Light guide, emission probe and functional near-infrared spectroscopy device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a light guide for a functional near-infrared spectroscopy detection device, an emission probe and a functional near-infrared spectroscopy detection device. The light guide comprises a columnar main body extending in a longitudinal direction, the main body having a light incident surface, a light exit surface opposite to the light incident surface in the longitudinal direction, and an outer circumferential surface. The outer circumferential surface of the main body has a plurality of thin protrusions adjacent to the light incident surface. Each thin protrusion extends in the longitudinal direction and has a tapered section tapering in the longitudinal direction towards the light exit surface. The center distance between any two adjacent thin protrusions along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface is less than or equal to half of the circumference of the outer circumferential surface. In this way, the possibility of light leakage from the light guide to the external environment is reduced, and the light power emitted through the light exit surface of the light guide is increased. Therefore, the light guide efficiency of the light guide can be greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of near-infrared optical imaging and detection system technology, specifically to a light guide, an emission probe, and a functional near-infrared spectroscopy detection device. Background Technology

[0002] Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a mature, non-destructive testing technique that can non-invasively detect tissue oxygenation. It is a commonly used and effective method for obtaining brain oxygenation signals from the cerebral cortex. Near-infrared spectroscopy devices emit near-infrared light in the 700-900 nm range. This light penetrates the scalp and skull to reach the cerebral cortex, where sensors collect the near-infrared light scattered by the cortex, thus achieving the detection purpose.

[0003] The transmitting probe includes a housing, and a light source and a light guide disposed within the housing. The light source is a light-emitting diode (LED), and the light guide conducts the near-infrared light emitted by one or more LEDs to the subject's head.

[0004] Commercially available light guides often have structures designed to fit into the housing of the transmitting probe. These structures can lead to poor optical performance and significant optical power loss. This results in insufficient power transmitted to the scalp, failing to meet the signal strength requirements for detection. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the issue of poor optical performance in current light guides, this application provides a light guide for a functional near-infrared spectral imaging device. The light guide includes a columnar body extending longitudinally, having a light incident surface, a light emitting surface opposing each other longitudinally, and an outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the body has a plurality of thin protrusions adjacent to the light incident surface, each thin protrusion extending longitudinally and having a tapered section that gradually decreases in the longitudinal direction toward the light emitting surface. Furthermore, along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface, the center distance between any two adjacent thin protrusions is less than or equal to half the circumference of the outer peripheral surface.

[0006] In some embodiments, the light guide further has a thin flange located between a plurality of thin protrusions and a light incident surface, wherein: in the lateral direction, each thin protrusion does not protrude beyond the thin flange; and the lateral dimension of the thin flange protruding beyond the outer peripheral surface is less than a preset threshold, the preset threshold being any value between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0007] In some embodiments, the ends of the thin protrusions near the light incident surface are connected to thin flanges.

[0008] In some embodiments, the thin flange is substantially flush with the light incident surface in the transverse direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the light guide is a one-piece molded component.

[0010] In some embodiments, the light guide has a light transmittance of over 90% and is made of any one of PET, AS resin, GPPS, PMMA, or PC.

[0011] In some embodiments, the longitudinal dimension of the thin flange is less than 0.2-0.6 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the circumferential dimension of each thin protrusion is less than 0.5 mm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the longitudinal dimension of each thin protrusion is less than 5 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the tapered section has a large-sized end close to the light incident surface, and each thin protrusion further includes an interference fit section extending from the large-sized end of the corresponding tapered section toward the light incident surface; the interference fit section of each thin protrusion has a matching cross-section with the large-sized end of the corresponding tapered section.

[0015] By incorporating thin protrusions, the light guide can be securely and easily fixed within the emitting probe. Furthermore, due to its thin structure, the protrusions have minimal impact on the surface shape of the light guide, allowing it to maintain a high degree of surface flatness. The flatter the surface of the light guide, the smaller the change in the angle of incidence when light within it is reflected at the interface between the light guide and the external environment (i.e., the surface of the light guide). This allows for maximum total emission. Consequently, the likelihood of light leakage from the light guide into the external environment is reduced, resulting in higher light power emitted through the light-emitting surface of the light guide. Therefore, the light guiding efficiency of this light guide can be significantly improved.

