Optical device

Abstract

To provide an optical device capable of causing a head to reach a thin part of a living body.SOLUTION: An optical device 1A includes a head 2 having an imaging part 5 and a first light source part 10, and a flexible wiring unit 3 extending from the head 2. The first light source part 10 includes a first light emission layer and a phase modulation layer optically joined to the first light emission layer. The phase modulation layer includes a first fundamental layer and a plurality of first different refraction index regions whose refraction index is different from that of the first fundamental layer, and which are distributed in a two-dimensional manner in the surface intersecting with the thickness direction of the first fundamental layer. Each gravity center of the plurality of first different refraction index regions is arranged at a position according to a phase modulation amount of a predetermined phase distribution with respect to a corresponding lattice point of a plurality of lattice points of a virtual fundamental lattice set in the surface intersecting with the thickness direction of the first fundamental layer. The phase distribution includes an element for condensing a first laser beam at least in one direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device used, for example, as an endoscope.

Background Art

[0002] As an optical device as described above, there is known one including a head having a lens function for condensing laser light for treating a diseased part in a living body, and an optical fiber for guiding laser light from an external light source to the head (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in an optical device of a type that guides laser light from an external light source to a head, there are limits to miniaturization of the head having a lens and to improvement of the flexibility of the optical fiber. Therefore, it is difficult to reach the head to a detailed part in a living body (for example, a narrow and intricate part). As an example, it is difficult to bend a single fiber with a radius of curvature of 5 mm or less, and it is difficult to bend a bundle fiber with a radius of curvature of 20 mm or less. In addition, if a number of optical fibers corresponding to 1% of the plurality of optical fibers constituting the bundle fiber are broken by bending the bundle fiber, the optical device including the bundle fiber cannot be used as a medical device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical device capable of reaching a head to a detailed part in a living body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The optical device of the present invention includes: a head having an imaging unit for acquiring an image of the surface of a tissue in a living body and a first light source unit for emitting a first laser beam for treating an affected part in the living body; and a flexible wiring unit having a plurality of wirings electrically connected to the imaging unit and the first light source unit respectively and extending from the head. The first light source unit has a first light-emitting layer and a first phase modulation layer optically coupled to the first light-emitting layer. The first phase modulation layer includes a first basic layer and a plurality of first birefringence regions having different refractive indexes from the first basic layer and two-dimensionally distributed in a plane intersecting the thickness direction of the first basic layer. The center of gravity of each of the plurality of first birefringence regions is arranged at a position corresponding to a corresponding lattice point among a plurality of lattice points of a virtual basic lattice set in the plane intersecting the thickness direction of the first basic layer, according to the phase modulation amount of a predetermined phase distribution. The phase distribution includes an element for condensing the first laser beam in at least one direction.

[0007] In the optical device described in the above [1], the head has a first light source unit for emitting a first laser beam for treating an affected part in the living body. In the first light source unit, the phase distribution of the first phase modulation layer includes an element for condensing the first laser beam in at least one direction. Thereby, for example, it becomes unnecessary to provide a lens for condensing the first laser beam in the head, so that the head can be miniaturized. Further, a flexible wiring unit having a plurality of wirings electrically connected to the imaging unit and the first light source unit respectively extends from the head. Thereby, for example, the flexibility of the wiring unit can be improved compared with an optical fiber. Therefore, according to the optical device described in the above [1], the head can reach a detailed part in the living body.

[0008] The optical device of the present invention may be "[2] the optical device according to [1] above, wherein the head further includes an illumination unit that emits illumination light." According to the optical device described in [2], since an illumination unit is provided in the head separately from the first light source unit, the degree of freedom of the illumination method can be improved, such as acquiring an image of the affected area before and after the treatment of the affected area, or acquiring an image of the affected area during the treatment of the affected area.

[0009] The optical device of the present invention may be "[3] the optical device according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the first light source unit emits the first laser light when a current of a first current value is supplied through the wiring unit, and emits illumination light when a current of a second current value lower than the first current value is supplied through the wiring unit." According to the optical device described in [3], by also functioning the first light source unit as an illumination unit, an image of the affected area can be acquired before and after the treatment of the affected area while maintaining the miniaturization of the head.

[0010] The optical device of the present invention may be "[4] the optical device according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the first light source unit emits +1st order light as the first laser light and emits -1st order light around the +1st order light as illumination light." According to the optical device described in [4], by also functioning the first light source unit as an illumination unit, an image of the affected area can be acquired during the treatment of the affected area while maintaining the miniaturization of the head.

[0011] The optical device of the present invention may be "[5] the optical device according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the head has a plurality of first light source units each of which is the first light source unit, and each of the plurality of first light source units condenses the first laser light at different positions in the emission direction of the first laser light emitted from the head." According to the optical device described in [5], the affected area can be treated within a certain range in the emission direction of the first laser light.

[0012] The optical device of the present invention may be "[6] The head has a plurality of first light source units each of which is the first light source unit, and each of the plurality of first light source units condenses the first laser light at different positions in a plane intersecting the emission direction of the first laser light emitted from the head, and the optical device according to any one of [1] to [5] above". According to the optical device described in [6], the affected area can be treated within a certain range in a plane intersecting the emission direction of the first laser light.

[0013] The optical device of the present invention may be "[7] The first laser light has a wavelength with an absorption coefficient of 7 cm or more in water, and the optical device according to any one of [1] to [6] above". According to the optical device described in [7], the first laser light can be effectively absorbed by the living body, and the affected area can be appropriately treated. -1 The optical device of the present invention may be "[8] The head further has a second light source unit that emits a second laser light for three-dimensional measurement, the second light source unit has a second light emitting layer and a second phase modulation layer optically coupled to the second light emitting layer, the second phase modulation layer includes a second basic layer and a plurality of second birefringence regions two-dimensionally distributed in a plane intersecting the thickness direction of the second basic layer and having a different refractive index from the second basic layer, and the center of gravity of each of the plurality of second birefringence regions is arranged at a position corresponding to a corresponding lattice point among a plurality of lattice points of a virtual basic lattice set in the plane intersecting the thickness direction of the second basic layer according to the phase modulation amount of a predetermined phase distribution, and the phase distribution includes an element for modulating the second laser light so that the second laser light has a periodic pattern in a plane intersecting at least one direction, and the optical device according to any one of [1] to [7] above". According to the optical device described in [8], for example, before treating the affected area, the three-dimensional shape of the affected area can be obtained.

[0014] The optical device of the present invention may be "[8] The head further has a second light source unit that emits a second laser light for three-dimensional measurement, the second light source unit has a second light emitting layer and a second phase modulation layer optically coupled to the second light emitting layer, the second phase modulation layer includes a second basic layer and a plurality of second birefringence regions two-dimensionally distributed in a plane intersecting the thickness direction of the second basic layer and having a different refractive index from the second basic layer, and the center of gravity of each of the plurality of second birefringence regions is arranged at a position corresponding to a corresponding lattice point among a plurality of lattice points of a virtual basic lattice set in the plane intersecting the thickness direction of the second basic layer according to the phase modulation amount of a predetermined phase distribution, and the phase distribution includes an element for modulating the second laser light so that the second laser light has a periodic pattern in a plane intersecting at least one direction, and the optical device according to any one of [1] to [7] above". According to the optical device described in [8], for example, before treating the affected area, the three-dimensional shape of the affected area can be obtained.

