Remote sensing mechanism device

Abstract

The invention relates to a remote sensing mechanism device comprising a primary light source for emitting primary light at a specific wavelength, an optical waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end and configured to transfer the primary light from the proximal end to the distal end and to transfer secondary light, caused at the distal end by the primary light and preferably at a different wavelength, back to the proximal end, a light receiver / output unit arranged at the distal end of the optical waveguide and serving to receive the primary light from the distal end and output the secondary light to the distal end of the optical waveguide, and a secondary light receiver arranged at the proximal end of the optical waveguide and serving to receive the secondary light from the proximal end of the optical waveguide, wherein the optical waveguide has a numerical aperture of greater than 0.5.

Description

[0001] SCHOTT AG 1 14.03.2023

[0002] P05801 WO

[0003] Remote sensor device

[0004] The invention relates to a remote sensor device comprising an optical fiber with a proximal and a distal end, a primary light source arranged at the proximal end, and a unit arranged at the distal end for receiving the primary light and emitting secondary light for retransmission to the proximal end. A light receiving / emitting unit or sensor unit located at the distal end can in principle serve or contribute to the detection of various measured variables. For example, a measurement of magnetic fields, conductivities, temperatures, or oxygen saturations can be enabled or supported.

[0005] Depending on the application, different requirements may apply to the optical fiber. For example, the diameter or materials of the light-conducting cores or surrounding cladding layers, or even the properties of a bundle, such as a bundle of individual fibers or tubes with different refractive indices, can be selected appropriately. Depending on the application, certain conditions must also be observed, such as flexibility and dimensions. In some fields, particularly medical applications, miniaturization is often desirable.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a remote sensor device which enables optimization for the respective requirements of various distal light receiving / emitting or sensor units and in particular allows miniaturization.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention discloses a remote sensor device with a primary light source, an optical fiber and a light receiving / emitting unit.

[0008] The primary light source is configured to emit primary light having a first wavelength. The optical fiber has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured to transmit the primary light from the proximal end to the distal end and / or to retransmit secondary light having a second wavelength, generated at the distal end by the primary light, to the proximal end.

[0009] At the distal end of the optical fiber is the light receiving / emitting unit for receiving the primary light, in particular from the distal end, and for emitting the secondary light to the distal end of the optical fiber.

[0010] At the proximal end of the optical fiber, there is preferably also a secondary light receiver for receiving the retransmitted secondary light from the proximal end of the optical fiber. The secondary light receiver is, in particular, a detector for the secondary light and can be designed, for example, as a photodiode or, for example, as an imaging area detector.

[0011] In particular, it is provided that the optical waveguide has a numerical aperture which is greater than 0.4 or preferably greater than 0.5 or greater than 0.6. This advantageously enables a relatively high light collection efficiency while at the same time maintaining small dimensions, which enables optimization of the requirements for the light capture / emission or sensor unit for various applications.

[0012] In the context of this disclosure, the numerical aperture (NA) of the optical waveguide refers to the sine of the acceptance angle α of the optical waveguide, i.e., the sine of half the aperture angle of the optical waveguide. This corresponds to the formula NA = nsina for n=l. The statement that the optical waveguide, in particular, has a numerical aperture that is greater than 0.4, or preferably greater than 0.5 or greater than 0.6, thus corresponds to the statement that the optical waveguide has an acceptance angle α that is greater than 23.6°, or preferably greater than 30.0° or greater than 36.9°.

[0013] In case the optical waveguide comprises at least one glass fiber with a core and a cladding, in particular a step index fiber, the numerical aperture can also be specified as WA = where n Kern the refractive index of the core and n Mantet the refractive index of the cladding.

[0014] As described, the primary light comprises at least a first wavelength, and the secondary light comprises at least a second wavelength. The second wavelength is, in particular, a wavelength that differs from the first wavelength. However, with reference to specific embodiments, it should not be ruled out that the first and second wavelengths are identical. The primary light, like the secondary light, can of course also be configured as a spectrum.

[0015] The light reception / emission unit is designed in particular as a sensor unit and / or interaction unit, wherein the light reception / emission unit emits the secondary light after or during irradiation of the primary light and in this context enables a determination of a measured variable. However, it should not be ruled out that an interaction of the primary light also occurs outside the light reception / emission unit, for example in a tissue to be examined. In this respect, the light reception / emission unit can in one embodiment also be designed to receive secondary light generated outside the device and to emit this in turn to the distal end of the optical waveguide or, if necessary, also to emit it as tertiary light to the distal end of the optical waveguide after a further process.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the optical waveguide can be designed as a so-called Anderson waveguide or TAL waveguide. In particular, the optical waveguide can be configured to transmit the primary light and / or the secondary light transversally in a localized manner, in particular to transmit it transversally with spatial resolution, whereby the optical waveguide can also be designed as an image guide.

[0017] Transversely localized transmission has the particular advantage that less excitation light or primary light is required, potentially allowing a lower background scatter, and / or minimizing the unused excitation light or primary light, which might otherwise be emitted into the sample space. This enables excitation with primary light in a sometimes small area, while, on the other hand, secondary light can be absorbed over a larger cross-section.

[0018] The optical waveguide can in particular comprise a plurality of structural elements, each of which extends from the proximal to the distal end and also proportionally over the cross section of the optical waveguide, such that a plurality of cross-sectional regions is defined in the cross section of the waveguide, each of which corresponds to the cross section of an individual structural element.