[0016] According to a second aspect of this application, an emitting probe for a functional near-infrared spectral imaging device is provided. The emitting probe includes: a housing having a first side and a second side opposite each other along a longitudinal direction, the first side having a light emission hole; a mounting member installed inside the housing, the mounting member having a mounting through hole extending along a longitudinal direction; a light emitting assembly disposed inside the housing, the light emitting assembly being closer to the second side than the mounting member; and a light guide as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein: the light guide has a first segment including a light incident surface and a second segment including a light emitting surface, a plurality of thin protrusions disposed on the first segment; the first segment is inserted into the mounting through hole, each of the thin protrusions of the light guide is interference-fitted with the inner surface of the mounting through hole, the light incident surface of the light guide is optically coupled to the light emitting assembly; and the second segment is inserted into the light emission hole, or the second segment is located inside the housing and the light emission surface is aligned with the light emission hole.

[0017] In some embodiments, the transmitting probe further includes a sealing ring, wherein: in the longitudinal direction, the sealing ring is housed within the housing and located between the mounting element and the light emission aperture; and in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the sealing ring is clamped between the outer peripheral surface of the light guide and the inner surface of the housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, when the second segment is inserted into the light outlet hole, there is a gap between the outer side of the second segment and the inner sidewall of the light outlet hole.

[0019] In some embodiments, the mounting hole includes an interference section and a constricted section, the constricted section gradually narrowing toward a first side of the housing, and the interference section extending longitudinally from the small-sized end of the constricted section, wherein: a plurality of thin protrusions of the light guide are interference-fitted with the inner surface of the interference section; and the light incident surface of the light guide is located inside the constricted section or closer to a second side of the housing than the constricted section.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the light guide is spaced apart from the inner surface of the mounting through hole.

[0021] In some embodiments, the hardness of the mounting component is less than that of the light guide component.

[0022] In some embodiments, the light incident surface of the light guide is optically coupled to the light emitting component through an air medium, and the distance between the light incident surface of the light guide and the light emitting component does not exceed 0.5 mm.

[0023] According to a third aspect of this application, a functional near-infrared spectral imaging device is provided, including a host and an emission probe according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the host is connected to the light emission component of the emission probe.

[0024] This utility model description introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This utility model description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0025] The advantages and features of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and are used to understand this application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and their descriptions to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings,

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of a transmitting probe according to a first exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the transmitting probe in the illustrated embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the transmitting probe of the embodiment shown;

[0030] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Side view of the light guide component in the illustrated embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The light guide member of the illustrated embodiment is viewed from the light emitting surface.

[0032] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the mounting component in the illustrated embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the mounting component in the illustrated embodiment.