[0015] The optical device of the present invention may be the one described in [9] "The wiring unit has a flexible substrate including the plurality of wirings, the head further has a wiring structure mounted on the main surface of the flexible substrate, the imaging unit and the first light source unit are mounted on a side surface of the surface of the wiring structure that intersects the main surface and faces the side opposite to the side on which the wiring unit extends, and the light incident surface of the imaging unit and the light emitting surface of the first light source unit face the side opposite to the side on which the wiring unit extends, the optical device according to any one of [1] to [8] above". According to the optical device described in [9], for a diseased part existing in front of the head in the traveling direction of the head, observation and treatment can be appropriately performed.

[0016] The optical device of the present invention may be the one described in

[10] "The wiring unit has a flexible substrate including the plurality of wirings, the imaging unit and the first light source unit are mounted on the main surface of the flexible substrate, and the light incident surface of the imaging unit and the light emitting surface of the first light source unit face the side opposite to the main surface, the optical device according to any one of [1] to [9] above". According to the optical device described in

[10] , for a diseased part existing on the side of the head that intersects the traveling direction of the head, observation and treatment can be appropriately performed.

[0017] The optical device of the present invention may be the one described in

[11] "The wiring unit is disposed inside, and further includes a flexible tube extending from the head, the head further has a resin member that seals an end portion of the tube in a state of covering the imaging unit and the first light source unit, and at least a portion on the light incident surface of the imaging unit and a portion on the light emitting surface of the first light source unit among the resin member have translucency, the optical device according to [9] or

[10] above". According to the optical device described in

[11] , the imaging unit, the first light source unit, and the wiring unit can be protected from body fluids.

[0018] The optical device of the present invention may be "

[12] the optical device according to any one of [1] to

[11] above, further comprising a driving unit that reciprocates the first light source unit along a predetermined direction". According to the optical device described in

[12] , the affected area can be treated within a certain range in a predetermined direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide an optical device capable of reaching the head to the details in the living body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. [First Embodiment]

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical device 1A includes a head 2, a wiring unit 3, and a tube 4. The wiring unit 3 is disposed inside the tube 4. The wiring unit 3 and the tube 4 extend from the head 2 in the first direction D1. The optical device 1A is a device used as an endoscope, and the head 2 is a part introduced into a living body for observing the inside of the living body and treating affected parts (that is, cauterizing, treating, biopsy, etc. of the affected parts). In the following description, a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 is referred to as a second direction D2, and a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is referred to as a third direction D3.

[0023] The wiring unit 3 has a flexible substrate 31. The flexible substrate 31 includes a plurality of wirings 32, a first insulating layer 33, a second insulating layer 34, and a plurality of terminal layers 35. The plurality of wirings 32 are arranged in the second direction D2 and are sealed by the first insulating layer 33 and the second insulating layer 34 from both sides in the third direction D3. Each wiring 32 is formed in a film shape, for example, of copper. Each of the first insulating layer 33 and the second insulating layer 34 is formed in a film shape, for example, of polyimide. An opening 33a is formed in the first insulating layer 33 located on the main surface 31a side of the flexible substrate 31. The ends of the respective wirings 32 extending from the head 2 in the first direction D1 face the opening 33a. Each terminal layer 35 is formed on the end of each wiring 32 and is exposed to the outside from the opening 33a in the wiring unit 3 alone. Each terminal layer 35 is formed in a film shape, for example, of gold.

[0024] Each of the wiring unit 3 and the tube 4 has flexibility. The wiring unit 3 and the tube 4 can be bent with a radius of curvature of 5 mm or less in a plane perpendicular to the second direction D2, for example, with the wiring unit 3 disposed inside the tube 4. That is, each of the wiring unit 3 (i.e., the flexible substrate 31) and the tube 4 has flexibility that can be bent with a radius of curvature of 5 mm or less in a plane perpendicular to the second direction D2, for example. The tube 4 is formed in a tubular shape from, for example, a fluororesin (polyimide, PTFE, etc.), a silicone resin, or a carbon resin.

[0025] The head 2 includes an imaging unit 5, a first light source unit 10, a second light source unit (lighting unit) 20, a wiring structure 6, a resin member 7, and a reinforcing plate 8. The reinforcing plate 8 is joined to a surface of the flexible substrate 31 opposite to the main surface 31a at an end of the flexible substrate 31 extending in the first direction D1. The reinforcing plate 8 includes at least the opening 33a of the first insulating layer 33 when viewed from the third direction D3. The reinforcing plate 8 is formed in a plate shape having a thickness of about 50 to 200 μm from, for example, polyimide or a carbon resin.

[0026] The wiring structure 6 includes a main body portion 61 and a plurality of wirings 62. The main body portion 61 has a side surface 61a and a bottom surface 61b. The side surface 61a is a surface facing the side opposite to the side where the wiring unit 3 extends in the first direction D1, and is a surface corresponding to the side surface 6a of the wiring structure 6. That is, the side surface 6a of the wiring structure 6 is a surface that intersects the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31 among the surfaces of the wiring structure 6 and faces the side opposite to the side where the wiring unit 3 extends. The bottom surface 61b is a surface facing the wiring unit 3 side in the third direction D3, and is a surface corresponding to the bottom surface 6b of the wiring structure 6. The main body portion 61 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape by, for example, silicon. Each wiring 62 extends from the side surface 61a to the bottom surface 61b. The end portion 62a of each wiring 62 is located on the side surface 61a, and the end portion 62b of each wiring 62 is located on the bottom surface 61b. Each wiring 62 is formed in a film shape by, for example, gold. Note that the main body portion 61 may be formed in a disk shape instead of a rectangular parallelepiped shape. By forming the main body portion 61 in a disk shape, the shape of the main body portion 61 becomes similar to the tube 4 having a circular cross section, gaps are less likely to occur, and the fixing state is improved.

[0027] The wiring structure 6 is mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31. Specifically, the wiring structure 6 is mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31 by joining the end portion 62b of each wiring 62 to each terminal layer 35 in the opening 33a of the first insulating layer 33. The end portion 62b of each wiring 62 is joined to each terminal layer 35 by, for example, solder.

[0028] The imaging unit 5 acquires an image of the tissue surface inside the living body. The imaging unit 5 has a light incident surface 5a and a bottom surface 5b opposite to the light incident surface 5a. A plurality of terminals (not shown) are provided on the bottom surface 5b, and each terminal is joined to an end portion 62a of the corresponding wiring 62 on the side surface 6a of the wiring structure 6. Each terminal of the imaging unit 5 is joined to the end portion 62a of the corresponding wiring 62 by, for example, solder. In this way, the imaging unit 5 is mounted on the side surface 6a of the wiring structure 6, and the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5 faces the side opposite to the side where the wiring unit 3 extends in the first direction D1. The imaging unit 5 is, for example, an imaging element such as a CMOS. As an example, the length of one side of the imaging unit 5 is about 500 to 1000 μm, and the thickness of the imaging unit 5 is about 200 to 500 μm.