[0019] Structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, are preferably arranged unevenly in such a way that a transverse Anderson localization of the primary light and / or the secondary light is effected.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the light absorption / emission unit at the distal end of the optical fiber comprises a material that allows absorption of the primary light and emission of the secondary light. For example, the material can enable coherent processes such as frequency doubling.

[0021] In particular, the light absorption / emission unit at the distal end of the optical waveguide comprises a stimulable material having an electronic structure that enables excitation by the primary light and decay with emission of the secondary light. The excitation can preferably be enabled by primary light with a wavelength between 200 nm and 20 pm. Alternatively or additionally, the decay can preferably be enabled by emission of secondary light with a wavelength between 200 nm and 20 pm.

[0022] The energetic states are preferably designed in such a way that an external measurement variable can be measured with the aid of the received secondary light, for example an external measurement variable from the group comprising a magnetic field, a conductivity, a temperature, a quantity of substance or a concentration of substance, e.g. an oxygen saturation.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the light receiving / emitting unit at the distal end of the optical waveguide comprises a diamond with one or more nitrogen vacancy centers as excitable material, which has an electronic structure that enables excitation by the primary light and decay with emission of the secondary light.

[0024] Excitation can preferably be enabled by primary light with a wavelength between 500 nm and 560 nm, e.g., 532 nm. Alternatively or additionally, decay can preferably be enabled by emitting secondary light with a wavelength between 600 nm and 800 nm.

[0025] The energetic states are preferably designed such that an external magnetic field can be measured with the aid of the received secondary light, in particular with the aid of a splitting and / or energy shift of spectral lines under the influence of the external magnetic field, preferably under irradiation with microwaves. The light absorption / emission unit, in particular the diamond, can also comprise further or other centers, in particular as excitable material, e.g. one or more elements of the carbon-silicon group (the fourth main group). For example, the light absorption / emission unit, in particular the diamond, can comprise one or more of the following elements: Si, Ge, Sn, Pb.

[0026] The excitation can preferably also be carried out by primary light with a wavelength between 708 nm and 768 nm, particularly for Si. The excitation can preferably also be carried out by primary light with a wavelength between 572 nm and 632 nm, particularly for Ge. The excitation can preferably also be carried out by primary light with a wavelength between 590 nm and 650 nm, particularly for Sn. The excitation can preferably also be carried out by primary light with a wavelength between 490 nm and 550 nm and / or between 522 nm and 582 nm, particularly for Pb.

[0027] Preferably, the optical waveguide has a low intrinsic fluorescence at the wavelength of the primary light and / or the secondary light.

[0028] In a further development, excitation with primary light comprising more than one wavelength, in particular comprising a spectrum, can also be provided.

[0029] The optical waveguide preferably has a high average refractive index in order to increase the angle of total reflection at the transition to the light absorption / emission unit, in particular the diamond (n=2.4). In a further development of the invention, spatially limited absorption of the primary light can be provided, in particular when the primary light is transmitted in a transversely localized manner. This can enable, for example, a gradient field measurement.

[0030] In particular, the light absorption / emission unit, the nitrogen vacancy center(s) and / or the excitable material can be arranged at the distal end of the optical waveguide in such a way that a spatially limited absorption of the primary light, in particular a spatially limited excitation by the primary light, is made possible when a transversely localized transmission of primary light through the optical waveguide takes place.

[0031] It can also be provided that the light absorption / emission unit, in particular the diamond, has a reflector for deflecting the primary light and / or the secondary light, e.g. a bevel and / or a coating, in particular such that a spatially limited absorption of the primary light perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal end of the optical fiber is possible. Furthermore, the reflector can serve to deflect the portion of the secondary light that is not emitted towards the distal end.

[0032] In a further development, more complex optical configurations of the interaction zone can also be provided, e.g. lenses, a microlens array and / or parabolic mirrors. The light absorption / emission unit, in particular the

[0033] Diamond, can be mechanically connected to the distal end of the

[0034] optical fiber. In other words, the light absorption / emission unit, in particular the diamond, can be firmly attached to the distal end of the optical fiber.

[0035] The light absorption / emission unit, in particular the diamond, preferably extends over at least 50% of the cross section of the distal end of the optical waveguide, particularly preferably over at least 75% of the cross section of the distal end of the optical waveguide.

[0036] The nitrogen vacancy centers or the stimulable material are preferably arranged only in a spatial partial region of the light absorption / emission unit or of the diamond, for example in a radially inner partial region which is surrounded by a radially outer partial region without stimulable material or without nitrogen vacancy centers.

[0037] Preferably, a reflector for deflecting the primary light and / or the secondary light is provided in the radially outer portion of the light receiving / emitting unit or of the diamond, e.g. a chamfer and / or a coating.

[0038] The reflector can preferably redirect secondary light, in particular radially emitted secondary light, toward the distal end of the optical waveguide in order to increase the light collection efficiency of the optical waveguide. Alternatively or additionally, the reflector can also redirect primary light, in particular transversely localized primary light, toward the nitrogen vacancy centers or the excitable material.

[0039] The light absorption / emission unit, in particular the diamond, the nitrogen vacancy center(s) and / or the excitable material, can be arranged at the distal end of the optical waveguide in such a way that at least 0.5%, preferably at least 5% of the secondary light can be coupled into the optical waveguide at the distal end, in particular after deflection by the bevel or the reflector.

[0040] The light absorption / emission unit, in particular the nitrogen vacancy center(s) and / or the excitable material, can be arranged only over a partial area of ​​the cross section of the distal end of the optical waveguide, preferably over a partial area of ​​less than 50% of the cross-sectional area, particularly preferably over a partial area of ​​less than 25% of the cross-sectional area.