[0034] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0035] 10. First side; 20. Second side; 100. Light guide; 101. First section; 102. Second section; 110. Main body; 111. Light incident surface; 112. Light emitting surface; 120. Thin protrusion; 121. Tapered section; 1211. Large size end; 122. Interference fit section; 130. Thin flange; 200. Housing; 210. Receiving cavity; 220. Light emission hole; 230. Stepped surface; 300. Light emitting component; 400. Mounting component; 410. Mounting through hole; 411. Interference fit section; 412. Narrowing section; 500. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the application, and that the application can be implemented without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion with this application, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides an emission probe for a functional near-infrared spectral imaging device, wherein a light guide is disposed within the emission probe. (Referring to the reference...) Figures 2-4The emitting probe includes a light emitting assembly 300, a mounting member 400, and a light guide 100. The light guide 100 includes a longitudinally extending columnar body 110. The body 110 has a light incident surface 111 and longitudinally opposing light emitting surfaces 112. The mounting member 400 cooperates with the light guide 100 to fix the light guide 100 within the emitting probe. The light incident surface 111 of the body 110 faces the light emitting surface of the light emitting assembly 300 to receive light from the light emitting assembly 300. The light emitting assembly 300 can employ various elements capable of outputting light of a desired wavelength under the drive and control of electrical signals, including but not limited to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes. The side surfaces of the body 110 form an outer peripheral surface. Optionally, the main body 110 of the light guide 100 can be constructed as a cylinder or a prism. After light enters the light incident surface 111, it can directly reach the light exiting surface 112, or it can reach the light exiting surface 112 after one or more reflections on the inner surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 110. The outer peripheral surface adjacent to the light incident surface 111 has multiple thin protrusions 120. For example... Figure 4 As shown, each thin protrusion 120 extends longitudinally and has a tapered section 121 that tapers longitudinally toward the light emitting surface 112. The mounting member 400 is provided with a mounting through-hole 410 for receiving the light guide 100. During the assembly of the light guide 100 to the mounting member 400, the tapered section 121 can first enter the mounting through-hole 410. In some embodiments, the end of the tapered section 121 may be flush with the outer peripheral surface or have only a slight protrusion (not forming a noticeable step), so that the hole wall of the mounting through-hole 410 will not be scratched or damaged during the insertion of the light guide 100 into the mounting through-hole 410, and installation is easier. The mounting member 400 may have a certain degree of elasticity. Guided by the tapered section 121, the thin protrusion 120 can be inserted into the mounting through-hole 410. The inner wall of the mounting through-hole 410 presses against the thin protrusion 120, causing a large frictional force between the light guide 100 and the inner wall of the mounting through-hole 410. Thus, the light guide 100 is fixed within the mounting member 400. In other embodiments, the end of the tapered section 121 can form a raised surface with the outer peripheral surface, and the end of the mounting through hole 410 can be provided with a guide surface matching the tapered section 121, so that the light guide 100 can be easily inserted into the mounting through hole 410, and the raised surface of the tapered section 121 will not scratch the inner wall of the mounting through hole 410. Along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface, the center distance between any two adjacent thin protrusions 120 is less than or equal to half the circumference of the outer peripheral surface. Specifically, for example, in one embodiment, two thin protrusions 120 can be provided on the main body 110, and the two thin protrusions 120 can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main body 110. Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The circumferential dimension d of the thin protrusion 120 along the circumferential direction is constructed to be as small as possible, so that as little light as possible enters the thin protrusion 120 within the body 110. The circumferential dimension d depends primarily on the manufacturing process and the strength between the thin protrusion 120 and the body 110. In another embodiment, the body 110 may have three or more thin protrusions 120 spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction. Exemplarily, these thin protrusions 120 may be uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction, for example, the included angle between any two pairs of three thin protrusions 120 is 120 degrees. Exemplarily, these thin protrusions 120 may also be non-uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction, as long as the center-to-center distance between any two adjacent thin protrusions 120 along the circumferential direction is less than or equal to half the circumference of the outer peripheral surface. In this way, when the light guide 100 is installed on the mounting member 400, the outer side of the thin protrusion 120 can be interference-fitted with the mounting member 400, avoiding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the main body 110 and the mounting member 400, which would cause the surface of the main body 110 to be scratched. This allows the light guide 100 to maintain better optical performance.

[0038] Furthermore, by providing the thin protrusion 120, the light guide 100 can be securely and easily fixed within the emitting probe. Moreover, because the thin protrusion 120 has a relatively thin structure, it has minimal impact on the surface shape of the light guide 100, allowing the light guide 100 to maintain a high overall surface flatness. The flatter the surface of the light guide 100, the smaller the change in the angle of incidence when light within the light guide 100 is reflected at the interface between the light guide 100 and the external environment (i.e., the surface of the light guide 100). This allows for as much total emission as possible. Consequently, the possibility of light leakage from the light guide 100 into the external environment is reduced, resulting in higher light power emitted through the light emitting surface 112 of the light guide 100. Therefore, the light guiding efficiency of the light guide 100 can be significantly improved.