[0029] The first light source unit 10 emits a first laser beam L1 (see FIG. 4) for treating an affected part inside the living body. The first light source unit 10 has a light emitting surface 10a and a bottom surface 10b opposite to the light emitting surface 10a. A plurality of terminals (not shown) are provided on the bottom surface 10b, and each terminal is joined to an end portion 62a of the corresponding wiring 62 on the side surface 6a of the wiring structure 6. Each terminal of the first light source unit 10 is joined to the end portion 62a of the corresponding wiring 62 by, for example, solder. In this way, the first light source unit 10 is mounted on the side surface 6a of the wiring structure 6, and the light emitting surface 10a of the first light source unit 10 faces the side opposite to the side where the wiring unit 3 extends in the first direction D1. As an example, the length of one side of the first light source unit 10 is about 200 to 800 μm, and the thickness of the first light source unit 10 is about 200 to 500 μm.

[0030] The second light source unit 20 emits a second laser beam L2 (see FIG. 4) for performing three-dimensional measurement. The second light source unit 20 has a light emission surface 20a and a bottom surface 20b on the side opposite to the light emission surface 20a. A plurality of terminals (not shown) are provided on the bottom surface 20b, and each terminal is joined to an end portion 62a of a corresponding wiring 62 on the side surface 6a of the wiring structure 6. Each terminal of the second light source unit 20 is joined to the end portion 62a of the corresponding wiring 62 by, for example, solder. In this way, the second light source unit 20 is mounted on the side surface 6a of the wiring structure 6, and the light emission surface 20a of the second light source unit 20 faces the side opposite to the side where the wiring unit 3 extends in the first direction D1. As an example, the length of one side of the second light source unit 20 is about 200 to 800 μm, and the thickness of the second light source unit 20 is about 200 to 500 μm.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the current input terminal (not shown) of the first light source unit 10 is electrically connected to a signal line 32a which is a single wiring 32. The current input terminal (not shown) of the second light source unit 20 is electrically connected to a signal line 32b which is a single wiring 32. The ground terminal (not shown) of the first light source unit 10 and the ground terminal (not shown) of the second light source unit 20 are electrically connected to a common ground line 32c which is a single wiring 32. In FIG. 3, the illustration of the imaging unit 5 and the illustration of the plurality of wirings 32 electrically connected to the plurality of terminals of the imaging unit 5 are omitted, but in the optical device 1A, the plurality of wirings 32 included in the wiring unit 3 are electrically connected to the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20, respectively.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the resin member 7 seals the end portion 4a of the tube 4 in a state of covering the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20. In the first embodiment, the resin member 7 seals the end portion 4a of the tube 4 so that the "imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, the second light source unit 20, the wiring structure 6, the reinforcing plate 8, and the end portion of the wiring unit 3" located inside the end portion 4a of the tube 4 are not exposed to the outside. The resin member 7 has translucency. Specifically, the resin member 7 is transmissive to the first laser light L1, the second laser light L2, and the illumination light L3 described later. The outer surface of the portion 7a of the resin member 7 located on the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5 is a plane parallel to the light incident surface 5a. The outer surface of the portion 7b of the resin member 7 located on the light emitting surface 10a of the first light source unit 10 is a plane parallel to the light emitting surface 10a. The outer surface of the portion 7c of the resin member 7 located on the light emitting surface 20a of the second light source unit 20 is a plane parallel to the light emitting surface 20a. Thereby, light scattering can be suppressed.

[0033] The configurations of the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 20 described above will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 4, the first light source unit 10 is a laser light source that forms a standing wave in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and emits a plane wave with a controlled phase as the first laser light L1 in the Z-axis direction. The first light source unit 10 is an S-iPM (Static-integrable Phase Modulating) laser element and can output an optical image of an arbitrary shape in the Z-axis direction, a direction inclined with respect to the Z-axis direction, or a direction including both.

[0034] The first light source unit 10 includes a semiconductor substrate 11, a pair of cladding layers 12a and 12b, a light-emitting layer (first light-emitting layer) 13, and a contact layer 14. The light-emitting layer 13 is an active layer and is disposed on one side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the semiconductor substrate 11 (the lower side in FIG. 4). The cladding layer 12a is disposed on the other side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the light-emitting layer 13 (the upper side in FIG. 4). The cladding layer 12b is disposed on one side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the light-emitting layer 13. The contact layer 14 is disposed on one side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the cladding layer 12b. As an example, the semiconductor substrate 11, the pair of cladding layers 12a and 12b, and the contact layer 14 are each formed of a compound semiconductor (such as a GaAs-based semiconductor, an InP-based semiconductor, a nitride-based semiconductor, etc.). The energy band gap of each of the cladding layers 12a and 12b is larger than the energy band gap of the light-emitting layer 13. Note that the thickness direction of each of the semiconductor substrate 11, the cladding layer 12a, the light-emitting layer 13, the cladding layer 12b, and the contact layer 14 is a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0035] The first light source unit 10 further includes a phase modulation layer (first phase modulation layer) 15 optically coupled to the light-emitting layer 13. The phase modulation layer 15 is disposed between the light-emitting layer 13 and the cladding layer 12b. The thickness direction of the phase modulation layer 15 is a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction. Note that the phase modulation layer 15 may be disposed between the light-emitting layer 13 and the cladding layer 12a. Further, the first light source unit 10 may further include at least one of a light guide layer disposed between the light-emitting layer 13 and the cladding layer 12a and a light guide layer disposed between the light-emitting layer 13 and the cladding layer 12b. The light guide layer may include a carrier barrier layer for efficiently confining carriers in the light-emitting layer 13.

[0036] The phase modulation layer 15 includes a basic layer (first basic layer) 15a and a plurality of refractive index different regions (first refractive index different regions) 15b. The plurality of refractive index different regions 15b are regions having a refractive index different from that of the basic layer 15a. The plurality of refractive index different regions 15b are two-dimensionally distributed in a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction (in a plane intersecting the thickness direction of the basic layer 15a). The plurality of refractive index different regions 15b include a periodic lattice structure. When the equivalent refractive index of the mode is n and the lattice pitch is a, the wavelength λ 0 selected by the phase modulation layer 15 is represented as “λ 0 =(√2)a×n”. This wavelength λ 0 is included in the emission wavelength range of the light emitting layer 13. The phase modulation layer 15 can select and output to the outside the band edge wavelength in the vicinity of the wavelength λ 0 among the emission wavelengths of the light emitting layer 13. The light incident on the phase modulation layer 15 forms a predetermined mode according to the arrangement of the plurality of refractive index different regions 15b in the phase modulation layer 15, and is emitted to the outside as the first laser beam L1 from the light emission surface 10a (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) of the first light source unit 10.

[0037] The pair of clad layers 12a and 12b, the light emitting layer 13, the contact layer 14, and the phase modulation layer 15 are separated into a first portion 10A and a second portion 10B by a groove 10c that opens on the side opposite to the semiconductor substrate 11. The bottom surface of the groove 10c reaches the semiconductor substrate 11. The first laser beam L1 is generated in the first portion 10A and emitted from the first portion 10A. In the first light source unit 10, the phase modulation layer 15 of the first portion 10A includes a plurality of refractive index different regions 15b, but the phase modulation layer 15 of the second portion 10B does not include a plurality of refractive index different regions 15b.

[0038] An insulating film 18 is formed on the surfaces of the first part 10A and the second part 10B, respectively. The insulating film 18 is not formed on the central region of the surface of the contact layer 14 of the first part 10A and on the bottom surface of the groove 10c. An antireflection film 19 is formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate 11 on the side opposite to the first part 10A. In the first light source unit 10, the surface of the antireflection film 19 on the side opposite to the first part 10A corresponds to the light emission surface 10a (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) of the first light source unit 10.