[0041] The optical fiber may have a cross-section between 30pm and 5000pm, preferably between 50pm and 3000pm.

[0042] The optical fiber can have a length between 10mm and 10000mm, preferably between 50mm and 2000mm.

[0043] The optical waveguide can be at least partially flexible and / or at least partially rigid or semi-rigid. In a further development of the invention, a tapered optical waveguide can also be provided.

[0044] Furthermore, in a further development, the optical waveguide can have a cross-section which is smaller than the cross-section of the stimulable material, in particular in order to prevent primary light from passing past the stimulable material into the light absorption / emission unit.

[0045] Preferably, the optical waveguide has a transmission of at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, for a wavelength of 532nm.

[0046] Furthermore, the optical waveguide preferably has a transmission of at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, for a wavelength in the range between 600nm and 800nm.

[0047] The optical fiber can have an attenuation of less than 50 dB / m, in particular less than 10 dB / m, in particular less than 1 dB / m, for a wavelength of 532 nm and / or for a wavelength in the range between 600 nm and 800 nm.

[0048] The optical waveguide is preferably polarization-maintaining. The optical waveguide may be non-magnetic.

[0049] The optical waveguide can comprise at least two different types of structural elements, namely a first type with a first refractive index and a second type with a second refractive index. The difference between the refractive indices is preferably greater than 0.05, in particular greater than 0.1, in particular greater than 0.2, in particular greater than 0.5.

[0050] A plurality of structural elements of the first type and a plurality of structural elements of the second type can be included, wherein the structural elements of the first type are designed as bodies, in particular rod-shaped or tubular, with or made of a first medium, wherein the first medium has the first refractive index, wherein the structural elements of the second type are designed as bodies, in particular rod-shaped or tubular, with or made of a second medium, wherein the second medium has the second refractive index or wherein the structural elements of the second type are designed as cavities in the structural elements of the first type, wherein the cavities preferably form the second refractive index.

[0051] It can also comprise a structural element of the first type and a plurality of structural elements of the second type, wherein the structural element of the first type is designed as a, in particular monolithic, base body with or made of a first medium, wherein the first medium has the first refractive index, and wherein the structural elements of the second type are designed as cavities in the base body, wherein the cavities preferably form the second refractive index.

[0052] As already described, the structural elements, particularly their cross-sectional regions, can be arranged irregularly to effect transverse Anderson localization of the primary light and / or the secondary light. The structural elements can, for example, be arranged in a truly random manner. Alternatively, the irregularity can be determined by a predetermined rule.

[0053] For example, the structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, may have an uneven arrangement which is clearly defined by a predetermined rule, wherein the uneven arrangement which is clearly defined by the predetermined rule is formed

[0054] (a) as a periodic positioning of structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, wherein the periodically positioned structural elements have a variation among themselves which is non-uniform but clearly determined by a predetermined rule, wherein the variation of the periodically positioned structural elements among themselves is preferably formed as a variation of the type of structural elements, the refractive index of the structural elements and / or the geometry (e.g. the shape, the diameter and / or the substructure) of the structural elements,

[0055] (b) as an aperiodic positioning of structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, wherein the aperiodic positions of the structural elements are non-uniform but clearly defined by a predetermined rule, wherein optionally the structural elements additionally have a variation among themselves which is non-uniform but clearly defined by a predetermined rule, and / or (c) as a positioning of structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, on periodic positions, wherein some of the periodic positions are occupied and some of the periodic positions are unoccupied and the occupancy is clearly defined by a predetermined rule, wherein optionally the structural elements additionally have a variation among themselves which is non-uniform but clearly defined by a predetermined rule.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, the remote sensor device comprises a microwave generator and / or a microwave antenna for irradiating microwaves onto the light receiving / emitting unit, in particular the diamond, the nitrogen vacancy center(s) and / or the excitable material.

[0057] The remote sensor device preferably comprises an evaluation unit for evaluating the secondary light received by the secondary light receiver in order to determine the external measured variable using the received secondary light.

[0058] The invention further relates to a remote sensor unit with an optical fiber and a light receiving / emitting unit.

[0059] The optical waveguide has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured to transmit primary light from the proximal end to the distal end and / or to retransmit secondary light, preferably with a different wavelength, caused at the distal end by the primary light to the proximal end. Located at the distal end of the optical waveguide is the light receiving / emitting unit for receiving the primary light, in particular from the distal end, and for emitting the secondary light to the distal end of the optical waveguide.

[0060] In particular, it is provided that the optical waveguide has a numerical aperture which is greater than 0.4 or preferably greater than 0.5 or greater than 0.6.

[0061] The remote sensor unit may further comprise one or more of the features described above in connection with the remote sensor device.

[0062] The optical waveguide of the remote sensor unit and / or the remote sensor device is preferably designed to transmit the primary light from the proximal end to the distal end. However, it can alternatively also be provided that the primary light reaches the distal end and thus to the light reception / emission unit in another way, for example by the primary light being guided as a free beam or via another supply fiber to the light reception / emission unit at the distal end of the optical waveguide. The remote sensor unit and / or the remote sensor device can therefore comprise a further supply waveguide which is designed to guide the primary light to the distal end of the optical waveguide.

