicated optical fiber 1 is assembled.

[0082] Optionally, L0 can be set to L3, meaning the groove 101 and the first piezoelectric film 12 are of the same length. When placing the first piezoelectric film 12 into the groove 101, the operator can align one side of the first piezoelectric film 12 along its length with the edge of the groove 101, and then place the rest of the first piezoelectric film 12 into the groove 101. Since B0 ≥ B1, meaning the width of the groove 101 is greater than the width of the first piezoelectric film 12, the operator can fine-tune the position of the first piezoelectric film 12 along its width after placing it into the groove 101, to achieve more precise placement of the first piezoelectric film 12.

[0083] In this embodiment, the length L3 of the first piezoelectric film 12 can be set to L3 = 15 mm; the length of the groove 101 can be set to L0 = 15 mm. In other embodiments, the length L3 of the first piezoelectric film 12 can be set to 12 mm, 14 mm, or 16 mm, etc. Similarly, the length L0 of the groove 101 can be set to be equal to the length L3 of the first piezoelectric film 12, or the length L0 of the groove 101 can be slightly longer than the length L3 of the first piezoelectric film 12. This setting also achieves the aforementioned effect.

[0084] In this embodiment, the width of the first piezoelectric film 12 can be set to B1 = 0.2 mm; the width of the groove 101 can be set to B0 = 0.3 mm. In other embodiments, the width B1 of the first piezoelectric film 12 can also be set to 0.18 mm, 0.22 mm, or 0.23 mm, etc. The width B0 of the groove 101 is slightly longer than the width B1 of the first piezoelectric film 12, thereby providing adjustment space for the first piezoelectric film 12 placed in the groove 101.

[0085] In this embodiment, the thickness of the first piezoelectric film 12 can also be set to A1 = 28 μm; the depth of the groove 101 can also be set to A0 = 0.15 mm. The depth A0 of the groove 101 is greater than the thickness A1 of the first piezoelectric film 12. Therefore, after the first piezoelectric film 12 is placed in the groove 101, when the spare optical fiber 1' is placed in the groove 101, the bare optical fiber end 11' can be accurately positioned in the groove 101, and the bare optical fiber end 11' can be effectively limited.

[0086] In this embodiment, the length of the second piezoelectric film 13 can be the same as the length of the first piezoelectric film 12, the width of the second piezoelectric film 13 can be the same as the width of the first piezoelectric film 12, and the thickness of the second piezoelectric film 13 can be the same as the thickness of the first piezoelectric film 12.

[0087] Further, step S14 also includes: the second piezoelectric film 13 and the first piezoelectric film 12 can be misaligned along the axial direction of the spare optical fiber 1'. This arrangement is to facilitate the differentiation of the positive and negative piezoelectric films on the thus fabricated dedicated optical fiber 1. Before assembling the second piezoelectric film 13 and the first piezoelectric film 12, the corresponding polarities can be marked on the second piezoelectric film 13 and the first piezoelectric film 12. For example, when the first piezoelectric film 12 is the positive pole and the second piezoelectric film 13 is the negative pole, the operator can mark "+" on the first piezoelectric film 12 and "-" on the second piezoelectric film 13. After the first piezoelectric film 12 and the bare optical fiber end 11' are assembled, when placing the second piezoelectric film 13, it can be misaligned relative to the first piezoelectric film 12 towards the coating layer; thus, after the dedicated optical fiber 1 is assembled, the operator can easily distinguish the positive and negative poles of the dedicated optical fiber 1.

[0088] In step S15, copper wire can be used as the connecting wire, which has good conductivity, is easy to obtain, and has low manufacturing cost. In this embodiment, the first piezoelectric film 12 is connected to the connecting wire by conductive adhesive, and the second piezoelectric film 13 is connected to the connecting wire by conductive adhesive to ensure electrical connection between the first piezoelectric film 12 and the connecting wire, and between the second piezoelectric film 13 and the connecting wire.

[0089] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a fiber optic endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as an example. (Reference) Figure 7 In step S2, the capillary steel tube 3 and the coarse steel tube 5 are connected by the connector 4. The coarse steel tube 5 is the first steel tube, and the connector 4 is the second steel tube. The second steel tube can be a stepped shaft structure. The coarse end of the connector 4 can be inserted into and fixed in the through hole along the axial direction of the coarse steel tube 5, and the capillary steel tube 3 is inserted into and fixed in the through hole along the axial direction of the thin end of the connector 4, thereby achieving a stable connection between the coarse steel tube 5 and the capillary steel tube 3.

