Anti-laser fluctuation near-end plug for fiber probe and imaging system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of for optical fiber probe's anti-laser fluctuation near-end plug, comprising: positioning plug sleeve, recess and guide hole are equipped in the positioning plug sleeve, optical fiber passes through the recess and guide hole, is placed in the positioning plug sleeve;Glass ferrule, the glass ferrule is hollow cylinder structure, is set in the recess, is set in the optical fiber outside. Because the material of glass ferrule and optical fiber core is all glass, the reflection of the reflection of the laser beam produced by two will not form "reflectivity mutation area", so the light disturbance of near-end plug end face to laser can be reduced or reduced.The utility model further provides a kind of including the probe formula confocal microscopic imaging system of the above for optical fiber probe's anti-laser fluctuation near-end plug.

Description

[Technical Field] This utility model relates to the field of probe-type confocal microscopy imaging systems, and in particular to a laser-resistant near-end plug for fiber optic probes and an imaging system thereof. Background Technology

[0001] A probe-type confocal microscopy system mainly consists of a confocal main unit and a fiber optic probe. The main unit is equipped with a fiber optic coupler, and the near-end plug of the fiber optic probe is inserted into the coupler, coupling the objective lens in the main unit with the fiber. The excitation laser from the main unit is scanned by a galvanometer to transform the point laser into a surface laser, which is then focused onto the end face of the near-end plug of the fiber optic probe by the objective lens. In existing technologies, the near-end plug of the fiber optic probe uses an all-metal ferrule to radially position the fiber. The significant difference in reflectivity between the metal ferrule and the fiber causes a "reflectivity abrupt change zone" in the scanning area of ​​the laser beam on the end face of the metal ferrule. When the laser beam alternately strikes the end face of the fiber and the end face of the metal ferrule during scanning, the difference in reflected laser intensity is large. The reflected light returns along the original optical path, forming an interference signal. This causes periodic or non-periodic fluctuations in the output power of the laser, severely affecting the stability of laser transmission and thus impacting the imaging quality of confocal imaging.

[0002] To address these issues, the industry has attempted to coat the end face of the metal ferrule with an anti-fault coating. However, the coating is prone to peeling off during frequent insertion, sterilization, and wiping, resulting in a short lifespan. Therefore, reducing or eliminating the impact of reflections generated when the laser beam enters the fiber bundle on the output power of the laser is an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides a laser-resistant near-end plug and imaging system for fiber optic probes, solving the aforementioned technical problems.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: A first aspect of this utility model provides a laser-wave-resistant near-end plug for an optical fiber probe, comprising: A positioning sleeve, wherein the positioning sleeve has a groove and a guide hole, and an optical fiber passes through the groove and the guide hole and is placed in the positioning sleeve; A glass ferrule, which is a hollow cylindrical structure, is disposed within the groove and fitted onto the outside of the optical fiber.

[0005] This utility model provides a laser fluctuation-resistant near-end plug for fiber optic probes. Since both the glass ferrule and the fiber core are made of glass, the reflection of the laser beam by the two will not form a "reflectivity abrupt change zone". Therefore, the light output disturbance of the near-end plug end to the laser can be reduced or minimized. In addition, the glass ferrule is a hollow cylindrical structure with a certain thickness, which has good impact resistance and anti-plugging performance, and can better adapt to the scenario of frequent plugging and unplugging of fiber optic probes.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment, the proximal end face of the glass insert is circular.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, the glass ferrule is made of the same material as the optical fiber core, and the positioning sleeve is made of a material that is harder than that of the glass ferrule.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the proximal end face of the glass insert is frosted.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the guide hole is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber, but smaller than the inner diameter of the glass ferrule, and the difference between the diameter of the guide hole, the inner diameter of the glass ferrule, and the diameter of the optical fiber is no more than 0.1 mm.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the length of the guide hole is greater than the thickness of the glass insert.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the positioning sleeve is further provided with a fixing hole adjacent to the guide hole, the optical fiber passes through the fixing hole, and the optical fiber and the fixing hole are provided with a sleeve.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the glass insert is greater than the length of the major axis of the proximal end face of the glass insert.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the positioning sleeve is provided with a positioning step, and there is adhesive between each pair of adjacent optical fibers, glass ferrules, and positioning sleeves.

