Light transmitting and receiving probe system and light transmitting and receiving probe

Abstract

This light transmission / reception probe system is provided with, for example: a light transmission / reception probe having at least one light source, a first end in the axial direction, a second end on the opposite side from the first end in the axial direction, a core, a first clad surrounding the core, and a leakage unit for allowing first light that is emitted from the light source, coupled to the first clad at the first end, and transmitted through the first clad to leak radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first clad; a light reception unit that receives second light that arrives from the outside, and is coupled to the core at the second end, transmitted through the core, and output from the core at the first end; and a detection unit that detects the second light received by the light reception unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light transmitting and receiving probe system and a light transmitting and receiving probe. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a medical probe that emits laser light from the tip of the probe has been known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-104199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the probe of Patent Document 1, the light is emitted only from the tip of the probe, so the light irradiation range is limited to the vicinity of the tip.

[0005] Furthermore, the probe of Patent Document 1 alone cannot confirm whether the light is being irradiated to the intended range.

[0006] It would be beneficial for this type of probe to be able to extend the illumination range and to be able to verify that the light is reaching the intended illumination range.

[0007] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved new light transmitting and receiving probe system and light transmitting and receiving probe that can, for example, further expand the irradiation range and also enable confirmation of the irradiation range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The light transmitting and receiving probe system of the present invention includes, for example, a light transmitting and receiving probe having at least one light source, a first axial end, a second axial end opposite the first end, a core, a first clad surrounding the core, and a leakage portion through which first light output from the light source, coupled with the first clad at the first end, and transmitted through the first clad, leaks radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first clad; a light receiving portion that receives second light that arrives from the outside, is coupled with the core at the second end, is transmitted through the core, and is output from the core at the first end; and a detection portion that detects the second light received by the light receiving portion.

[0009] The optical transmitting and receiving probe system may include an integrated coupling section having a first coupling section facing a position radially outwardly shifted from the axis of the first end section and coupling light output from the at least one light source to the first cladding, and a second coupling section facing closer to the axis than the first coupling section of the first end section and into which light output from the core at the first end section is coupled.

[0010] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the light transmitting and receiving probe may have a first coating layer surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the first clad between the first end and the leakage portion.

[0011] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the first coating layer may include a second cladding having a refractive index lower than that of the first cladding.

[0012] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the light transmitting and receiving probe may have an outer skin surrounding the outermost part in the radial direction.

[0013] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the outer cover may be made of a resin material.

[0014] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the light transmitting and receiving probe may have a section in which the outer peripheral surface of the first cladding is exposed at a position axially deviated from the leakage portion.

[0015] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the light transmitting and receiving probe may have a second coating layer surrounding the first cladding on the axially opposite side of the leaky portion from the first end portion and suppressing direct coupling of the first light from the leaky portion to the core.

[0016] The light transmitting and receiving probe system may further include an optical element that redirects light traveling radially inward at the second end toward the core.

[0017] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the leakage portion may include a recess or a protrusion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the first cladding.

[0018] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the leakage part may include particles or holes provided inside the first cladding.

[0019] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the leakage portion may include a section in which the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the first cladding changes along the axial direction.

[0020] In the optical transmission and reception probe system, the leakage portion may include a bent portion of the first cladding.

[0021] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the leakage portion may have a scattering layer provided radially outside the first cladding and configured to introduce light from the first cladding and scatter the light radially outward.

[0022] In the optical transmitting and receiving probe system, the integral coupling portion may be optically connected to the first end portion.

[0023] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the integrated coupling section may include a fiber bundle in which a first transmission optical fiber that transmits the first light and has an end portion that serves as the first coupling section and a second transmission optical fiber that transmits the second light and has an end portion that serves as the second coupling section are bundled together.

[0024] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the fiber bundle may be a tapered fiber bundle that becomes thinner as it approaches the light transmitting and receiving probe.

[0025] The light transmitting and receiving probe system may be configured such that the at least one light source and the core at the first end are optically connected, and third light output from the light source and transmitted through the core can be output from the second end.

[0026] The light transmitting and receiving probe system may include a plurality of light sources as the at least one light source, and a control unit that switches between light sources that output light among the plurality of light sources.

[0027] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the plurality of light sources may include a plurality of light sources that output the first light.

[0028] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the at least one light source and the core at the first end are optically connected, and a third light output from the light source and transmitted through the core can be output from the second end, and the plurality of light sources may include a light source that outputs the first light and the third light.