[0039] Exemplarily, the light guide 100 may also have a thin flange 130 located between a plurality of thin protrusions 120 and the light incident surface 111. In the transverse direction, each of the thin protrusions 120 does not protrude beyond the thin flange 130. For ease of understanding, the two longitudinally opposite surfaces of the thin flange 130 are referred to as the upper surface and the lower surface, respectively. Exemplarily, the thin flange 130 is substantially flush with the light incident surface 111 in the transverse direction, meaning the upper surface of the thin flange 130 can be flush with the light incident surface 111 of the body 110. This simplifies the mold manufacturing of the light guide 100 and reduces the likelihood of light leakage from the light guide 100. However, this application does not exclude embodiments where the upper surface of the thin flange 130 is not flush with the light incident surface 111 of the body 110, forming a step or slope. The lower surface of the thin flange 130 can form a large step with the outer peripheral surface. When the light guide 100 is installed into the mounting through hole 410, the thin flange 130 can stop the end of the light guide 100 outside the mounting through hole 410. In the embodiment where the upper surface of the thin flange 130 is flush with the light incident surface 111 of the main body 110, the light guide 100 can receive more light from the light emitting component 300, and when the light guide 100 is subjected to external force and comes into contact with the surface of the light emitting component 300, the larger area can reduce the probability of damage to the light emitting component 300. Optionally, the thin flange 130 can be arranged around the main body 110, or it can be arranged around the main body 110 and spaced apart. The lateral dimension of the thin flange 130 protruding from the outer peripheral surface is less than a preset threshold, which is any value between 0.2mm and 0.3mm. This design, with a shorter longitudinal dimension of the thin flange 130, avoids excessive stress and breakage at the connection between the thin flange 130 and the main body 110. Furthermore, the smaller protrusion of the thin flange 130 allows the light guide 100 to have better optical performance. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 4 For example, the longitudinal dimension H1 of the thin flange 130 is 0.2-0.6 mm. This minimizes the negative impact of the flange on the optical performance of the light guide 100. Figure 5 As shown, in one exemplary embodiment, the main body 110 of the light guide 100 is cylindrical, and the diameter D1 of the main body 110 can be 2.8 mm, while the maximum diameter D2 of the portion with the thin flange 130 can be 3.2 mm. Since the thin protrusions 120 do not protrude beyond the thin flange 130 in the lateral direction, in this embodiment, the diameter D3 of the circumcircle of the plurality of thin protrusions 120 can be 3.1 mm.

[0040] For example, the ends of each thin protrusion 120 near the light incident surface 111 are connected to the thin flange 130. This not only increases the structural strength of the thin flange 130, but also simplifies the mold design.

[0041] For example, the light guide 100 is a one-piece molded part. One-piece molded parts have fewer processes, lower costs, and higher yield rates. Furthermore, one-piece molded parts do not have the connection points of multiple sub-components, resulting in better overall uniformity and superior optical performance.

[0042] For example, the light guide 100 has a light transmittance of over 90% and is made of any one of PET, AS resin, GPPS, PMMA, or PC. The light guide 100 can be manufactured using injection molding with these materials; the process is mature, cost-effective, and produces light guide 100 with good optical performance.

[0043] refer to Figure 4 For example, the circumferential dimension d of each thin protrusion 120 is less than 0.5 mm. Taking a cylindrical light guide body as an example, it has a small diameter, and therefore a small circumference. Controlling the circumferential dimension of the thin protrusion 120 within 0.5 mm can reduce the negative impact of the thin protrusion 120 on the optical performance of the outer peripheral surface. On the other hand, the small circumferential dimension of the thin protrusion 120 makes the force required when assembling the light guide 100 to the mounting member 400 smaller, and will not cause damage or defects to the mounting member 400 or the light guide 100 due to the large force required during installation. For example, the longitudinal dimension H2 of each thin protrusion 120 is less than 5 mm. The longitudinal dimension of the thin protrusion 120 not only affects the optical performance of the outer peripheral surface, but also affects the force required for the light guide 100 to be inserted into and removed from the mounting through hole 410. While ensuring that the light guide 100 can maintain friction within the mounting through hole 410, the smaller longitudinal dimension makes it easier to install and remove the light guide 100, and the optical performance of the light guide 100 is also better.