[0090] Step S3 involves providing an optical adjustment platform and using this platform to assemble the lens 2 and the controllable deformation section 11 of the prepared special optical fiber 1 into the capillary steel tube 3, while simultaneously fixing the special optical fiber 1 to the thick steel tube 5. Optionally, in this embodiment, the optical adjustment platform can be a six-dimensional precision adjustment optical platform.

[0091] The fabrication process provided in this disclosure allows for the fabrication of a high-precision, reliable medical fiber optic endoscope using optical fiber and two piezoelectric thin films. The controlled deformation section 11 of the dedicated optical fiber 1 vibrates, utilizing the energized contraction property of the piezoelectric thin film to achieve linear array scanning imaging. This fabrication process has lower manufacturing costs compared to processes requiring custom-made dedicated optical fibers. Furthermore, the fabrication process provided in this disclosure employs a dedicated assembly mold 100, allowing for precise positioning of the spare optical fiber 1' and the two piezoelectric thin films during assembly. A dedicated optical adjustment platform ensures that the spacing between the fiber end face and the optical lens or optical lens group remains highly consistent with the simulated value, resulting in high overall assembly precision. Moreover, connecting the high-precision fiber optic endoscope to an OCT imaging device for forward line scanning imaging yields high-quality forward line scanning OCT imaging.

[0092] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a fabrication process for a fiber optic endoscope according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure is provided. (Reference) Figure 8 Before step S2, the preparation process also includes:

[0093] In step S2', an observation port 31 is opened on the side wall of one end of the capillary steel tube 3.

[0094] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the dimensions of a capillary steel tube 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as an example. (Reference) Figure 9 The capillary tube 3 is a tubular structure with axial through holes 32 at both ends along its axis. The diameter of the axial through holes 32 (i.e., the inner diameter of the capillary tube 3) is D3, and the outer diameter of the capillary tube 3 is D4. For example, the inner diameter D3 and outer diameter D4 of the capillary tube 3 can be set as follows: D3 = 0.3 mm, D4 = 0.5 mm. In this example, a fiber optic cable 1 with an outer diameter of D2 = 250 μm can be used to fabricate the fiber optic endoscope, thus making the overall size of the fiber optic cable 1 less than 0.3 mm. Therefore, designing the diameter D3 of the axial through hole 32 of the capillary tube 3 to be 0.3 mm not only allows the fiber optic cable 1 to be inserted but also provides sufficient space for deformation and vibration after the fiber optic cable 1 is energized.

[0095] In other embodiments, the diameter D3 of the axial through hole 32 of the capillary tube 3 can be set according to other specific circumstances, as long as the diameter D3 of the axial through hole 32 is ≥0.3, thus satisfying both the insertion of the dedicated optical fiber 1 and sufficient space to accommodate the deformation and vibration of the dedicated optical fiber 1 after being energized. Designing the outer diameter D4 of the capillary tube 3 to be 0.5mm can minimize the overall size of the fiber optic endoscope while ensuring its overall strength.

[0096] In other embodiments, the outer diameter D4 of the capillary tube 3 can also be set according to other specific circumstances, as long as the wall thickness of the capillary tube 3, that is, the difference between the outer diameter D4 of the capillary tube 3 and the diameter D3 of the axial through hole 32, is within a safe range.

[0097] It should be noted that the outer diameter D4 of the capillary tube 3 is the outer diameter of the fiber optic endoscope. Therefore, the outer diameter of the fiber optic endoscope prepared using the manufacturing process provided in this embodiment can be controlled within 0.5 mm.

[0098] Accordingly, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9 In step S2, the end of the capillary tube 3 furthest from the observation port 31 is connected to the connector 4; and

[0099] In step S3, the lens 2 is inserted into the capillary tube 3 through the axial through hole 32 at the end of the capillary tube 3 near the observation port 31 and moved to the vicinity of the observation port 31 for fixation; the controllable deformation section 11 of the special optical fiber 1 is inserted into the capillary tube 3 through the axial through hole 32 at the end of the capillary tube 3 away from the observation port 31 and moved to the vicinity of the observation port 31, so that the controllable deformation section 11 and the optical fiber end face facing the lens 2 are spaced apart by a preset distance X0 from the mirror surface of the lens 2.