[0039] The first light source unit 10 further has a pair of electrodes 16 and 17. The electrode 16 is disposed on one side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the contact layer 14 of the first part 10A, and forms an ohmic contact with the contact layer 14 of the first part 10A on the central region of the surface of the contact layer 14 of the first part 10A (that is, the region where the insulating film 18 is not formed). The electrode 17 extends from the insulating film 18 formed on the surface of the contact layer 14 of the second part 10B onto the bottom surface of the groove 10c, and forms an ohmic contact with the semiconductor substrate 11 on the bottom surface of the groove 10c. The surface of the electrode 16 on the side opposite to the first part 10A and the surface of the electrode 17 on the side opposite to the second part 10B are located on the same plane and correspond to the bottom surface 10b (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the first light source unit 10.

[0040] In the first light source unit 10, when a driving current is supplied between the electrode 16 and the electrode 17 via the wiring unit 3, recombination of electrons and holes occurs in the light emitting layer 13 of the first portion 10A, and the light emitting layer 13 of the first portion 10A emits light. The electrons and holes contributing to this light emission, as well as the light generated in the light emitting layer 13, are efficiently confined between the cladding layer 12a and the cladding layer 12b in the first portion 10A. Then, the light generated in the light emitting layer 13 of the first portion 10A enters the phase modulation layer 15 in the first portion 10A and forms a predetermined mode according to the lattice structure in the phase modulation layer 15. The first laser light L1 emitted from the phase modulation layer 15 of the first portion 10A is emitted outside the first light source unit 10 through the antireflection film 19 from the first portion 10A. Note that from the first light source unit 10, not only the +1st order light (plus first order diffracted light), which is the first laser light L1, but also the -1st order light (minus first order diffracted light) can be emitted.

[0041] The configuration of the phase modulation layer 15 described above (the configuration of the phase modulation layer 15 in the first portion 10A) will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that a virtual basic lattice is set in the plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction in the phase modulation layer 15. The basic lattice here is a square lattice having sides parallel to the X-axis direction and sides parallel to the Y-axis direction. In the plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, a plurality of unit configuration regions R are arranged two-dimensionally with the X-axis direction as the row direction and the Y-axis direction as the column direction. Each unit configuration region R is a square-shaped region centered on the lattice point O of the square lattice. The center of gravity position of each unit configuration region R coincides with the lattice point O of the corresponding square lattice. In each unit configuration region R, for example, one birefringence region 15b is arranged. The shape of each birefringence region 15b when viewed from the Z-axis direction is, for example, circular. Each lattice point O may be located outside the corresponding birefringence region 15b or may be located inside the corresponding birefringence region 15b.

[0042] Each anisotropic refractive index region 15b has a center of gravity G. The center of gravity G of each anisotropic refractive index region 15b is arranged at a position corresponding to the corresponding lattice point O according to the phase modulation amount of a predetermined phase distribution. Here, let the angle formed by the vector from the lattice point O to the center of gravity G and the X-axis be α(x, y). x indicates the position of the x-th lattice point on the X-axis, and y indicates the position of the y-th lattice point on the Y-axis. When the rotation angle α is 0°, the direction of the vector connecting the lattice point O and the center of gravity G coincides with the positive direction of the X-axis. Also, let the length of the vector connecting the lattice point O and the center of gravity G be r(x, y). As an example, r(x, y) is constant throughout the entire phase modulation layer 15 regardless of x and y.

[0043] The direction of the vector connecting the lattice point O and the center of gravity G, that is, the rotation angle α of the center of gravity G of the anisotropic refractive index region 15b around the lattice point O, is individually set for each lattice point O according to the phase distribution φ(x, y) corresponding to the desired shape of the emitted light (the first laser beam L). The phase distribution φ(x, y) has a specific value for each position determined by the values of x and y, but is not necessarily represented by a specific function. The rotation angle distribution α(x, y) is determined from the one obtained by extracting the phase distribution φ(x, y) from the complex amplitude distribution obtained by Fourier-transforming the desired shape of the emitted light. When obtaining the complex amplitude distribution from the desired shape of the emitted light, an iterative algorithm such as the Gerchberg-Saxton (GS) method generally used in hologram generation calculation may be applied. In this case, it is possible to improve the reproducibility of the beam pattern.

[0044] As described above, the center of gravity G of each anisotropic refractive index region 15b is arranged at a position corresponding to the corresponding lattice point O according to the phase modulation amount of a predetermined phase distribution. In the first light source unit 10, the phase distribution of the phase modulation layer 15 includes an element for condensing the first laser beam L1 in at least one direction. Thereby, the first laser beam L1 emitted from the first light source unit 10 is condensed on the optical axis parallel to the Z-axis direction as a laser beam for treating an affected part in a living body. In the first embodiment, since the Z-axis direction of the first light source unit 10 is parallel to the first direction D1 of the optical device 1A (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4), the first laser beam L1 emitted from the first light source unit 10 is condensed on the optical axis parallel to the first direction D1 as a laser beam for treating an affected part in a living body.

[0045] Regarding the center of gravity G of each anisotropic refractive index region 15b, the rotation angle α around the lattice point O is individually set for each lattice point O, but the setting of the center of gravity G of each anisotropic refractive index region 15b is not limited thereto. For example, the center of gravity G of each anisotropic refractive index region 15b may be set on a straight line passing through each lattice point O (a straight line extending from each lattice point O at a common angle) such that the distance between each center of gravity G and each lattice point O is an individual distance. Further, instead of the position of the center of gravity G of each anisotropic refractive index region 15b, the size of each anisotropic refractive index region 15b may be modulated, or the position of the center of gravity G of each anisotropic refractive index region 15b and the size of each anisotropic refractive index region 15b may be modulated simultaneously.

[0046] Here, the first laser beam L1 has a wavelength with an absorption coefficient in water of 7 cm -1 or more. When light having a wavelength with an absorption coefficient in water of 7 cm -1 or more propagates 1 mm in water, the ratio (i.e., absorption rate) at which the light is absorbed by water is 50% or more. Since a living body contains water, by irradiating a predetermined site in the living body with the first laser beam L1 having a wavelength with an absorption coefficient in water of 7 cm -1 or more, the first laser beam L1 can be effectively absorbed by the site, and the site can be effectively heated.

[0047] The relationship between the absorption coefficient and the transmittance in water is as follows. When light having a wavelength at which the absorption coefficient in water is 7 cm -1 propagates 1 mm in water, the transmittance of the light is 50% (absorption rate is 50%). When light having a wavelength at which the absorption coefficient in water is 9 cm -1 propagates 1 mm in water, the transmittance of the light is 40% (absorption rate is 60%). When light having a wavelength at which the absorption coefficient in water is 12 cm -1 propagates 1 mm in water, the transmittance of the light is 30% (absorption rate is 70%). When light having a wavelength at which the absorption coefficient in water is 16 cm -1 propagates 1 mm in water, the transmittance of the light is 20% (absorption rate is 80%). When light having a wavelength at which the absorption coefficient in water is 23 cm -1 propagates 1 mm in water, the transmittance of the light is 10% (absorption rate is 90%).