[0063] Furthermore, the invention relates to an endoscope comprising a remote sensor device or a remote sensor unit as described above. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. In the figures:

[0064] Fig. 1: a schematic representation of the distal end of an optical waveguide with a light receiving / emitting unit applied to the distal end, which receives primary light in the axial direction,

[0065] Fig. 2: a schematic representation of the distal end of an optical waveguide with a light receiving / emitting unit mechanically applied to the distal end, which receives primary light in the radial direction,

[0066] Fig. 3: schematic illustration of various possibilities for optical waveguides with irregularly formed structural elements or their cross-sectional regions, but clearly defined by a predetermined rule,

[0067] Fig. 4: schematic illustration of various aspects for variations among structural elements or their cross-sectional regions and possibilities for combinations of these aspects,

[0068] Fig. 5: schematic illustration of exemplary possibilities for optical waveguides with irregularly formed structural elements or their cross-sectional regions, which are clearly defined by a predetermined rule, wherein the waveguides each comprise a structural element of a first type and a plurality of structural elements of a second type and possibly further types,

[0069] Fig. 6: schematic illustration of various possibilities for waveguides with irregularly formed structural elements or their cross-sectional regions, which are clearly defined by a predetermined rule, wherein the waveguides each comprise a plurality of structural elements of a first type and a plurality of structural elements of a second type and possibly further types,

[0070] Fig . 7 : schematic perspective views of an optical waveguide with two types of structural elements whose cross-sectional areas are arranged unevenly distributed on a grid .

[0071] Fig. 8: a schematic representation of the distal end of an optical waveguide with a light receiving / emitting unit with stimulable material applied to the distal end, which extends transversely over the entire width of the optical waveguide.

[0072] Fig. 1 shows the distal end of an optical waveguide 1 to which a light absorption / emission unit 2 is mechanically applied. The light absorption / emission unit 2 comprises stimulable material 20 which, during operation, receives the primary light 3 transmitted through the optical waveguide 1 and emits the secondary light 4. In the example shown, the light absorption / emission unit 2 is designed as a diamond and the stimulable material 20 is designed as a partial region of the diamond in which one or more nitrogen vacancy centers (NV centers) are located. An NV center is characterized in that in the diamond lattice one carbon atom is replaced by a nitrogen atom (N) and another, neighboring carbon atom is missing (V).

[0073] The excitation is carried out by primary light 3 with a wavelength of, for example, 532 nm or a wavelength between 515 nm and 550 nm. The secondary light 4 can have a wavelength between 600 nm and 800 nm. The optical waveguide 1 is therefore preferably selected such that for a wavelength of 532 nm and for a wavelength in the range between 600 nm and 800 nm there is a transmission of at least 50%, preferably of at least 70%, over the length of the optical waveguide 1.

[0074] In this exemplary embodiment, the NV centers, or the stimulable material 20, is arranged in a locally limited manner in the light absorption / emission unit 2. In this example, the stimulable material 20 is arranged transversely over a width B that is less than the width of the optical waveguide 1, in particular less than 40% or less than 30% thereof. The stimulable material 20 is thus only transversely limited in a locally limited manner in the light absorption / emission unit 2, here the diamond.

[0075] Since the optical waveguide 1 in this embodiment is designed as an Anderson waveguide, the primary light 3 can be transmitted in a transversely localized manner. This makes it possible to excite the stimulable material 20, which is arranged transversely only in a locally limited manner, with transversely localized transmitted primary light 3, wherein the transverse position of the primary light 3 corresponds to that of the stimulable material 3. The reception of the primary light 3 by the stimulable material occurs in the axial direction.

[0076] However, the excitable material 20 emits the secondary light 4 in various directions, e.g., also in the radial direction. Due to the relatively high numerical aperture of the optical waveguide 1, which in this case is greater than 0.5, a high light collection efficiency with respect to the secondary light 4 can be achieved.

[0077] To further increase the light collection efficiency, the light absorption / emission unit 2, in this case the diamond, is provided with a reflective coating 22 applied to its outer surface. Furthermore, the light absorption / emission unit 2, in this case the diamond, has a circumferential bevel 24 for redirecting the secondary light, which can also be provided with the coating 22.

[0078] Fig. 2 shows the distal end of an optical waveguide 1 as in Fig. 1, wherein here the transverse position of the primary light 3 deviates from that of the transversely locally limited arranged stimulable material 20. In particular, the transverse position of the primary light 3 can lie in the region of the reflector or the circumferential bevel 24 of the light absorption / emission unit 2. The stimulable material 20 can therefore be excited in a spatially limited manner in the axial direction (i.e. perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal end of the optical waveguide). It is therefore possible for the stimulable material 20 extending over the height H to be excited only over part of this height H, so that a gradient field measurement is enabled.

[0079] With reference to Figs. 3 to 6, various manifestations of a possible non-uniformity of the structural elements of the optical waveguide will be discussed again below by way of example. As described, the structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, can be characterized, on the one hand, by a non-uniformity relative to one another, and, on the other hand, by a regularity such that the non-uniformity of the structural elements is clearly predetermined, in particular, is deterministic and / or reproducible and does not follow randomly.

[0080] For example, the structural elements or their cross-sectional regions may have a non-uniform arrangement which is clearly defined by a predetermined rule, may have non-uniform geometries with respect to one another which are clearly defined by a predetermined rule and / or may have non-uniform refractive indices with respect to one another which are clearly defined by the predetermined rule.

[0081] Fig. 3 uses a tree diagram to show various possibilities for realizing a non-uniform arrangement which is clearly defined by a predetermined rule. In Fig. 3a, a structural element 10a is shown as the starting point, which can be designed, for example, as a matrix material (it is also possible for the structural element 10a to be designed as air or to be absent). Figure 3b shows a further starting point derived therefrom, with the structural element 10a and a large number of periodic positions P for occupying structural elements, which then have a periodic positioning. Figure 3d shows a further starting point derived from Fig. 3a, with the structural element 10a and a large number of aperiodic positions P for occupying structural elements in order to achieve aperiodic positioning. Starting from the positions shown in Fig.3b and 3d, waveguides according to the invention are obtained by occupying the positions P with structural elements, as will be described in more detail below.