[0100] It should be noted that when assembling the controllable deformation section 11 of lens 2 and dedicated optical fiber 1 into the capillary tube 3, the distance between the fiber end face of the controllable deformation section 11 and the mirror surface of lens 2 must be a preset distance X0. This preset distance X0 is determined based on the simulation results of the optical path structure design; it represents the optimal air gap between the mirror surface of lens 2 and the fiber end face of the controllable deformation section 11. Before assembling the controllable deformation section 11 into the capillary tube 3 using the six-dimensional precision adjustment optical platform, the operator can input the value of X0 into the control system of the six-dimensional precision adjustment optical platform to ensure the installation position accuracy of the controllable deformation section 11 of lens 2 and dedicated optical fiber 1, thereby ensuring the forward line scanning OCT imaging effect.

[0101] Furthermore, step S3 also includes: when inserting the controllable deformation section 11 of the dedicated optical fiber 1 into the capillary tube 3 through the axial through hole 32 at the end of the capillary tube 3 away from the observation port 31, the fiber end face of the controllable deformation section 11 can be moved first to a state of close contact with the mirror surface of the lens 2, and then moved along the axial direction of the capillary tube 3 towards a direction away from the mirror surface of the lens 2 until the distance between it and the mirror surface of the lens 2 reaches a preset distance X0. This assembly method can ensure the accuracy of the installation position of the dedicated optical fiber 1 and the lens 2, and can improve the assembly efficiency.

[0102] Furthermore, step S3 also includes: during the process of moving the fiber end face away from the mirror surface of the lens 2 along the axial direction of the capillary tube 3, the actual distance between the fiber end face and the mirror surface of the lens 2 is measured in real time through the observation port 31 using an optical adjustment platform. By calculating the difference between the actual distance and the preset distance X0, the distance that the controllable deformation section 11 still needs to move is obtained. When the actual distance is equal to the preset distance X0, it proves that the dedicated fiber 1 has been installed in place, and then the movement of the dedicated fiber 1 is stopped.

[0103] It should be understood that in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the parameters of the lens 2 can be set according to the simulation results of the optical path structure and parameters such as the inner diameter of the capillary tube 3.

[0104] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating the dimensions of a lens 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. (Reference) Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diameter D5 of lens 2 can be set to D5 = 0.25 mm. The diameter D5 of lens 2 is smaller than the diameter D3 of axial through hole 32, which facilitates the insertion of lens 2 into axial through hole 32 and provides sufficient clearance for applying adhesive between lens 2 and the hole wall of axial through hole 32.

[0105] In other embodiments, the diameter D5 of lens 2 can be set according to its application scenario, working distance, and imaging resolution, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this. The working distance of lens 2 refers to the distance between the point where light exits from lens 2 and the surface of the object being measured. In other embodiments, lens 2 can also be replaced by a cemented lens group.

[0106] Optionally, the adhesive used between the lens 2 and the capillary tube 3 can be a quick-drying adhesive or a UV adhesive. After inserting the controllable deformation section 11 of the dedicated optical fiber 1 into the capillary tube 3, a small portion of the controllable deformation section 11 inside the capillary tube 3 is fixedly connected (e.g., by using adhesive, which can be a quick-drying adhesive or a UV adhesive) to the inner wall of the capillary tube 3, near the connector 4. This ensures that when the first piezoelectric film 12 and the second piezoelectric film 13 are energized, they can drive the unfixed portion of the controllable deformation section 11 to vibrate.

[0107] In one embodiment of this disclosure, to facilitate the operator's observation of the assembly process of the dedicated optical fiber 1, lens 2, and capillary tube 3, it is assumed that the distance from the center of the observation port 31 to the end of the capillary tube 3 near the lens 2 is L4, and the length of the lens 2 is L5. The relationship between L4 and L5 can be set to satisfy L4 < L5. For example, the observation port 31 can be set as a circular or elliptical through-hole, and its maximum dimension L6 in the axial direction of the capillary tube 3 can be set to satisfy L6 > X0. This design allows the operator to simultaneously observe the lens 2 and the dedicated optical fiber 1, as well as the spacing between them, through the observation port 31 when assembling the fiber optic endoscope. Wherein, when the observation port 31 is a circular through-hole, its maximum dimension L6 in the axial direction of the capillary tube 3 refers to the diameter of the observation port 31; when the observation port 31 is an elliptical through-hole, its maximum dimension L6 in the axial direction of the capillary tube 3 refers to the major axis dimension of the observation port 31.