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second light source unit 20 is an S-iPM laser element and is configured in the same manner as the first light source unit 10. The semiconductor substrate 21, the pair of cladding layers 22a and 22b, the light emitting layer (second light emitting layer) 23, the contact layer 24, the phase modulation layer (second phase modulation layer) 25, the basic layer (second basic layer) 25a, the plurality of birefringence regions (second birefringence regions) 25b, the pair of electrodes 26 and 27, the insulating film 28, the antireflection film 29, the first portion 20A, the second portion 20B, and the groove 20c of the second light source unit 20 respectively correspond to the semiconductor substrate 11, the pair of cladding layers 12a and 12b, the light emitting layer 13, the contact layer 14, the phase modulation layer 15, the basic layer 15a, the plurality of birefringence regions 15b, the pair of electrodes 16 and 17, the insulating film 18, the antireflection film 19, the first portion 10A, the second portion 10B, and the groove 10c of the first light source unit 10.

[0049] The second light source unit 20 is different from the first light source unit 10 in the configuration of the phase modulation layer 25. In the second light source unit 20, an element for modulating the second laser beam L2 is included such that the phase distribution of the phase modulation layer 25 has a periodic pattern (e.g., dot pattern, stripe pattern, etc.) of the second laser beam L2 in a plane intersecting at least one direction. Thereby, the second laser beam L2 emitted from the second light source unit 20 is irradiated onto a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction as the laser beam for performing three-dimensional measurement. In the first embodiment, since the Z-axis direction of the first light source unit 10 is parallel to the first direction D1 of the optical device 1A (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4), the second laser beam L2 emitted from the first light source unit 10 is irradiated onto a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1 as the laser beam for performing three-dimensional measurement.

[0050] Note that the first light source unit 10 can emit the first laser beam L1 when a current having a first current value is supplied via the wiring unit 3, but can also emit the illumination light L3 (i.e., operate as an LED) when a current having a second current value lower than the first current value is supplied via the wiring unit 3. Further, the first light source unit 10 can emit the +1st order light as the first laser beam L1 and emit the -1st order light around the +1st order light as the illumination light L3. Similarly, the second light source unit 20 can emit the second laser beam L2 when a current having a first current value is supplied via the wiring unit 3, but can also emit the illumination light L3 (i.e., operate as an LED) when a current having a second current value lower than the first current value is supplied via the wiring unit 3. Further, the second light source unit 20 can emit the +1st order light as the second laser beam L2 and emit the -1st order light around the +1st order light as the illumination light L3.

[0051] An example of the usage method of the optical device 1A configured as described above will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the head 2 is introduced into the blood vessel V of the living body. At this time, the wiring unit 3 and the tube 4 extend outside the living body, and the end portion of the wiring unit 3 on the side opposite to the head 2 is electrically connected to a control device (not shown) outside the living body. In the state where the head 2 is introduced into the blood vessel V, by supplying a current of a second current value to the second light source unit 20 via the wiring unit 3, illumination light L3 is emitted from the second light source unit 20 forward (in front of the head 2 in the advancing direction of the head 2), and an image of the tissue surface inside the blood vessel V is acquired by the imaging unit 5. Thereby, the operator can observe the state inside the blood vessel V on a display (not shown) provided in the control device. And when some lesion A is discovered as a diseased part inside the blood vessel V, by supplying a current of a first current value to the second light source unit 20 via the wiring unit 3, a second laser beam L2 is emitted forward from the second light source unit 20, and the three-dimensional shape of the lesion A is acquired by detecting the reflected light of the second laser beam L2 at the lesion A by the imaging unit 5.

[0052] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when a current with a first current value is supplied to the first light source unit 10 via the wiring unit 3, a first laser beam L1 is emitted forward from the first light source unit 10, and treatment of the lesion A (i.e., cauterization, treatment, biopsy, etc. of the affected part) is performed. At this time, based on the result of the three-dimensional measurement of the lesion A, the condensing position of the first laser beam L1 is adjusted to the lesion A. When the treatment of the lesion A with the first laser beam L1 is completed, a current with a second current value is supplied to the second light source unit 20 via the wiring unit 3, so that illumination light L3 is emitted forward from the second light source unit 20, and an image of the tissue surface inside the blood vessel V is acquired by the imaging unit 5. As a result, the operator can observe the state inside the blood vessel V after the treatment on the display provided in the control device. During the treatment of the lesion A with the first laser beam L1, illumination light L3 may be emitted forward from the second light source unit 20, and an image of the lesion A during the treatment may be acquired by the imaging unit 5. Also, before and after the treatment of the lesion A, illumination light L3 may be emitted forward from the first light source unit 10 by supplying a current with a second current value to the first light source unit 10 via the wiring unit 3. Further, during the treatment of the lesion A, the -1st order light emitted from the second light source unit 20 may be used as the illumination light L3.

[0053] In addition, in cancer examinations, it is also possible to use it for "detecting fine cancer lesions", "examining the malignancy of cancer by injecting a fluorescent substance", "burning and excising a cancer lesion with the first laser beam L1 and examining the lesion", and "if the cancer lesion is about 1 to 2 mm in size, burning and excising the lesion with the first laser beam L1 for treatment". Also, in thrombus examinations, it is possible to use it for "detecting fine lesions in blood vessels (examination of cerebral arteries is also possible if the size is φ2 mm or less)" and "burning and removing and treating thrombi with the first laser beam L1".

[0054] As described above, in the optical device 1A, the head 2 has a first light source unit 10 that emits a first laser beam L1 for treating an affected part in a living body. In the first light source unit 10, the phase distribution of the phase modulation layer 15 includes an element for condensing the first laser beam L1 in at least one direction. Thereby, for example, it becomes unnecessary to provide a lens for condensing the first laser beam L1 in the head 2, so that the head 2 can be miniaturized. Further, a flexible wiring unit 3 having a plurality of wirings 32 electrically connected to each of the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20 extends from the head 2. Thereby, for example, the flexibility of the wiring unit 3 can be improved as compared with an optical fiber. Therefore, according to the optical device 1A, the head 2 having a light source unit can reach a detailed part (for example, inside a tubular structure having a diameter of about 0.5 to 2.0 mm) in a living body.

[0055] As an example, according to the optical device 1A, the width (diameter) of the head 2 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 can be set to 1 mm or less (for example, about 0.5 mm), and the length of the head 2 in the first direction D1 can be set to 3 mm or less (for example, about 2 mm). Further, according to the optical device 1A, the weight of the head 2 can be set to about 0.2 g. Thus, according to the optical device 1A, an ultra-small and ultra-lightweight head 2 can be realized.

[0056] In the optical device 1A, the first laser beam L1 has a wavelength at which the absorption coefficient in water is 7 cm -1 or more. Thereby, the first laser beam L1 can be effectively absorbed by the living body, and the affected part can be appropriately treated.

[0057] In the optical device 1A, the head 2 has a second light source unit 20 that emits a second laser beam L2 for performing three-dimensional measurement. In the second light source unit 20, the phase distribution of the phase modulation layer 25 includes an element for modulating the second laser beam L2 so that the second laser beam L2 has a periodic pattern in a plane intersecting at least one direction. Thereby, for example, before treating the affected part, the three-dimensional shape of the affected part can be acquired.

[0058] In the optical device 1A, in the head 2, the imaging unit 5 and the first light source unit 10 are mounted on the side surface 6a of the wiring structure 6, and the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5 and the light emitting surface 10a of the first light source unit 10 face the side opposite to the side on which the wiring unit 3 extends. Thereby, observation and treatment can be appropriately performed on the affected part existing in front of the head 2 in the traveling direction of the head 2.