[0044] For example, the tapered section 121 has a large-sized end 1211 near the light incident surface 111, and each thin protrusion 120 also includes an interference fit section 122 extending from the large-sized end 1211 of the corresponding tapered section 121 toward the light incident surface 111; the interference fit section 122 of each thin protrusion 120 has a matching cross-section with the large-sized end 1211 of the corresponding tapered section 121. Since the mounting member 400 needs to be elastic to allow the thin protrusion 120 to be inserted into the mounting through hole 410, the tapered section 121 forms a slope, so that after the light guide 100 is inserted into the mounting through hole 410, the resultant force causes the light guide 100 to tend to disengage from the mounting through hole 410. The interference fit section 122 can be constructed as a plane extending longitudinally. After the interference fit section 122 is inserted into the mounting through hole 410, it reduces the pressure acting on the inclined surface of the tapered section 121, thus reducing the resultant force towards the outside of the mounting through hole 410. Furthermore, the interference fit section 122 can provide a certain amount of friction, thereby counteracting the force exerted by the light guide 100 towards the outside of the mounting through hole 410. The matching cross-section between the interference fit section 122 and the large-size end 1211 of the corresponding tapered section 121 allows for a smooth transition during the insertion of the light guide 100 into the mounting member 400, preventing difficulties in installation or disassembly due to stepped surfaces.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The emission probe for a functional near-infrared spectroscopy imaging device of this application also includes a housing 200, which has a first side 10 and a second side 20 facing each other along the longitudinal direction. The first side 10 has a light-emitting aperture 220. The housing 200 can be made of plastic or metal, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer plastic (ABS), polycarbonate plastic (PC), aluminum alloy, etc. A mounting member 400 is installed into a receiving cavity 210 within the housing 200, and the mounting member 400 has a longitudinally extending mounting through hole 410. A light-emitting assembly 300 is disposed within the housing 200, and the light-emitting assembly 300 is closer to the second side 20 than the mounting member 400. Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the mounting member 400 may include a first surface and a second surface that are longitudinally opposed, the housing 200 may have a stepped surface 230 formed on a first side 10, the first surface of the mounting member 400 may abut against the stepped surface 230, the second surface of the mounting member 400 abuts against the surface of the light emitting assembly 300, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface abuts against the inner surface of the housing 200 laterally, such that the mounting member 400 is positioned in the receiving cavity 210. Figure 3As shown, the housing 200 in some embodiments may include at least two parts, such as a top housing 201 and a bottom housing 202, which together form a receiving cavity 210. The emitting probe also includes a light guide 100 according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the light guide 100 has a first segment 101 including a light incident surface 111 and a second segment 102 including a light emitting surface 112, and a plurality of thin protrusions 120 are disposed on the first segment 101. As described above, the presence of the thin protrusions 120 causes light to leak from the body 110 of the light guide 100, therefore, except for the first segment 101 where the thin protrusions 120 must be provided, the second segment 102 will not have thin protrusions 120. The first segment 101 is inserted into the mounting through hole 410, such that each thin protrusion 120 of the light guide 100 is press-fitted with the inner surface of the mounting through hole 410, thereby fixing it in the mounting member 400. The light incident surface 111 of the light guide 100 is optically coupled to the light emitting component 300. Specifically, a gap may be left between the light incident surface 111 and the light emitting component 300, or a light guide adhesive may be used for coupling, or the light incident surface 111 may be attached to the light emitting surface of the light emitting component 300. In some embodiments, the light emitting hole 220 of the housing 200 may be longitudinally extended into a tubular shape, and the second segment 102 may be inserted into the tubular light emitting hole 220. In other embodiments, the light emitting hole 220 is very short in the longitudinal direction, the second segment 102 is located inside the housing 200, and the light emitting surface 112 is aligned with the light emitting hole 220. In summary, the emitting probe using this light guide 100 not only has good light guiding performance, but also is easier to assemble.

[0046] For example, when the second segment 102 is inserted into the light-emitting aperture 220, there is a gap between the outer surface of the second segment 102 and the inner wall of the light-emitting aperture 220. The light-emitting aperture 220 is formed by a housing 200, which has high rigidity. The gap between the outer surface of the second segment 102 and the inner wall of the light-emitting aperture 220 prevents the housing 200 from scratching the outer peripheral surface of the light guide 100 during assembly, thus affecting its optical performance. Furthermore, separating the outer peripheral surface from the inner wall of the light-emitting aperture 220 allows the medium surrounding the second segment 102 of the light guide 100 to be air, enabling the light guide 100 to achieve its designed optical specifications.