[0108] Furthermore, in step S11, preparing the spare optical fiber 1' may also include: after stripping the coating layer to obtain a bare optical fiber end 11' of length L2, the end of the bare optical fiber end 11' can be cut flat along the radial direction of the optical fiber to avoid the actual distance between the controllable deformation section 11 of the final formed special optical fiber 1 and the lens 2 being inconvenient to determine or the actual distance being different from the preset distance X0 due to the uneven or uneven end of the bare optical fiber end 11'.

[0109] For example, when cutting the end face of the bare optical fiber 11', the length of the cut optical fiber is 2mm to 3mm.

[0110] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the coarse steel pipe 5 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown as an example. (See reference...) Figure 11 The outer diameter of the coarse steel pipe 5 (i.e. the first steel pipe) is D6, which can be set to D6 = 1.5mm.

[0111] To ensure the insulation of the fiber optic endoscope, before step S3, the procedure includes step S3', where the capillary tube 3, the coarse steel tube 5, and the connector 4 are subjected to surface insulation treatment. Specifically, the surface insulation treatment can be performed by anodizing, vapor deposition, or similar methods.

[0112] After the fiber optic endoscope is assembled, a Ferrule Contactor (FC) or Angle Physical Contact (APC) connector can be fabricated at the end of the dedicated fiber optic cable 1 furthest from the lens 2. By connecting the two connecting wires on the dedicated fiber optic cable 1, which connect the first piezoelectric film 12 and the second piezoelectric film 13, to the positive and negative terminals of the signal generator according to their respective polarities, the signal generator can be started and output with appropriate voltage and frequency to drive the deformed section of the dedicated fiber optic cable 1 resonantly or non-resonantly. The fiber optic endoscope is then connected to the OCT imaging system via the FC / APC connector, and the OCT imaging system is started to obtain forward-looking OCT images of the detection points.

[0113] This embodiment also provides a fiber optic endoscope, which is fabricated using the above-described fabrication process for fiber optic endoscopes. (Return to Reference) Figure 7 The fiber optic endoscope includes a dedicated optical fiber 1 with a controllable deformation section 11, a capillary steel tube 3, a lens 2, a thick steel tube 5, and a connector 4. A first piezoelectric film 12 and a second piezoelectric film 13 are respectively bonded to both sides of the bare optical fiber end 11' of the spare optical fiber 1', thereby preparing the dedicated optical fiber 1 with a controllable deformation section 11. The lens 2 and the dedicated optical fiber 1 are spaced apart in the axial through hole 32 of the capillary steel tube 3. The thick steel tube 5 is fixedly connected to the capillary steel tube 3 through the connector 4.

[0114] It should be understood that the fiber optic endoscope provided in this embodiment can be manufactured using the process described in the foregoing embodiments. In this embodiment, the controllable deformation section 11 of the dedicated optical fiber 1 achieves contraction and deformation, thereby generating vibration, through a piezoelectric thin film with a very small or even negligible thickness. Furthermore, the outer surface of the controllable deformation section 11 in this embodiment is not covered with a protective layer or any other coating. Therefore, the overall size of the fiber optic endoscope can be reduced. Using it in surgery can reduce surgical incisions, facilitating minimally invasive surgery and alleviating patient pain to some extent, thus promoting postoperative recovery. In addition, a medical fiber optic endoscope with excellent parameters and reliable performance can be manufactured using general-purpose optical fiber and two piezoelectric thin films. This manufacturing process has a lower cost compared to processes that require custom-made dedicated optical fibers.