[0059] In the optical device 1A, in the head 2, the second light source unit 20 is mounted on the side surface 6a of the wiring structure 6, and the light emitting surface 20a of the second light source unit 20 faces the side opposite to the side on which the wiring unit 3 extends. Thereby, three-dimensional measurement can be appropriately performed on the affected part existing in front of the head 2 in the traveling direction of the head 2.

[0060] In the optical device 1A, the wiring unit 3 is disposed inside the flexible tube 4 extending from the head 2. In the head 2, the resin member 7 seals the end portion 4a of the tube 4 in a state of covering the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20. Among the resin member 7, the portion 7a on the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5, the portion 7b on the light emitting surface 10a of the first light source unit 10, and the portion 7c on the light emitting surface 20a of the second light source unit 20 have translucency. Thereby, the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, the second light source unit 20, and the wiring unit 3 can be protected from body fluids.

[0061] In reaching the head 2 to a narrow and intricate portion, the head 2 using the first light source unit 10 is extremely effective. This is because when the first light source unit 10 is used, not only the width of the head 2 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 but also the length of the head 2 in the first direction D1 can be reduced.

[0062] In addition, since the endoscope needs to be removed from the external control device and cleaned each time it is used, in the case of an optical device of a type that guides laser light from an external light source to the head, when the endoscope is attached to the external control device, there is a risk of misalignment in optical alignment. Also, during the process of removing, cleaning, and attaching the optical device, there is a risk of misalignment in the alignment between the optical fiber end and the optical system at the head. On the other hand, according to the optical device 1A, the concern of misalignment in optical alignment can be avoided.

[0063] In addition, in the head including optical components such as lenses, since it is necessary to adopt a completely waterproof structure by utilizing screws and O-rings at the joints of the optical components, when introduced into the living body, bacteria easily enter the gaps between the screws and O-rings, and it is not easy to clean the head. On the other hand, according to the optical device 1A, since an increase in optical components can be avoided, it is possible to achieve both the certainty of waterproofing and the ease of cleaning for the head 2. Also, the optical device 1A that can avoid an increase in optical components is also suitable for disposable use. [Second Embodiment]

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the optical device 1B is mainly different from the above-described optical device 1A in the configurations of the head 2 and the wiring unit 3. Hereinafter, the configuration of the optical device 1B will be described centering on the differences from the above-described optical device 1A.

[0065] In the optical device 1B, the wiring unit 3 has a plurality of flexible substrates 31A, 31B. The configuration of each flexible substrate 31A, 31B is the same as the configuration of the flexible substrate 31 of the above-described optical device 1A. Therefore, also in the optical device 1B, each of the wiring unit 3 (that is, the plurality of flexible substrates 31A, 31B) and the tube 4 has flexibility such that it can be bent with a curvature radius of 5 mm or less in a plane perpendicular to the second direction D2, for example.

[0066] The openings 33a of the flexible substrates 31A and 31B face one side in the third direction D3. The flexible substrate 31A is disposed on one side in the third direction D3 with respect to the flexible substrate 31B. When viewed from the third direction D3, the opening 33a of the flexible substrate 31B is located on the side opposite to the side where the wiring unit 3 extends with respect to the opening 33a of the flexible substrate 31A. At the end of the flexible substrate 31A, a reinforcing plate 8 is joined to the surface on the side opposite to the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31A so as to include at least the opening 33a of the flexible substrate 31A when viewed from the third direction D3. Similarly, at the end of the flexible substrate 31B, a reinforcing plate 8 is joined to the surface on the side opposite to the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31B so as to include at least the opening 33a of the flexible substrate 31B when viewed from the third direction D3. Note that chamfering may be performed at the tip of the reinforcing plate 8. Thereby, damage to the living body can be suppressed.

[0067] The first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 20 are mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31A. Specifically, the first light source unit 10 is mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31A by joining a plurality of terminals (not shown) provided on the bottom surface 10b of the first light source unit 10 to the respective terminal layers 35 within the opening 33a of the flexible substrate 31A. Each terminal of the first light source unit 10 is joined to the respective terminal layer 35 by, for example, solder. Similarly, the second light source unit 20 is mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31A by joining a plurality of terminals (not shown) provided on the bottom surface 20b of the second light source unit 20 to the respective terminal layers 35 within the opening 33a of the flexible substrate 31A. Each terminal of the second light source unit 20 is joined to the respective terminal layer 35 by, for example, solder. Thus, the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 20 are mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31A, and the light emitting surface 10a of the first light source unit 10 and the light emitting surface 20a of the second light source unit 20 face the side opposite to the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31A in the third direction D3.

[0068] On the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31B, the imaging unit 5 is mounted. Specifically, in the opening 33a of the flexible substrate 31B, a plurality of terminals (not shown) provided on the bottom surface 5b of the imaging unit 5 are joined to the respective terminal layers 35, whereby the imaging unit 5 is mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31B. Each terminal of the imaging unit 5 is joined to the respective terminal layer 35 by, for example, solder. Thus, the imaging unit 5 is mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31B, and the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5 faces the opposite side of the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31B in the third direction D3. When viewed from the third direction D3, the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5 is located on the side opposite to the side where the wiring unit 3 extends with respect to the light emitting surface 10a of the first light source unit 10 and the light emitting surface 20a of the second light source unit 20.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the current input terminal (not shown) of the first light source unit 10 is electrically connected to a signal line 32a which is a single wiring 32. The current input terminal (not shown) of the second light source unit 20 is electrically connected to a signal line 32b which is a single wiring 32. The ground terminal (not shown) of the first light source unit 10 and the ground terminal (not shown) of the second light source unit 20 are electrically connected to a common ground line 32c which is a single wiring 32.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 7, the resin member 7 seals the end portion 4a of the tube 4 in a state of covering the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20. In the second embodiment, the resin member 7 is located outside the end portion 4a of the tube 4, and "the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, the second light source unit 20, a plurality of reinforcing plates 8, and the end portions of the wiring unit 3 (that is, the end portions of the flexible substrate 31A and the flexible substrate 31B)" are not exposed to the outside, and the end portion 4a of the tube 4 is sealed. The resin member 7 has translucency. Specifically, the resin member 7 has transmissivity with respect to the first laser beam L1, the second laser beam L2, and the illumination light L3 described later. The outer surface of the portion 7a of the resin member 7 located on the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5 is a surface parallel to the light incident surface 5a. The outer surface of the portion 7b of the resin member 7 located on the light emitting surface 10a of the first light source unit 10 is a surface parallel to the light emitting surface 10a. The outer surface of the portion 7c of the resin member 7 located on the light emitting surface 20a of the second light source unit 20 is a surface parallel to the light emitting surface 20a.

[0071] As described above, in the optical device 1B, the head 2 has the first light source unit 10 that emits the first laser beam L1 for treating the affected part in the living body. In the first light source unit 10, the phase distribution of the phase modulation layer 15 includes an element for condensing the first laser beam L1 in at least one direction. Thereby, for example, it becomes unnecessary to provide a lens for condensing the first laser beam L1 on the head 2, and the head 2 can be miniaturized. Further, a flexible wiring unit 3 having a plurality of wirings 32 electrically connected to each of the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20 extends from the head 2. Thereby, for example, the flexibility of the wiring unit 3 can be improved as compared with an optical fiber. Therefore, according to the optical device 1B, the head 2 having the light source unit can reach the details in the living body.