[0047] Exemplarily, the transmitting probe may further include a sealing ring 500. In the longitudinal direction, the sealing ring 500 is housed within the housing 200, located between the mounting member 400 and the light emission aperture 220. In the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the sealing ring 500 is clamped between the outer peripheral surface of the light guide 100 and the inner surface of the housing 200. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a transition space may be provided between the receiving cavity 210 and the light emission aperture 220, forming the aforementioned stepped surface 230 between the transition space and the receiving cavity 210. The sealing ring 500 may be disposed within this transition space, and the sealing ring may have a structure such as an O-ring, with its outer side conforming to the inner wall of the transition space and its inner side conforming to the outer peripheral surface of the light guide 100. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 500 may also be clamped along the longitudinal direction. The sealing ring 500 can prevent external grease, moisture, etc. from entering the receiving cavity 210 through the gap between the light guide 100 and the light emission hole 220, thus preventing contamination of the light incident surface 111, the light emitting component 300 itself and its surface, and avoiding a decrease in the light quality of the emitting probe or even damage.

[0048] For example, in conjunction with reference Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The mounting through-hole 410 includes an interference section 411 and a constricted section 412. The constricted section 412 gradually narrows towards the first side 10 of the housing 200, and the interference section 411 extends longitudinally from the smaller end of the constricted section 412. When the light guide 100 is inserted into the mounting through-hole 410 of the mounting member 400, the constricted section 412 can provide guidance for the light guide 100. A plurality of thin protrusions 120 of the light guide 100 are interference-fitted with the inner surface of the interference section 411. In some embodiments, the light incident surface 111 of the light guide 100 is located inside the constricted section 412, and the light emitting surface of the light emitting assembly 300 is generally located outside the constricted section 412. This allows the light incident surface 111 and the light emitting surface of the light emitting assembly 300 to be spaced apart, avoiding damage to the light emitting assembly 300 due to squeezing or collision under external force. In some embodiments, the light incident surface 111 may also be closer to the second side 20 of the housing 200 than the constricted section 412.

[0049] For example, the outer peripheral surface of the light guide 100 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the mounting through hole 410. Since the medium outside the outer peripheral surface is air, the actual optical performance of the light guide 100 is close to the simulated optical performance, thereby enabling the transmitting probe to achieve the performance required for inspection.

[0050] For example, the hardness of the mounting component 400 is less than that of the light guide component 100. This prevents the surface of the light guide component 100 from being scratched by the mounting component 400 during installation, thus avoiding impact on its optical performance. After installation, the mounting component 400 will also not apply excessive pressure to the light guide component 100, preventing deformation that could cause abnormal refractive index within the light guide component 100.

[0051] Exemplarily, the light incident surface 111 of the light guide 100 is optically coupled to the light emitting component 300 through an air medium, and the distance between the light incident surface 111 of the light guide 100 and the light emitting component 300 does not exceed 0.5 mm. For a common LED-based light emitting component 300, the emitted light has a certain divergence angle, and the size of the light spot formed on a plane farther away from the light emitting component 300 is larger. Limiting the distance between the light incident surface 111 of the light guide 100 and the light emitting component 300 can ensure the efficiency of the emitting probe and reduce the waste of the output optical power of the light emitting component 300. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the light incident surface 111 of the light guide 100 and the light emitting component 300 is 0.1 mm.

[0052] A third aspect of this application also provides a functional near-infrared spectral imaging device, including a main unit and an emission probe according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the main unit is connected to the light emission component 300 of the emission probe. The functional near-infrared spectral imaging device employing this emission probe exhibits improved performance due to the better quality of the emitted near-infrared light.

[0053] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", and "bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0054] For ease of description, relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," and "above" are used here to describe the regional positional relationship of one or more components or features shown in the figures to other components or features. It should be understood that relative terms include not only the orientation of the component as depicted in the figure but also different orientations during use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are inverted as a whole, "above" or "above other components or features" will include cases where the component is "below" or "under" other components or features. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." Furthermore, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document intends to include all such cases.

[0055] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0056] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0057] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the scope of the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A light guide (100) for a functional near-infrared spectroscopy detection device, characterized in that, The light guide (100) includes: A columnar body (110) extending longitudinally has a light incident surface (111) and a light emitting surface (112) opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, and an outer peripheral surface connecting the light incident surface (111) and the light emitting surface (112). The outer peripheral surface of the body (110) has a plurality of thin protrusions (120) adjacent to the light incident surface. Each thin protrusion (120) extends in the longitudinal direction and has a tapered section (121) that tapers longitudinally toward the light emitting surface (112). Along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface, the center distance between any two adjacent thin protrusions (120) is less than or equal to half the circumference of the outer peripheral surface.