[0029] The light transmitting and receiving probe system may further include a user operation input unit, and the control unit may switch between light sources that output light among the plurality of light sources in response to a user operation input to the operation input unit.

[0030] In the light transmitting and receiving probe system, the light transmitting and receiving probe may have a plurality of cores arranged in parallel as the core.

[0031] The light transmitting and receiving probe of the present invention has, for example, a first axial end, a second axial end opposite the first end, a core extending in the axial direction, a first cladding surrounding the core and extending in the axial direction, and a leakage portion that is provided closer to the second end than the first end of the first cladding and that causes first light output from a light source, coupled with the first cladding at the first end, and transmitted through the first cladding to leak radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first cladding.

[0032] The light transmitting and receiving probe may have an integrated coupling portion having a first coupling portion facing a position radially outwardly shifted from the axis of the first end portion and coupling light output from the at least one light source to the first cladding, and a second coupling portion facing closer to the axis than the first coupling portion of the first end portion and to which light output from the core at the first end portion is coupled.

[0033] The light transmitting and receiving probe may have a first coating layer surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the first clad between the first end and the leakage portion.

[0034] In the light transmitting and receiving probe, the first coating layer may include a second cladding having a refractive index lower than that of the first cladding.

[0035] The light transmitting and receiving probe may have an outer skin surrounding the outermost part in the radial direction.

[0036] The optical transmitting and receiving probe may have a second coating layer surrounding the first cladding on the axially opposite side of the leaky portion from the first end portion and suppressing direct coupling of the first light from the leaky portion to the core.

[0037] The light transmitting and receiving probe may include an optical element at the second end that redirects light traveling radially inward toward the core. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to obtain a novel improved light transmitting and receiving probe system and light transmitting and receiving probe that can further expand the irradiation range and also enable confirmation of the irradiation range. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a light transmitting and receiving probe system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view (partial side view) of a coupling portion and a light transmitting and receiving probe according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram showing an irradiation range of the light transmitting and receiving probe according to the embodiment and reception of return light from the end of the irradiation range. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the coupling portion and the light transmitting and receiving probe according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram of the optical transmission and reception probe system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a first clad of the light transmitting and receiving probe according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a first clad of the light transmitting and receiving probe according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a first clad of the light transmitting and receiving probe according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of an example of a leakage part of the light transmitting and receiving probe according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a leakage part of the light transmitting and receiving probe according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a tip portion of a light transmitting and receiving probe according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a tip portion of a light transmitting and receiving probe according to an embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a tip portion of a light transmitting and receiving probe according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a tip portion of a light transmitting and receiving probe according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a part of a light transmitting and receiving probe system according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a leakage portion of a light transmitting and receiving probe according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Exemplary embodiments and modifications of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments and modifications shown below, as well as the actions and results (effects) brought about by these configurations, are merely examples. The present invention can also be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of the various effects (including derivative effects) obtained by the configurations.

[0041] The following embodiments and modifications have similar configurations. Therefore, the configurations of each embodiment and modification provide similar actions and effects based on the similar configurations. In the following, similar configurations are given similar reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0042] In this specification, ordinal numbers are given for convenience to distinguish between parts, portions, functional parts, etc., and do not indicate priority or order.

[0043] [Embodiment] [Configuration of the optical transmission and reception probe system] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a light transmitting and receiving probe system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the light transmitting and receiving probe system 1 includes a light output device 100, a light transmitting and receiving probe 10, a control device 200, a delivery optical fiber 20, a coupling unit 30, an input unit 220, and a light receiving unit 250.

[0044] Light output device 100 has a plurality of light source units 110. Each light source unit 110 has a light source that outputs laser light and an optical system (neither of which is shown) that guides light from the light source to delivery optical fiber 20. The light source includes, for example, a laser element that outputs laser light. In this embodiment, light output device 100 has a plurality of light source units 110, i.e., light sources, as an example, but is not limited to this and may have at least one light source unit 110.

[0045] Each light source unit 110 and the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 are optically connected via a delivery optical fiber 20 provided corresponding to the light source unit 110 and a coupling section 30. That is, the delivery optical fiber 20 transmits the light output from the light source unit 110 to the coupling section 30, and the coupling section 30 couples the light transmitted by the delivery optical fiber 20 to the light transmitting and receiving probe 10.

[0046] The light transmitting and receiving probe 10 includes an optical fiber, has a thin, cylindrical, linear shape, and is flexible. The light transmitting and receiving probe 10 has an end 10a, which is one end in the axial direction, and an end 10b, which is the other end in the axial direction. The end 10a is adjacent to the coupling portion 30 and is an input end into which light from the coupling portion 30 is input, and may also be referred to as a base end. The end 10b is located on the opposite side of the end 10a in the axial direction, and may also be referred to as a tip end.