[0072] In the optical device 1B, the absorption coefficient of the first laser beam L1 in water is 7 cm -1It has the wavelength as described above. Thereby, the first laser beam L1 can be effectively absorbed by the living body, and the affected part can be appropriately treated.

[0073] In the optical device 1B, the head 2 has a second light source unit 20 that emits a second laser beam L2 for three-dimensional measurement. In the second light source unit 20, an element for modulating the second laser beam L2 is included such that the phase distribution of the phase modulation layer 25 has a periodic pattern of the second laser beam L2 in a plane intersecting at least one direction. Thereby, for example, before treating the affected part, the three-dimensional shape of the affected part can be obtained.

[0074] In the optical device 1A, in the head 2, the imaging unit 5 is mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31B, and the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5 faces the side opposite to the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31B. Also, in the head 2, the first light source unit 10 is mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31A, and the light emitting surface 10a of the first light source unit 10 faces the side opposite to the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31A. Thereby, for the affected part existing on the side of the head 2 that intersects the traveling direction of the head 2, observation and treatment can be appropriately performed.

[0075] In the optical device 1B, in the head 2, the second light source unit 20 is mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31A, and the light emitting surface 20a of the second light source unit 20 faces the side opposite to the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31A. Thereby, for the affected part existing on the side of the head 2 that intersects the traveling direction of the head 2, three-dimensional measurement can be appropriately performed.

[0076] In the optical device 1B, the wiring unit 3 is disposed inside a flexible tube 4 extending from the head 2. At the head 2, a resin member 7 seals the end portion 4a of the tube 4 in a state of covering the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20. Among the resin member 7, the portion 7a on the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5, the portion 7b on the light emission surface 10a of the first light source unit 10, and the portion 7c on the light emission surface 20a of the second light source unit 20 have translucency. Thereby, the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, the second light source unit 20, and the wiring unit 3 can be protected from body fluids. [Modification example]

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the above-described first and second embodiments. For example, in the optical device 1A of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the head 2 may have a plurality of first light source units 10. In the example shown in FIG. 9(a), the plurality of first light source units 10 are arranged in the third direction D3, and in the example shown in FIG. 9(b), the plurality of first light source units 10 are arranged in the second direction D2.

[0078] In the optical device 1A of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the head 2 may have a plurality of second light source units 20. In the example shown in FIG. 9(a), the plurality of second light source units 20 are arranged in the third direction D3, and in the example shown in FIG. 9(b), the plurality of second light source units 20 are arranged in the second direction D2.

[0079] In the optical device 1B of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the head 2 may have a plurality of first light source units 10. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of first light source units 10 are arranged in the first direction D1. The plurality of first light source units 10 may be arranged in the second direction D2.

[0080] In the optical device 1B of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the head 2 may have a plurality of second light source units 20. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of second light source units 20 are arranged in the first direction D1. The plurality of second light source units 20 may be arranged in the second direction D2.

[0081] When the head 2 has a plurality of first light source units 10, each first light source unit 10 may condense the first laser light L1 at different positions from each other in the emission direction of the first laser light L1 emitted from the head 2. According to this, the affected part can be treated within a certain range in the emission direction of the first laser light L1. Further, when the head 2 has a plurality of first light source units 10, each first light source unit 10 may condense the first laser light L1 at different positions from each other in a plane intersecting the emission direction of the first laser light L1 emitted from the head 2. According to this, the affected part can be treated within a certain range in the plane intersecting the emission direction of the first laser light L1.

[0082] One first light source unit 102 may be configured to condense the first laser light L1 at a plurality of different positions in the emission direction of the first laser light L1 emitted from the head 2. According to this, the affected part can be treated within a certain range in the emission direction of the first laser light L1 by one first light source unit 102. Further, one first light source unit 102 may be configured to condense the first laser light L1 at a plurality of different positions in a plane intersecting the emission direction of the first laser light L1 emitted from the head 2. According to this, the affected part can be treated by the condensing irradiation of the first laser light L1 within a certain range in the plane intersecting the emission direction of the first laser light L1 by one first light source unit 102. Further, a drive unit for reciprocating the first light source unit 102 along a predetermined direction may be provided on the head 2. According to this, the affected part can be treated within a certain range in the predetermined direction. As an example, a piezoelectric element such as a piezo element is provided on the head 2 as the drive unit, and the first light source unit 102 may be vibrated along a predetermined direction (for example, the emission direction of the first laser light L1 emitted from the head 2, or a direction intersecting the emission direction of the first laser light L1 emitted from the head 2) by the piezoelectric element.

[0083] In the optical device 1B of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the imaging unit 5 may be mounted on the main surface 31a of the flexible substrate 31B such that the light incident surface 5a faces the side opposite to the side where the wiring unit 3 extends. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the resin member 7 is formed as a molded product having a first wall portion 71 and a second wall portion 72 facing each other in the third direction D3. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the end portion of the flexible substrate 31B, the reinforcing plate 8, and the imaging unit 5 are fixed to the surface of the first wall portion 71 on the second wall portion 72 side, and the end portion of the flexible substrate 31A, the reinforcing plate 8, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20 are embedded in the second wall portion 72. A mirror 9 is stretched between the first wall portion 71 and the second wall portion 72, and the space between the first wall portion 71 and the second wall portion 72 is sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Light from the imaging object passes through the second wall portion 72, is reflected by the mirror surface 9a of the mirror 9, and enters the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5. Note that the mirror 9 may be a half mirror. In that case, an image of the imaging object located in front of the head 2 and an image of the imaging object located on the side of the head 2 can be obtained.

[0084] The head 2 may not have the second light source unit 20. Even in that case, by supplying a current of a second current value to the first light source unit 10 via the wiring unit 3 and causing the first light source unit 10 to also function as an illumination unit, an image of the affected part can be obtained before and after the treatment of the affected part while maintaining the miniaturization of the head 2. Further, by causing the first light source unit 10 to also function as an illumination unit using the -1st order light emitted from the first light source unit 10, an image of the affected part can be obtained during the treatment of the affected part while maintaining the miniaturization of the head 2.

[0085] The head 2 may have an illumination unit that emits illumination light L3 separately from the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 20. According to this, since an illumination unit is provided in the head 2 separately from the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 20, the degree of freedom of the illumination method can be improved, such as obtaining an image of the affected part before and after the treatment of the affected part or obtaining an image of the affected part during the treatment of the affected part.

[0086] In the optical device 1A of the first embodiment, the wiring unit 3 may have a plurality of flexible substrates 31. In that case, each of the plurality of flexible substrates 31 may correspond to each of the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20.

[0087] In the optical device 1B of the second embodiment, the imaging unit 5, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20 may be arranged on the same plane. In that case, the plurality of flexible substrates 31A, 31B may be integrally formed.

[0088] In the resin member 7, at least the portion 7a on the light incident surface 5a of the imaging unit 5, the portion 7b on the light emission surface 10a of the first light source unit 10, and the portion 7c on the light emission surface 20a of the second light source unit 20 may have translucency. In other words, portions other than the plurality of portions 7a, 7b, 7c may be formed of another resin having light-shielding properties.