[0082] Starting from Fig. 3b, Fig. 3c shows a waveguide 1 with structural elements 10b, 10c whose cross-sectional regions have a periodic positioning and / or lie at periodic positions. The waveguide shown in Fig. 3c has three types of structural elements 10a, 10b, 10c, each of which can have a different refractive index. For example, the structural element 10a can be formed as a matrix material, and the structural elements 10b and 10c can be cavities in the matrix material that are filled with materials of different refractive indices.

[0083] However, it is also possible that one of the materials of the structural elements 10b and 10c corresponds to the matrix material of the structural element 10a, or that the (filled) cavities corresponding to these structural elements are missing in the matrix material (see Fig. 5a below). It is also possible that the structural element 10a is formed as air or is absent, and the structural elements 10b and 10c adjoin one another (see Fig. 6a below).

[0084] The waveguide 1 shown in Fig. 3c has structural elements 10b, 10c with a periodic positioning. The structural elements 10b, 10c are, however, of different types and the allocation of the different types on the regular grating is non-uniform, but determined by a predetermined rule. In particular, the variation of the structural elements 10b, 10c among one another is non-uniform, but determined by a predetermined rule. The structural elements 10b, 10c can in particular be described as deterministically disordered. Fig. 3c thus shows a case of a waveguide 1, wherein the structural elements or their cross-sectional regions have a non-uniform arrangement which is clearly defined by a predetermined rule. The term arrangement is to be understood here to mean that the selection orOccupancy of the different types of structural elements 10b, 10c on the respective periodic positions is uneven, but is determined by the predetermined rule, i.e. is not random.

[0085] It is also possible that the structural elements 10b, 10c do not differ in terms of their refractive indices, i.e., they have the same refractive index or are made of the same material, but vary in other aspects (see Fig. 4 below). It is also possible that the structural elements 10b, 10c differ both in terms of their refractive indices and in other aspects.

[0086] Starting from Fig. 3d, Fig. 3e shows a waveguide 1 with two types of structural elements, namely the structural element 10a, which can be formed, for example, as a matrix material, and a plurality of structural elements 10b, which can be formed, for example, as, in particular filled, cavities in the matrix material. The cross-sectional regions of the structural elements 10b are positioned aperiodically in this case. The positioning of the structural elements 10b can now represent the non-uniformity, which is determined by a predetermined rule. In particular, the structural elements 10b of the second type can have non-uniform positions, which are however determined by a predetermined rule. Fig. 3e thus shows a case of a waveguide 1, wherein the structural elements or their cross-sectional regions have a non-uniform arrangement, which is clearly determined by a predetermined rule.The term “arrangement” is to be understood here to mean that the structural elements or some of them or their cross-sectional regions are positioned aperiodically, the positions being determined by the predetermined rule and therefore not being random. In the case of Fig. 3e, it is provided in particular that the structural elements 10b of the second type have a uniform refractive index, have uniform geometries and / or are of uniform design with regard to further aspects, in particular are of identical design. In this case, one can speak of a uniform occupancy of the aperiodic positions. Fig. 3f, on the other hand, starting from Fig. 3d, shows a waveguide 1 in which an aperiodic positioning of structural elements with simultaneously different types of structural elements 10b, 10c is provided.In this case, the irregularity, which is clearly defined by a predetermined rule, can lie in the aperiodic positioning of the structural elements 10b, 10c or in the occupancy, i.e. the variation of the structural elements 10b, 10c among each other, or in both the positioning and the occupancy.

[0087] Fig. 4 shows various possible variations that structural elements can have among each other (middle row) as well as exemplary, non-exhaustive, possible combinations of the variations (lower targets). The variations shown can be used in particular for an occupation of positions with structural elements which is irregularly formed but is clearly defined by a predetermined rule. Structural elements whose cross-sectional regions are localized at periodic or aperiodic positions, e.g. within a matrix material, can, for example, vary among each other in terms of their shape, vary in terms of their type or refractive index, vary in terms of their substructure and / or vary in terms of their rotation (and / or local position).

[0088] For example, variations in the geometries of the structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, can be formed as variations in the shape (number of corners, diameter). Variations in the geometry can also be formed as variations in the substructure. A substructure can, in particular, consist in a structural element, in particular its cross-sectional region, having at least two different regions with different refractive indices, in particular a core and a surrounding cladding (core-cladding system).

[0089] In combination, for example, a first type of structural element can have a polygonal shell and / or a polygonal core, and a second type of structural element can have a round shell and a polygonal core (bottom row, first column). These two types of structural elements can then be used, for example, to occupy periodic or aperiodic positions.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, a first type of structural element can have a first refractive index and a first diameter and a second type of structural element can have a second refractive index and a second diameter (bottom row, second column); or a first type of structural element can have a core-cladding system with a core having a first diameter and a second type of structural element can have a core-cladding system with a core having a second diameter (bottom row, third column); or a first type of structural element can have a core-cladding system with a core having a first refractive index and a second type of structural element can have a core-cladding system with a core having a second refractive index (bottom row, fourth column);or a first type of structural element has a first diameter and a rotation about a pivot point outside the structural element and a second type of structural element has a second diameter and a rotation about a pivot point outside the structural element (bottom row, fifth column), or a first type of structural element is a core-shell system with a centered core and a second type of structural element is a core-shell system with a core with a rotation about a pivot point outside the core (bottom row, sixth column), and the like.;