[0115] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment and the technical principles employed in this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, although this disclosure has been described in detail through the above embodiments, it is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of this disclosure, and the scope of this disclosure is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A preparation process for an optical fiber endoscope, comprising: Step S1, providing an assembly mold (100) with a groove (101) and using the assembly mold (100) to prepare a special optical fiber (1) with a controllable deformation section (11), wherein the step S1 comprises: Step S11, preparing a first piezoelectric film (12) and a second piezoelectric film (13) with opposite polarities, and preparing a spare optical fiber (1') at the same time, wherein the spare optical fiber (1') comprises a bare optical fiber end (11') without a coating layer; Step S12, laying the first piezoelectric film (12) on the bottom of the groove (101); Step S13, placing the bare optical fiber end (11') without a coating layer of the spare optical fiber (1') in the groove (101) and on the first piezoelectric film (12), and extending the end of the bare optical fiber end (11') from one end of the groove (101) along the axis direction of the groove (101), and gluing the first piezoelectric film (12) and the bare optical fiber end (11') together; Step S14, laying the second piezoelectric film (13) on the bare optical fiber end (11'), and making the second piezoelectric film (13) not in contact with the first piezoelectric film (12), while gluing the second piezoelectric film (13) and the bare optical fiber end (11') together; Step S15, connecting the first piezoelectric film (12) and the second piezoelectric film (13) to corresponding connecting wires respectively, and the bare optical fiber end (11'), the first piezoelectric film (12) and the second piezoelectric film (13) glued together form the controllable deformation section (11); Step S2, connecting a capillary steel tube (3) and a thick steel tube (5) through a connecting piece (4); Step S3, providing an optical adjustment platform, and using the optical adjustment platform to assemble a lens (2) and the controllable deformation section (11) of the special optical fiber (1) prepared in the capillary steel tube (3), and fixing the special optical fiber (1) and the thick steel tube (5) in connection.

2. The manufacturing process of claim 1, wherein, The step S14 further comprises: Making the second piezoelectric film (13) and the first piezoelectric film (12) be arranged in a staggered manner along the axis direction of the spare optical fiber (1').

3. The manufacturing process of claim 1, wherein, Before the step S2, the preparation process further comprises: Step S2', opening an observation port (31) on the side wall of one end of the capillary steel tube (3); in the step S2, connecting the capillary steel tube (3) away from the observation port (31) to the connecting piece (4). In the step S3, the lens (2) is put into the capillary steel tube (3) from the axial hole (32) near one end of the capillary steel tube (3) close to the observation port (31) and moved to the vicinity of the observation port (31) for fixation; the controllable deformation section (11) of the special optical fiber (1) is put into the capillary steel tube (3) from the axial hole (32) far from one end of the capillary steel tube (3) away from the observation port (31) and moved to the vicinity of the observation port (31), so that the fiber end face of the controllable deformation section (11) is spaced apart from the mirror surface of the lens (2) by a preset distance X0.

4. The manufacturing process of claim 3, wherein, The step S3 further comprises: When the controllable deformation section (11) of the special optical fiber (1) is put into the capillary steel tube (3) from the axial hole (32) far from one end of the capillary steel tube (3) away from the observation port (31), the fiber end face of the controllable deformation section (11) is first moved to a state of closely abutting against the mirror surface of the lens (2), and then moved in the axial direction of the capillary steel tube (3) to a direction away from the mirror surface of the lens (2) until the fiber end face is spaced apart from the mirror surface of the lens (2) by the preset distance X0.

5. The manufacturing process of claim 4, wherein, The step S3 further comprises: In the process of moving the fiber end face in the axial direction of the capillary steel tube (3) to a direction away from the mirror surface of the lens (2), the actual distance between the fiber end face and the mirror surface of the lens (2) is measured in real time through the observation port (31) by using the optical adjustment platform.

6. The manufacturing process of claim 1, wherein, In the step S11, the preparation of the standby optical fiber (1') comprises: A fiber segment with a length of L1 is cut, and the coating layer is removed from one end of the fiber segment to obtain a bare fiber end (11') with a length of L2, so as to form the standby optical fiber (1').

7. The manufacturing process of claim 6, wherein, In the step S11, the preparation of the standby optical fiber (1') further comprises: After the coating layer is removed to obtain the bare fiber end (11') with a length of L2, the end of the bare fiber end (11') is cut flat in the radial direction of the fiber segment.

8. The manufacturing process of claim 1, wherein, The step S11 comprises: The first piezoelectric film (12) and the second piezoelectric film (13) are prepared with a thickness of 28 μm; or The first piezoelectric film (12) and the second piezoelectric film (13) are prepared with a thickness of 52 μm.

9. The manufacturing process of claim 1, wherein, Before the step S3, the preparation process further comprises: In the step S3', the capillary steel tube (3), the thick steel tube (5) and the connecting piece (4) are respectively subjected to surface insulation treatment.

10. An optical fiber endoscope characterized by comprising: The preparation process for the optical fiber endoscope is prepared by using any one of claims 1-9.

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