[0014] A second aspect of this utility model provides a probe-type confocal microscopy imaging system, including an optical fiber coupler and an optical fiber probe, wherein the optical fiber probe includes any of the aforementioned anti-laser fluctuation near-end plugs for optical fiber probes, and the anti-laser fluctuation near-end plugs for optical fiber probes are inserted into the optical fiber coupler.

[0015] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of the utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments of the present utility model are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This utility model provides a structural schematic diagram of a laser fluctuation-resistant near-end plug for fiber optic probes; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the laser-resistant near-end plug used for fiber optic probes. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described in this specification are merely for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0019] This utility model provides a laser-wave-resistant near-end plug for fiber optic probes, comprising: Positioning sleeve 1, wherein the positioning sleeve 1 is provided with a groove 101 and a guide hole 102, and the optical fiber 2 passes through the groove and the guide hole and is placed in the positioning sleeve; Specifically, the positioning sleeve has a groove for placing the glass ferrule; the positioning sleeve also has a guide hole for placing the optical fiber, which guides the optical fiber during the fabrication of the optical fiber probe.

[0020] The glass ferrule 3 is a hollow cylindrical structure, disposed within the groove 101, and fitted over the outer surface of the optical fiber 2. Specifically, the glass ferrule is designed as a hollow structure to fit over the optical fiber; and as a cylindrical structure to provide sufficient thickness for better impact resistance and insertion / removal resistance.

[0021] This utility model provides a laser fluctuation-resistant near-end plug for fiber optic probes. Since both the glass ferrule and the fiber core are made of glass, the reflection of the laser beam by the two will not form a "reflectivity abrupt change zone". Therefore, the light output disturbance of the near-end plug end to the laser can be reduced or minimized. In addition, the glass ferrule is a hollow cylindrical structure with a certain thickness, which has good impact resistance and anti-plugging performance, and can better adapt to the scenario of frequent plugging and unplugging of fiber optic probes.

[0022] Furthermore, the proximal end face 301 of the glass insert is circular.

[0023] Specifically, the near-end face of the glass ferrule is circular. This is primarily to facilitate better alignment between the laser scanning area of ​​the confocal imaging system (via the galvanometer) and the end face of the ferrule. When aligning the end faces, orientation is not a concern; the ferrule's end face simply needs to cover the galvanometer's laser scanning area. It is only necessary to ensure that the center of the laser scanning area and the center of the ferrule's end face are collinear in the horizontal direction. If the design were non-circular, the plug would have to be installed strictly according to the laser scanning area, which would be inconvenient.

[0024] Furthermore, the glass ferrule is made of the same material as the optical fiber core, and the positioning sleeve is made of a harder material than the glass ferrule.

[0025] Specifically, the glass ferrule is made of the same material as the fiber optic core, ensuring that the reflectivity produced by the laser at the end face of the fiber optic probe is the same, thus avoiding the "reflectivity abrupt change zone." The positioning sleeve is made of a harder material than the glass ferrule to better meet usage requirements. Because the near-end plug and confocal unit are designed for removable installation—the near-end plug is inserted during use and removed when not in use—using a harder material for the positioning sleeve better protects the glass ferrule and fiber optic cable, and also increases the overall strength and durability of the near-end plug.

[0026] Furthermore, the proximal end face of the glass insert is frosted.

[0027] Specifically, the near end face of the glass insert is frosted, which can further reduce the reflection effect and thus reduce the impact of reflection on the excitation light.

[0028] Furthermore, the diameter of the guide hole is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber, but smaller than the inner diameter of the glass ferrule, and the difference between the diameter of the guide hole, the inner diameter of the glass ferrule, and the diameter of the optical fiber is no greater than 0.1 mm.

[0029] Specifically, because the probe-type confocal microscopy imaging system is a precision imaging system with micron-level accuracy, the precision requirements for the fit of each component are extremely high. The guide hole, as the core registration component between the optical fiber and the near-end plug, has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the glass ferrule. The difference between the diameter of the guide hole, the inner diameter of the glass ferrule, and the diameter of the optical fiber is no more than 0.1 mm, thus achieving precise radial positioning of the optical fiber by the guide hole. For example, if the optical fiber diameter is 0.63 mm, in one specific embodiment, the diameter of the guide hole can be 0.64 mm, and the inner diameter of the glass ferrule can be 0.65 mm; in another specific embodiment, the diameter of the guide hole can be 0.65 mm, and the inner diameter of the glass ferrule can be 0.68 mm.