[0091] Fig. 5a shows a waveguide 1 which is comparable in some aspects to the waveguide from Fig. 3c. The waveguide has a first structural element 10a which can be formed, for example, as a matrix material. Furthermore, the waveguide has a multiplicity of structural elements 10b which can be formed, for example, as filamented cavities in the matrix material. The structural elements 10b are located at periodic locations, but not all periodic locations are occupied by a structural element. Fig. 5a thus shows a case of a waveguide 1 in which the structural elements or their cross-sectional regions have a non-uniform arrangement which is clearly defined by a predetermined rule. The term arrangement is to be understood here to mean that the or some of the structural elements orwhose cross-sectional regions lie on periodic places, whereby some of the periodic places are occupied and some of the periodic places are unoccupied and the occupancy is clearly determined by a predetermined rule, i.e. is not random.

[0092] Fig. 5b shows a waveguide 1 which is comparable in some aspects to the waveguide from Fig. 3f. The waveguide has a first structural element 10a which can be formed, for example, as a matrix material. Furthermore, the waveguide has a plurality of structural elements 10b with a first diameter and a plurality of structural elements 10c with a second diameter. In this example, the structural elements are positioned aperiodically, wherein the aperiodic positioning can be non-uniform but clearly defined by a predetermined rule. Fig. 5b thus shows a case of a waveguide 1, wherein the structural elements or their cross-sectional regions have a non-uniform arrangement which is clearly defined by a predetermined rule. The term arrangement is to be understood here to mean that the or some of the structural elements orwhose cross-sectional regions are positioned aperiodically, wherein the aperiodic positions are determined by the predetermined rule, i.e. are not random and / or wherein the structural elements have a variation among themselves which is non-uniform but clearly determined by a predetermined rule, wherein the variation is formed as two types of structural elements, e.g. with different diameters.

[0093] Fig. 6 shows some waveguides 1, each with a plurality of structural elements of a first type and a plurality of structural elements of a second type (and sometimes further types in Fig. 6d). The waveguides 1 shown here in particular do not have any matrix material, but rather the structural elements border one another. The waveguides 1 shown in Fig. 6 have in common that the structural elements of the different types, in particular their cross-sectional regions, are periodically positioned, but the occupancy of the periodic positions with the types of structural elements is non-uniform, but clearly defined by a predetermined rule. The waveguides 1 shown in Fig. 6 are thus characterized in that the structural elements orwhose cross-sectional regions have a non-uniform arrangement which is clearly determined by a predetermined rule, whereby the term “arrangement” is to be understood in this case as meaning that the selection or allocation of the various types of structural elements at the periodic positions is non-uniform but determined by the predetermined rule, i.e. is not random.

[0094] Fig. 6a shows a waveguide 1 with a plurality of structural elements 10a and a plurality of structural elements 10b, which have different refractive indices.

[0095] Fig. 6b shows a waveguide 1 with a plurality of structural elements 10d and a plurality of structural elements 10e, which have different refractive indices and a different substructure. The substructure is defined by the substructural elements 10a and 10b (with refractive indices a and b) and 10a and 10c (with refractive indices a and c). The substructure here lies in the fact that the structural elements 10d and 10e are formed as core-cladding systems, with the cores being different.

[0096] Fig. 6c similarly shows a waveguide 1 with a plurality of structural elements 10d and a plurality of structural elements 10e, which have different refractive indices and a different substructure, wherein the substructure is defined by the substructural elements 10a and 10b (with refractive indices a and b) and 10c and 10b (with refractive indices c and b). The substructure here lies in the fact that the structural elements 10d and 10e are formed as core-cladding systems, with the claddings differing.

[0097] Fig. 6d similarly shows a waveguide 1 with a plurality of structural elements 10e, a plurality of structural elements 10f, a plurality of structural elements 10g, and a plurality of structural elements 10h, which have different refractive indices and a different substructure, wherein the substructure is defined by the sub-structural elements 10a and 10b (with refractive indices a and b) or 10a and 10c (with refractive indices a and c) or 10b and 10d (with refractive indices b and d) or 10c and 10d (with refractive indices c and d). The substructure here lies in the fact that the structural elements 10e, 10f, 10g and 10h are designed as core-cladding systems, wherein both the claddings and the cores are different.

[0098] Fig. 6e shows a waveguide 1 with a plurality of

[0099] Structural elements 10c and a variety of

[0100] Structural elements 10d, which have different geometries and a different substructure, wherein the substructure of the structural element 10c is formed by the sub-

[0101] structural elements 10a and 10b (with refractive indices a and b and a first core diameter), and the substructure of the structural element 10d is defined by the sub-structural elements 10a and 10b (with refractive indices a and b and a second core diameter).

[0102] Fig. 6f shows a waveguide 1 with a plurality of structural elements 10c and a plurality of structural elements 10d, which have different geometries and a different substructure, wherein the substructure of the structural element 10c is defined by the sub-structural elements 10a and 10b (with refractive indices a and b and a centrally positioned core), and the substructure of the structural element 10d is defined by the sub-structural elements 10a and 10b (with refractive indices a and b and an eccentrically positioned core).

[0103] Fig. 7 shows, by way of example, a three-dimensional view of an optical waveguide 1 with a plurality of structural elements of a first type 10a and a plurality of structural elements of a second type 10b. In this example, the cross-sectional regions of the structural elements are arranged on a periodic lattice.