[0047] The light transmitting and receiving probe 10 has a leakage portion 11 and a transmission portion 12. The leakage portion 11 is provided over a predetermined length in the axial direction at a position away from the end portion 10a, and is a section through which light leaks radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 10c of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10. The transmission portion 12 is a section that transmits light between the end portion 10a and the leakage portion 11.

[0048] The control device 200 can control the light source unit 110, for example, to output or stop outputting light. The control device 200 can also control the operation of devices and parts other than the light source unit 110 in the light transmitting and receiving probe system 1. The input unit 220 constitutes a user interface operated by an operator (user), and inputs instruction signals to the control device 200 in response to operation input by the operator. The input unit 220 is an example of an operation input unit.

[0049] The light receiving unit 250 is optically connected to the end 10a on the proximal side of the core 10d via an optical coupler (not shown), the delivery optical fiber 21, and the coupling unit 30. The light receiving unit 250 is coupled to the end 10b on the distal side of the core 10d, and can receive external light that is transmitted through the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 and output from the end 10a. The light receiving unit 250 is, for example, a light receiving element.

[0050] [Configuration of the light transmitting and receiving probe] 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 and a side view of the coupling section 30. As described above, the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 has the transmitting section 12 and the leakage section 11. In this embodiment, as an example, the transmitting section 12 is configured as a double-clad fiber. That is, the transmitting section 12 has a core 10d extending in the axial direction, a first clad 10e surrounding the core 10d and extending in the axial direction, and a second clad 10f surrounding the first clad and extending in the axial direction. The refractive index of the first clad 10e is lower than the refractive index of the core 10d, and the refractive index of the second clad 10f is lower than the refractive index of the first clad 10e.

[0051] Light input from the coupling section 30 is coupled to the first cladding 10e at the end 10a, and is transmitted within the first cladding 10e from the transmitting section 12 to the leaking section 11 toward the end 10b. Furthermore, external light arriving from the outside is coupled to the core 10d at the end 10b, and is transmitted within the core 10d from the leaking section 11 to the transmitting section 12 toward the end 10a. Hereinafter, the light transmitted within the first cladding 10e will be referred to as "first light," and the light transmitted within the core 10d will be referred to as "second light." The end 10a is an example of a first end, and the end 10b is an example of a second end.

[0052] The second cladding 10f may be an outer covering made of a resin material such as a flexible synthetic resin material. The second cladding 10f may also be air. In this case, the second cladding 10f does not exist between the end portion 10a and the leakage portion 11, and at least the outer surface 10c of the first cladding 10e in the transmission portion 12 is exposed from the second cladding 10f. The transmission portion 12 may also have an outer covering surrounding the second cladding 10f. In these configurations, the second cladding 10f and the outer covering are examples of a first covering layer that surrounds the outer surface 10c of the first cladding 10e at least between the end portion 10a and the leakage portion 11. The first covering layer can prevent the first light from leaking from the first cladding 10e. The portion of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 that is inserted into the body may be entirely covered with an outer covering.

[0053] The leakage portion 11 leaks the first light transmitted within the first cladding 10e from the outer peripheral surface 10c of the first cladding 10e radially outward. In this embodiment, the leakage portion 11 does not have a second cladding. In this embodiment, as an example, recesses 11a are provided on the outer peripheral surface 10c of the first cladding 10e in the leakage portion 11. In this case, the first light is refracted at the recesses 11a, changing its traveling direction, i.e., being scattered, and leaks radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 10c. Note that, instead of the recesses 11a, protrusions may be provided on the outer peripheral surface 10c. The protrusions may be, for example, portions between the recesses 11a. In this embodiment, the recesses 11a and protrusions promote the leakage of the first light radially outward from the first cladding 10e. In addition, by appropriately adjusting specifications such as the installation position, installation density, size, and depth of the recesses 11a and protrusions, the distribution of the leakage intensity of the first light in the axial direction of the leakage section 11 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0054] The second light input from the end 10b is transmitted through the core 10d and output from the end 10a. The first cladding 10e prevents the second light from leaking from the outer peripheral surface of the core 10d.

[0055] In this way, the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 can output the first light Lc (see FIG. 1) radially outward through the leakage portion 11. The leakage portion 11 can be set to be relatively long in the axial direction of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the light irradiation range of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 can be further expanded compared to a configuration in which the light irradiation range is limited to the vicinity of the end in the axial direction.