[0030] Furthermore, the positioning sleeve is also provided with a fixing hole 103 adjacent to the guide hole 102, the optical fiber passes through the fixing hole, and the optical fiber and the fixing hole are provided with a sleeve.

[0031] Specifically, because the optical fiber of the fiber optic probe has a small diameter and a long length, in order to better prevent fiber breakage or achieve other functional protections (such as biocompatibility, corrosion prevention, etc.), a sleeve can be installed on the outside of the optical fiber and then it can be fixed in the fixing hole.

[0032] Furthermore, the thickness of the glass insert is greater than the length of the major axis of the proximal end face of the glass insert.

[0033] Specifically, the thickness of the glass ferrule refers to its axial length after installation. When the thickness of the glass ferrule is greater than the length of the major axis of its proximal end face, it facilitates clamping and flipping of the glass ferrule during the fabrication of the fiber optic probe. Since the proximal end face of the glass ferrule in this embodiment is circular, its major axis is the diameter of the circle.

[0034] Furthermore, the positioning sleeve 1 is provided with a positioning step 104.

[0035] Specifically, the positioning step allows for more accurate installation of the near-end plug into the fiber optic coupler.

[0036] Furthermore, there is adhesive between each pair of adjacent optical fibers, glass ferrules, and positioning sleeves.

[0037] Specifically, adhesive is applied between adjacent optical fibers and glass ferrules, between adjacent glass ferrules and the grooves of the positioning sleeve, and between adjacent optical fibers and the positioning sleeve to serve a fixing function.

[0038] This invention also provides a probe-type confocal microscopy imaging system, including a fiber optic coupler and a fiber optic probe. The fiber optic probe includes the aforementioned anti-laser fluctuation near-end plug for the fiber optic probe, which is inserted into the fiber optic coupler. This probe-type confocal microscopy imaging system, because it uses the anti-laser fluctuation near-end plug for the fiber optic probe provided by this invention, can effectively avoid the "reflectivity abrupt change zone" caused when the laser beam is focused at the near-end face of the fiber optic probe.

[0039] This invention is not limited to the description in the specification and embodiments. Therefore, other advantages and modifications can be readily realized by those skilled in the art. Thus, without departing from the spirit and scope of the general concept as defined by the claims and their equivalents, this invention is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and illustrated examples shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A laser-wave-resistant near-end plug for fiber optic probes, characterized in that, include: A positioning sleeve is provided with a groove and a guide hole, and an optical fiber passes through the groove and the guide hole and is placed in the positioning sleeve. A glass ferrule, which is a hollow cylindrical structure, is disposed within the groove and fitted onto the outside of the optical fiber.

2. The laser-resistant near-end plug for an optical fiber probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The near end face of the glass insert is circular.

3. The anti-laser fluctuation near-end plug for fiber optic probes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The glass ferrule is made of the same material as the optical fiber core, and the positioning sleeve is made of a harder material than the glass ferrule.

4. The anti-laser fluctuation near-end plug for fiber optic probes according to claim 3, characterized in that, The near end face of the glass insert is frosted.

5. The laser-resistant near-end plug for an optical fiber probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the guide hole is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber, but smaller than the inner diameter of the glass ferrule, and the difference between the diameter of the guide hole, the inner diameter of the glass ferrule, and the diameter of the optical fiber is no greater than 0.1 mm.

6. The laser-resistant near-end plug for an optical fiber probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The length of the guide hole is greater than the thickness of the glass insert.

7. The laser-resistant near-end plug for an optical fiber probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The positioning sleeve is also provided with a fixing hole adjacent to the guide hole. The optical fiber passes through the fixing hole, and the optical fiber and the fixing hole are provided with sleeves.

8. The laser-resistant near-end plug for an optical fiber probe according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The thickness of the glass insert is greater than the length of the major axis of the proximal end face of the glass insert.

9. The laser-resistant near-end plug for an optical fiber probe according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The positioning sleeve is provided with a positioning step, and there is adhesive between each pair of adjacent optical fiber, glass ferrule, and positioning sleeve.

10. An imaging system, characterized in that, The device includes an optical fiber coupler and an optical fiber probe, wherein the optical fiber probe includes a laser-resistant near-end plug for the optical fiber probe as described in any one of claims 1-9, and the laser-resistant near-end plug for the optical fiber probe is inserted into the optical fiber coupler.

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