[0104] Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a remote sensor unit with an optical waveguide 1 and a light receiving / emitting unit 2 applied to the distal end of the optical waveguide 1. The light receiving / emitting unit 2 in this example comprises stimulable material 20 which extends in the radial direction essentially over the entire width of the optical waveguide. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the stimulable material extends over a width which corresponds to at least 50 percent, preferably at least 75 percent, of the width of the light receiving / emitting unit 2 and / or the optical waveguide 1. The stimulable material extends in some embodiments in the axial direction (ieperpendicular to the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal end of the optical waveguide) only over a part of the light absorption / emission unit 2, for example over less than 90 percent, in particular over less than 75 percent of the height of the light absorption / emission unit 2. However, the stimulable material preferably extends in the axial direction over the entire light absorption / emission unit 2.

[0105] Specifically, the light absorption / emission unit 2 can be formed, for example, as a diamond layer that extends, for example, over the entire distal facet. The excitable material can be formed, for example, as a homogeneous, at least radially, coating with NV centers.

[0106] In the described embodiment, in particular, full-surface irradiation of the light receiving / emitting unit 2 and / or the stimulable material 20 with primary light 3 can occur. The secondary light 4 emitted by the light receiving / emitting unit 2 to the distal end of the optical waveguide 1 can have varying intensities in the radial direction, i.e., along the width of the stimulable material 20. This secondary light 4 can then be transmitted in a transversely localized manner through the optical waveguide 1, which is preferably again designed as an Anderson waveguide.

[0107] The described embodiment can thus realize a remote sensor unit that forms a radially spatially resolved sensor, e.g., a 2D sensor. German patent application DE 10 2020 116 444.0 and international patent application PCT / EP2021 / 066986 are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Remote sensing device comprising: a primary light source for emitting primary light with a first wavelength, an optical waveguide with a proximal end and a distal end, configured for transmitting the primary light from the proximal end to the distal end and for transmitting secondary light with a second wavelength caused at the distal end by the primary light back to the proximal end, a light receiving / emitting unit arranged at the distal end of the optical waveguide for receiving the primary light from the distal end and for emitting the secondary light to the distal end of the optical waveguide, and a secondary light receiver arranged at the proximal end of the optical waveguide for receiving the secondary light from the proximal end of the optical waveguide, wherein the optical waveguide has a numerical aperture greater than 0.

5.

2. Remote sensing device according to the preceding claim, wherein the optical waveguide is configured to transmit primary light and / or secondary light transversely in a localized manner, in particular transversely with a spatial resolution, such that the optical waveguide forms an image guide, and / or wherein the optical waveguide comprises a plurality of structural elements, each of which is distinguished from the extending proximal to distal end and proportionally across the cross-section of the optical waveguide, such that a plurality of cross-sectional regions are defined in the cross-section of the waveguide, each corresponding to the cross-section of a single structural element, and / or wherein the structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, are arranged unevenly to effect transverse Anderson localization of the primary light and / or the secondary light. Remote sensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light receiving / emitting unit at the distal end of the optical waveguide comprises a material which enables the emission of secondary light after receiving the primary light, and / or wherein the light receiving / emitting unit at the distal end of the optical waveguide comprises an excitable material which has an electronic structure.which enables excitation by primary light and decay with emission of secondary light, wherein the excitation is preferably enabled by primary light with a wavelength between 200 nm and 20 pm and / or the decay is preferably enabled with emission of secondary light with a wavelength between 200 nm and 20 pm, and wherein the energy states are preferably configured such that an external measurable quantity can be measured with the aid of the received secondary light, for example an external measurable quantity from the group comprising a magnetic field, a conductivity, a, Temperature, a substance quantity or substance concentration, e.g., oxygen saturation. Remote sensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light-receiving / emitting unit at the distal end of the optical waveguide comprises a diamond with one or more nitrogen-vacancy centers as excitable material, which has an electronic structure that enables excitation by the primary light and decay with emission of the secondary light, wherein the excitation is preferably by primary light with a wavelength between 500 nm and 560 nm, e.g.,532 nm, is enabled and / or the decay is preferably enabled with the emission of secondary light with a wavelength between 600 nm and 800 nm, and wherein the energy states are preferably configured such that an external magnetic field can be measured with the aid of the received secondary light, in particular by means of a splitting and / or energy shift of spectral lines under the influence of the external magnetic field, preferably under microwave irradiation. Remote sensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light reception / emission unit, in particular the nitrogen defect center(s) and / or the excitable material, is arranged at the distal end of the optical waveguide such that a spatially limited reception of the. Primary light, in particular spatially limited excitation by the primary light, is enabled if a transversely localized transmission of primary light through the optical waveguide takes place, and / or wherein the light reception / emission unit, in particular the diamond, has a reflector for deflecting the primary light and / or the secondary light, e.g. a chamfer and / or a coating, in particular such that spatially limited reception of the primary light perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal end of the optical waveguide is enabled.

6. Remote sensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light receiving / emitting unit, in particular the diamond, is mechanically connected to the distal end of the optical waveguide, and wherein the light receiving / emitting unit, in particular the diamond, preferably extends over at least 50% of the cross-section of the distal end of the optical waveguide, particularly preferably over at least 75% of the cross-section of the distal end of the optical waveguide, and wherein the nitrogen vacancy centers or the excitable material are arranged, preferably only in a spatial subregion of the light receiving / emitting unit or the diamond, for example in a radially inner subregion which is surrounded by a radially outer subregion without excitable material or without nitrogen vacancy centers. wherein at least in the radially outer part of the light-receiving / emitting unit or the diamond a reflector is preferably provided for deflecting the primary light and / or the secondary light, e.g. a chamfer and / or a coating, and wherein the reflector preferably deflects secondary light, in particular radially emitted secondary light, to the distal end of the optical waveguide in order to increase the light-collecting efficiency of the optical waveguide, and / or wherein the reflector deflects primary light, in particular transversely localized primary light, to the nitrogen-deficient centers or the excitable material.