[0056] The light transmitting and receiving probe 10 can also transmit the second light Lr (see FIG. 1) input to the end 10b of the core 10d. In this way, the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 can perform both light transmission and light reception with a relatively simple configuration based on optical fiber.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an irradiation area A of the first light Lc. As shown in FIG. 3, the irradiation area A faces the outer peripheral surface 10c of the leakage part 11. Note that although the irradiation area A is depicted in FIG. 3 as existing only on one side of the outer peripheral surface 10c (the upper side in FIG. 3), in reality, it can be a cylindrical area surrounding the outer peripheral surface 10c. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the end 10b is located near the end At on the tip side of the irradiation area A and faces the end At. Therefore, the end 10b can receive the second light Lr from the end At of the irradiation area A.

[0058] 2 and 3, the end 10b of the core 10d is provided with an inclined surface 10b1 inclined with respect to the axial direction X. In this case, the second light beam directed radially inward is reflected by the inclined surface 10b1 in the axial direction. The reflection direction can be appropriately adjusted by the inclination of the inclined surface 10b1. The inclined surface 10b1 is an example of an optical element.

[0059] With the above-described configuration, the light transmitting and receiving probe system 1 of this embodiment can detect or determine the presence or absence of irradiation of the first light Lc to the irradiation range A and the irradiation intensity thereof, for example, by receiving and detecting the second light Lr in the light receiving unit 250. Here, the second light Lr may be reflected light of the first light Lc from the irradiation range A, or may be fluorescence caused by the first light Lc in the irradiation range A.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in this embodiment, the optical transmitter-receiver probe 10 includes a coating layer 13 surrounding the core 10d between the first cladding 10e of the leakage portion 11 and the end 10b of the core 10d. The coating layer 13 surrounds the core 10d on the axially opposite side of the leakage portion 11 from the end 10a, preventing the first light Lc from directly coupling with the core 10d. In this case, the coating layer 13 may include an absorbing layer that absorbs light. The absorbing layer may be configured as a black-dyed layer made of, for example, a copper oxide coating. The coating layer 13 prevents the first light Lc from coupling with the core 10d, being emitted from the end 10b, and irradiating an unintended area. The coating layer 13 also prevents the first light Lc input to the core 10d from interfering with the second light, thereby weakening the output of the second light. The coating layer 13 may also be configured to surround the outer periphery of the first cladding 10e. The coating layer 13 is an example of a second coating layer.

[0061] Joint Configuration 4 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling section 30 and a portion of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10. The coupling section 30 is connected to the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 by fusion or adhesion, etc. In other words, the coupling section 30 is optically and mechanically connected to the light transmitting and receiving probe 10. Note that the end face of the coupling section 30 and the end face of the light transmitting and receiving probe may be configured to come into contact with each other by another member (not shown).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4 , the coupling unit 30 has a fiber bundle in which multiple delivery optical fibers 20 are bundled together. The fiber bundle is, for example, a tapered fiber bundle that becomes thinner as it approaches the light transmitting and receiving probe 10. In FIG. 4 , for example, the ends of seven delivery optical fibers 20 with the same diameter are bundled in a close-packed manner. Each delivery optical fiber 20 has a core 20 a, a cladding 20 b surrounding the core 20 a, and an outer jacket 20 c surrounding the cladding 20 b. The portion from which the outer jacket 20 c is removed constitutes the coupling unit 30, which has a tapered portion 31 and a straight portion 32. In the tapered portion 31, the outer diameter gradually becomes thinner as it approaches the light transmitting and receiving probe 10, and the claddings 20 b of adjacent delivery optical fibers 20 are integrated. Note that the coupling unit 30 does not necessarily have to have the straight portion 32. The number of bundled optical fibers is not limited to seven, and the fiber bundle may have at least two bundled end portions of the delivery optical fibers 20. The fiber bundle may also have optical fibers other than the delivery optical fibers 20 that are optically connected to each delivery optical fiber 20.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the end face 10a2 of the first clad 10e of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 faces the end face of the delivery optical fiber 22, which is shifted radially outward from the optical axis Ax. The end face 10a2 is a part of the end portion 10a. As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery optical fiber 22 is optically connected to the light source unit 112 (110). The coupling portion 30 couples the light output from the light source unit 112 and transmitted by the delivery optical fiber 22 to the first clad 10e. That is, the light source of the light source unit 112 outputs light to be coupled to the first clad 10e, i.e., first light. The delivery optical fiber 22 is an example of a first transmission optical fiber. The portion of the coupling portion 30 that optically connects the delivery optical fiber 22 and the first clad 10e, i.e., the end portion of the delivery optical fiber 22, is an example of a first coupling portion.