2. The light guide (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a thin flange (130) located between the plurality of thin protrusions (120) and the light incident surface, wherein: In the transverse direction, each thin protrusion (120) does not protrude beyond the thin flange (130); and The thin flange (130) protrudes from the outer peripheral surface by a lateral dimension smaller than a preset threshold, which is any value between 0.2mm and 0.3mm.

3. The light guide (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ends of each thin protrusion (120) near the light incident surface are connected to the thin flange (130); and / or The thin flange (130) is substantially flush with the light incident surface in the transverse direction.

4. The light guide (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The light guide (100) is a one-piece molded part; and / or The light guide (100) has a light transmittance of over 90% and is made of any one of PET, AS resin, GPPS, PMMA, or PC.

5. The light guide (100) according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The longitudinal dimension of the thin flange (130) is 0.2-0.6 mm.

6. The light guide (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The circumferential dimension of each thin protrusion (120) is less than 0.5 mm; and / or The longitudinal dimension of each thin protrusion (120) is less than 5 mm.

7. The light guide (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The tapered section (121) has a large end (1211) close to the light incident surface. Each thin protrusion (120) also includes an interference fit section (122) that extends from the large-size end (1211) of the corresponding tapered section (121) toward the light incident surface; Each thin protrusion (120) has an interference fit section (122) and a corresponding tapered section (1211) with a large-size end (1211) having a matching cross-section.

8. An emission probe for a functional near-infrared spectroscopy detection device, characterized in that, The transmitting probe includes: The housing (200) has a first side (10) and a second side (20) that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, and the first side (10) has a light-emitting hole (220); the mounting member (400) is installed inside the housing (200) and has a mounting through hole (410) extending in the longitudinal direction. A light emitting assembly (300) disposed within the housing (200), the light emitting assembly (300) being closer to the second side (20) than the mounting member (400); and The light guide (100) as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein: The light guide (100) has a first segment (101) including the light incident surface and a second segment (102) including the light emitting surface (112), and the plurality of thin protrusions (120) are disposed on the first segment (101); The first segment (101) is inserted into the mounting through hole (410), and each thin protrusion (120) of the light guide (100) is interference-fitted with the inner surface of the mounting through hole (410). The light incident surface of the light guide (100) is optically coupled to the light emitting component (300); and The second segment (102) is inserted into the light-emitting hole (220), or the second segment (102) is located inside the housing (200) and the light-emitting surface (112) is aligned with the light-emitting hole (220).

9. The transmitting probe according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transmitting probe also includes a sealing ring (500), wherein: In the longitudinal direction, the sealing ring (500) is accommodated within the housing (200) and located between the mounting member (400) and the light outlet (220); and In the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the sealing ring (500) is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the light guide (100) and the inner surface of the housing (200).

10. The transmitting probe according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the second segment (102) is inserted into the light-emitting hole (220), there is a gap between the outer side of the second segment (102) and the inner sidewall of the light-emitting hole (220).

11. The transmitting probe according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that, The mounting through hole (410) includes an interference section (411) and a constricted section (412), the constricted section (412) gradually narrowing toward the first side (10) of the housing (200), and the interference section (411) extending longitudinally from the smaller end of the constricted section (412), wherein: The plurality of thin protrusions (120) of the light guide (100) are interference-fitted with the inner surface of the interference section (411); and The light incident surface of the light guide (100) is located inside the constricted section (412) or closer to the second side (20) of the housing (200) than the constricted section (412).

12. The transmitting probe according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the light guide (100) is spaced apart from the inner surface of the mounting through hole (410); and / or The hardness of the mounting component (400) is less than the hardness of the light guide component (100); and / or The light incident surface of the light guide (100) is optically coupled to the light emitting component (300) through an air medium, and the distance between the light incident surface of the light guide (100) and the light emitting component (300) does not exceed 0.5 mm.

13. A functional near-infrared spectroscopy detection device, characterized in that, include: Host; as well as The transmitting probe according to any one of claims 8-12, wherein the host is connected to the optical emitting component (300) of the transmitting probe.

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