7. Remote sensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nitrogen vacancy centers or the excitable material extend radially substantially over the entire width of the light reception / emission unit, in particular the diamond, or at least over 50% of the cross-section, preferably at least over 75% of the cross-section of the light reception / emission unit, in particular the diamond, and / or wherein the nitrogen vacancy centers or the excitable material extend radially substantially over the entire width of the optical waveguide, or at least over 50% of the cross-section, preferably at least over 75% of the cross-section of the optical waveguide.

8. Remote sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light reception / emission unit, in particular the diamond, the nitrogen defect center(s) and / or the excitable material, is arranged at the distal end of the optical waveguide such that at least 0.5%, preferably at least 5% of the secondary light can be coupled into the optical waveguide at the distal end, in particular after deflection by the chamfer or the reflector, and / or wherein the light reception / emission unit, in particular the nitrogen defect center(s) and / or the excitable material, is arranged only over a partial region of the cross-section of the distal end of the optical waveguide, preferably over a partial region of less than 50% of the cross-sectional area, particularly preferably over a partial region of less than 25% of the cross-sectional area.

9. Remote sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical waveguide has a cross-section between 30 pm and 5000 pm, preferably between 50 pm and 3000 pm, and / or wherein the optical waveguide has a length between 10 mm and 10000 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 2000 mm, and / or wherein the optical waveguide is at least partially flexible and / or at least partially rigid.

10. Remote sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical waveguide has a transmission of at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, for a wavelength of 532 nm and / or wherein the optical waveguide has a transmission of at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, for a wavelength in the range between 600 nm and 800 nm and / or wherein the optical waveguide has an attenuation of less than 50 dB / m, in particular less than 10 dB / m, in particular less than 1 dB / m, for a wavelength of 532 nm and / or for a wavelength in the range between 600 nm and 800 nm, and / or wherein the optical waveguide is polarization-preserving and / or wherein the optical waveguide is non-magnetic.Remote sensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical waveguide comprises at least two different types of structural elements, namely a first type with a first refractive index and a second type with a second refractive index, wherein preferably a plurality of structural elements of the first type and a plurality of structural elements of the second type are comprised, wherein the structural elements of the first type are configured as, in particular rod-shaped or tubular, bodies with or made of a first medium, wherein the first medium has the first refractive index, wherein the structural elements of the second type are configured as, in particular rod-shaped or tubular, bodies with or made of a second medium, wherein the second medium has the second refractive index, or wherein the structural elements of the second type are configured as cavities in the structural elements of the first type, wherein the cavities preferably form the second refractive index, and / or wherein preferably a structural element of the first type and a plurality of structural elements of the second type are comprised, wherein the structural element of the first type is configured as, in particular, a monolithic, base body with or made of a first medium, wherein the first medium has the first refractive index, and wherein the structural elements of the second type are configured as cavities in the base body, wherein the cavities preferably form the second refractive index.Remote sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, have a non-uniform arrangement which is clearly defined by a predetermined rule, wherein the non-uniform arrangement which is clearly defined by the predetermined rule is formed. (a) as a periodic positioning of structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, wherein the periodically positioned structural elements exhibit a variation among themselves which is non-uniform but is uniquely determined by a predetermined rule, where the variation of the periodically positioned (a) structural elements are preferably configured as variations in the type of structural elements, the refractive index of the structural elements, and / or the geometry (e.g., the shape, diameter, and / or substructure) of the structural elements; (b) as an aperiodic positioning of structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, wherein the aperiodic positions of the structural elements are uneven but uniquely defined by a predetermined rule; and / or (c) as a positioning of structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, on periodic sites, wherein some of the periodic sites are occupied and some of the periodic sites are unoccupied, and the occupancy is uniquely defined by a predetermined rule.a remote sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structural elements optionally exhibit a variation among themselves, which is uneven but clearly defined by a predetermined rule. The structural elements, in particular their cross-sectional regions, are arranged, preferably unevenly, in such a manner. Particularly preferably arranged in such a non-uniform but unambiguously defined manner according to a predetermined rule that the optical waveguide has a numerical aperture which is greater than 0.4, preferably greater than 0.5, particularly preferably greater than 0.

6. Remote sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a microwave generator and / or a microwave antenna for irradiating microwaves onto the light reception / emission unit, in particular the diamond, the nitrogen defect center(s) and / or the excitable material, and / or further comprising an evaluation unit for evaluating the secondary light received by the secondary light receiver to determine the external measured quantity using the received secondary light.Remote sensing unit comprising: an optical waveguide with a proximal end and a distal end, configured for transmitting primary light from the proximal end to the distal end and / or for transmitting secondary light of a different wavelength caused at the distal end by the primary light back to the proximal end, and a light receiving / emitting unit arranged at the distal end of the optical waveguide for receiving the primary light, in particular from the distal end, and for emitting the secondary light to the distal end of the optical waveguide. wherein the optical waveguide has a numerical aperture greater than 0.

5. Remote sensing unit according to the preceding claim comprising one or more of the features according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Endoscope comprising a remote sensing device or a remote sensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims.

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