[0064] 4, in this embodiment, as an example, a plurality of delivery optical fibers 22 are optically connected to the first cladding 10e. Therefore, when a plurality of light source units 112 output light in parallel, the first light output from the plurality of light source units 112 is coupled to the first cladding 10e via the coupling portion 30.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, the end face 10a1 of the core 10d of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 faces the end face of the delivery optical fiber 21 located at the center of the bundle. The end face 10a1 is a part of the end portion 10a. As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery optical fiber 21 is optically connected to the light receiving unit 250. The coupling unit 30 optically connects the core 10d and the delivery optical fiber 21. The delivery optical fiber 21 is an example of a second transmission optical fiber. The portion of the coupling unit 30 that optically connects the core 10d and the delivery optical fiber 21, i.e., the end portion of the delivery optical fiber 21, is an example of a second coupling unit. The coupling unit 30 is an example of an integrated coupling unit having a first coupling unit and a second coupling unit.

[0066] 4, the end face 10a3 of the second cladding 10f does not face the end face of the delivery optical fiber 20. The end face 10a3 may be provided with a shielding portion to prevent external light from being coupled to the second cladding 10f.

[0067] Furthermore, at the optical connection portion between the light source unit 112 and the delivery optical fiber 22, the numerical aperture of the light source unit 112 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the numerical aperture of the delivery optical fiber 22. Furthermore, at the optical connection portion between the delivery optical fiber 22 (coupling portion 30) and the end portion 10a of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10, the numerical aperture of the delivery optical fiber 22 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the numerical aperture of the first cladding 10e. Similarly, the numerical aperture of the light receiving portion 250 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the numerical aperture of the delivery optical fiber 21. Furthermore, at the optical connection portion between the delivery optical fiber 21 (coupling portion 30) and the end portion 10a of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10, the numerical aperture of the delivery optical fiber 21 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the numerical aperture of the core 10d. By setting the numerical apertures in this manner, loss at the optical connection portion between the first light and the second light is reduced. Here, the numerical aperture of the first cladding 10e is larger than the numerical aperture of the core 10d. Therefore, the numerical aperture of the light source unit 112 is larger than the numerical aperture of the light receiving unit 250. The settings of the numerical apertures of the light source unit 112 and the light receiving unit 250 can be changed, for example, by designing the numerical aperture of a lens system (not shown).

[0068] As described above, the control device 200 can switch between outputting and stopping light from each light source unit 110. Therefore, by controlling the operation of each light source unit 110 by the control device 200, it is possible to switch between a state in which the first light output from the light source unit 112 is output from the outer peripheral surface 10c at the leakage portion 11 of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 and a state in which the first light is not output from the light transmitting and receiving probe 10. Furthermore, the control device 200 can change the intensity of the first light leaking from the outer peripheral surface 10c at the leakage portion 11 by changing the number of light source units 112 that output the first light.

[0069] Furthermore, the control device 200 can change the operating state and intensity as described above based on an instruction signal based on an operation input by the operator via the input unit 220.

[0070] [Control of the irradiation system] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the light transmitting and receiving probe system 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the light transmitting and receiving probe system 1 includes a control device 200, an input unit 220, an output unit 230, and a light receiving unit 250. The input unit 220 and the output unit 230 form a user interface for a user or operator. The input unit 220 is an input device such as a remote controller, a switch box, an operation unit such as a joystick, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, a switch, or an operation button. The output unit 230 is an output device such as a display, a printer, a lamp, or a speaker that outputs images, prints, or sounds.

[0071] The control device 200 also includes a controller 210, a main memory unit 241, and an auxiliary memory unit 242.

[0072] The controller 210 is, for example, a processor (circuit) such as a CPU (central processing unit). The main memory unit 241 is, for example, a RAM (random access memory) or a ROM (read only memory). The auxiliary memory device 242 is, for example, a non-volatile rewritable memory device such as an SSD (solid state drive) or an HDD (hard disk drive).