[0089] The head 2 may further have an injection unit that injects a fluorescent substance that selectively adheres to cancer cells. In that case, by detecting the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent substance by the irradiation of the first laser light L1, the malignancy of the lesion can be determined. Also, three-dimensional measurement by the irradiation of the second laser light L2 can be performed with high precision.

[0090] By vibrating the head 2 two-dimensionally and regularly in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction to scan the condensing spot of the laser light on the focal plane, receiving the fluorescence generated from the focal plane, and converting it into an electrical signal, the cell structure of the focal plane can be imaged. The intensity of the laser light required for image acquisition is in the range of several tens of μW to several tens of mW at a scan speed of about 1 frame per second in a field of view of about 1 mm × 1 mm.

[0091] Also, when the intensity of the laser beam is set to several tens of mW to several W at a scanning speed of about 1 frame per second in a field of view of about 1 mm × 1 mm, the cell structure can be ablated on the focal plane. That is, on a plane at a depth of about 0.1 to 1.0 mm from the tissue surface, the diseased tissue can be cut along a plane parallel to the front surface of the head 2, and the excised fine fresh tissue can be aspirated and held by the suction nozzle 40 provided on the head 2 as shown in FIG. 12, and recovered outside the body. Note that a cube-shaped biological tissue with a side length of 1 mm recovered outside the body contains about 1 million cells, and the biological tissue has a sufficient amount of cells for performing the following analysis.

[0092] The above-described regular vibration may be realized by, for example, a piezo element. If the living body can be cut on a plane at a depth of 0.5 to 1.0 mm from the living body surface, the cutting can be completed within 10 seconds, and the freshly excised cell mass can be aspirated and recovered by the suction nozzle 40.

[0093] The following analyses A and B can be performed using the freshly recovered diseased tissue outside the body.

[0094] A: For example, tissue cells can be stained with dyes such as hematoxylin and eosin, and pathological diagnosis can be performed to identify the disease name of the diseased part. For example, in the case of cancer, not only can it be diagnosed as cancer by pathological tissue diagnosis, but also it is possible to determine whether it is squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, poorly differentiated or well-differentiated (this corresponds to biopsy in the narrow sense).

[0095] B: From fresh tissue cells, for example, by performing whole mRNA gene analysis, the biological characteristics can be analyzed from the gene expression pattern. For example, in the case of cancer, by analyzing these biological characteristics, the hormones receptors, growth factor receptors, and oncogenes expressed by cancer cells can be identified, and thus it can be determined which therapeutic drugs are effective. Also, if the cancer antigens expressed by cancer cells are identified, T cells of the patient genetically modified to attack these antigens can be created, and thus CAR-T therapy can be performed to attack cancer (broadly defined biopsy for molecular treatment of cancer).

Explanation of symbols

[0096] 1A, 1B... optical device, 2... head, 3... wiring unit, 4... tube, 4a... end, 5... imaging unit, 5a... light incident surface, 6... wiring structure, 6a... side surface, 7... resin member, 7a, 7b, 7c... parts, 10... first light source unit, 10a... light emitting surface, 13... light emitting layer (first light emitting layer), 15... phase modulation layer (first phase modulation layer), 15a... basic layer (first basic layer), 15b... birefringence region (first birefringence region), 20... second light source unit (lighting unit), 20a... light emitting surface, 23... light emitting layer (second light emitting layer), 25... phase modulation layer (second phase modulation layer), 25a... basic layer (second basic layer), 25b... birefringence region (second birefringence region), 31, 31A, 31B... flexible substrate, 31a... main surface, 32... wiring, G... center of gravity, O... lattice point, L1... first laser beam, L2... second laser beam, L3... light for illumination, V... blood vessel (living body), A... lesion (affected part).

Claims

1. A head having an imaging unit that acquires an image of the surface of a tissue in a living body, and a first light source unit that emits a first laser beam for treating an affected part in the living body, A flexible wiring unit having a plurality of wirings electrically connected to the imaging unit and the first light source unit respectively, and extending from the head, The first light source unit has a first light emitting layer and a first phase modulation layer optically coupled to the first light emitting layer, The first phase modulation layer includes a first basic layer and a plurality of first birefringence regions having different refractive indices from the first basic layer and two-dimensionally distributed in a plane intersecting the thickness direction of the first basic layer, The center of gravity of each of the plurality of first birefringence regions is arranged at a position corresponding to a corresponding lattice point among a plurality of lattice points of a virtual basic lattice set in the plane intersecting the thickness direction of the first basic layer, according to the phase modulation amount of a predetermined phase distribution, The phase distribution includes an element for condensing the first laser beam in at least one direction. An optical device.

2. The head further has an illumination unit that emits illumination light. The optical device according to claim 1.

3. The first light source unit emits the first laser beam when a current of a first current value is supplied through the wiring unit, and emits illumination light when a current of a second current value lower than the first current value is supplied through the wiring unit. The optical device according to claim 1.

4. The first light source unit emits +1st order light as the first laser beam and emits -1st order light around the +1st order light as illumination light. The optical device according to claim 1.

5. The head has a plurality of first light source units each of which is the first light source unit, Each of the plurality of first light source units condenses the first laser beam at mutually different positions in the emission direction of the first laser beam emitted from the head. The optical device according to claim 1.

6. The head has a plurality of first light source units each of which is the first light source unit, Each of the plurality of first light source units condenses the first laser beam at mutually different positions in a plane intersecting the emission direction of the first laser beam emitted from the head. The optical device according to claim 1.

7. The first laser beam has a wavelength with an absorption coefficient of 7 cm －１ or more in water, and the optical device according to claim 1.

8. The head further has a second light source unit that emits a second laser beam for performing three-dimensional measurement, The second light source unit has a second light emitting layer and a second phase modulation layer optically coupled to the second light emitting layer. The second phase modulation layer includes a second basic layer and a plurality of second birefringence regions having different refractive indices from the second basic layer and two-dimensionally distributed in a plane intersecting the thickness direction of the second basic layer. The center of gravity of each of the plurality of second birefringence regions is arranged at a position corresponding to a corresponding lattice point among a plurality of lattice points of a virtual basic lattice set in the plane intersecting the thickness direction of the second basic layer, according to the phase modulation amount of a predetermined phase distribution. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the phase distribution includes an element for modulating the second laser light so that the second laser light has a periodic pattern in a plane intersecting at least one direction.

9. The wiring unit has a flexible substrate including the plurality of wirings. The head further has a wiring structure mounted on a main surface of the flexible substrate. The imaging unit and the first light source unit are mounted on a side surface of the surface of the wiring structure that intersects the main surface and faces the side opposite to the side where the wiring unit extends. The light incident surface of the imaging unit and the light emitting surface of the first light source unit face the side opposite to the side where the wiring unit extends. The optical device according to claim 1.

10. The wiring unit has a flexible substrate including the plurality of wirings. The imaging unit and the first light source unit are mounted on the main surface of the flexible substrate. The light incident surface of the imaging unit and the light emitting surface of the first light source unit face the side opposite to the main surface. The optical device according to claim 1.

11. The wiring unit is disposed inside, and further includes a flexible tube extending from the head. The head further has a resin member that seals an end portion of the tube in a state of covering the imaging unit and the first light source unit. Among the resin members, at least a portion on the light incident surface of the imaging unit and a portion on the light emitting surface of the first light source unit have light transmissivity. The optical device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The optical device according to claim 1, further comprising a driving unit for reciprocating the first light source unit along a predetermined direction.

Images