[0073] The controller 210 operates as an irradiation control unit 211, an input control unit 212, an output control unit 213, and a detection unit 214 by reading programs stored in the main memory unit 241 or the auxiliary memory unit 242 and executing each process. The programs may be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium may also be referred to as a program product. Values, maps, tables, and other information used in the program and arithmetic processing by the processor may be pre-stored in the main memory unit 241 or the auxiliary memory unit 242, or may be stored in a memory unit of a computer connected to a communication network and then downloaded to the auxiliary memory unit 242 via the communication network. The auxiliary memory unit 242 stores data written by the processor. The arithmetic processing by the controller 210 may also be performed at least in part by hardware. In this case, the controller 210 may include, for example, an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0074] Irradiation control unit 211 can individually control the output and stop of light for each light source unit 110 included in light output device 100. Irradiation control unit 211 can switch between light source units 110 (light sources) that output light, in response to an operation input by an operator via input unit 220. Irradiation control unit 211 is an example of a control unit.

[0075] The input control unit 212 receives an input signal from the input unit 220. The input control unit 212 may also control the input unit 220 so that a predetermined operation can be input.

[0076] The output control unit 213 controls the output unit 230 to execute a predetermined output.

[0077] The detection unit 214 can detect the intensity of the second light received by the light receiving unit 250 based on the second light received by the light receiving unit 250 .

[0078] [Example of configuration of leakage part (modified)] 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views showing an example of the configuration of the leakage portion 11. In the example of FIG. 6, particles 11b are contained inside the first cladding 10e of the leakage portion 11, and in the example of FIG. 7, holes 11c are contained inside. The particles 11b and the holes 11c may have a nanostructure with a diameter of 100 nm or less, for example. The particles 11b may be, for example, fine particles or a filler such as a microtube. In these cases, the particles 11b and the holes 11c change the traveling direction of the first light, i.e., scatter the first light, making it easier for the first light to leak radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 10c.

[0079] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the leakage part 11. In the example of FIG. 8, the outer peripheral surface 10c is inclined with respect to the axial direction X of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10. The outer peripheral surface 10c is, for example, a tapered surface. In this manner, in a portion where the shape of the outer peripheral surface 10c changes toward the axial direction X, for example, the first light is incident on that portion at an angle exceeding the critical angle, and therefore the first light is likely to leak radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 10c.

[0080] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the leakage part 11. In the example of Fig. 9, the leakage part 11 is bent. Light tends to leak from the bent part. That is, even with the configuration of Fig. 9, the first light tends to leak radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 10c.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the leakage part 11. In the example of FIG. 10, the leakage part 11 has a scattering layer 14 surrounding the first cladding 10e. The refractive index of the scattering layer 14 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly higher than the refractive index of the first cladding 10e. The scattering layer 14 also contains scattering elements 14a such as particles or holes. In this case, the first light that reaches the interface between the first cladding 10e and the scattering layer 14 enters the scattering layer 14 and leaks radially outward from the scattering elements 14a. This configuration has the advantage that, for example, the scattering layer 14 can appropriately set or change the location where the first light leaks, the location where leakage is likely to occur, or the location where the intensity of the leaked light is high. Furthermore, when the scattering layer 14 applies an appropriate amount of pressure radially inward to the first cladding 10e, the first light is more likely to leak from the pressurized area.

[0082] 6 to 10 may be implemented in a single light transmitting and receiving probe 10 by appropriately combining the configurations shown in FIGS.

[0083] [Configuration example (modification) of the tip of the core of the light transmitting and receiving probe] In FIG. 11, an optical element 15A having an inclined surface 15a similar to the inclined surface 10b1 shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the end 10b of the core 10d by fusion, adhesive, or the like. In this case, the refractive index of the optical element 15A is set to be approximately the same as or higher than the refractive index of the core 10d. This configuration also provides the same effects as the configurations of FIGS. 2 and 3. The configuration of FIG. 11 also has the advantage that the optical element 15A that illuminates an appropriate area can be retrofitted to the core 10d of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10. The inclined surface 15a is an example of an optical element.

[0084] In Fig. 12, an optical element 15B having a conical surface 15b pointed in the axial direction X is attached to the end 10b of the core 10d by fusion, adhesive, or the like. In this case, the refractive index of the optical element 15A is set to be substantially the same as or higher than the refractive index of the core 10d. This configuration also provides the same effects as the configurations of Figs. 2, 3, and 11. The configuration of Fig. 12 also has the advantage that the second light can be irradiated over a wider range around the end 10a, for example, over the entire circumference. The conical surface 15b is an example of an optical element.

[0085] 13, an optical element 15C having an inclined surface 15a similar to that of FIG. 11 and a lens 15c for refracting light reflected by the inclined surface 15a is attached to the end portion 10b of the core 10d by fusion, adhesive, or the like. In this case, by setting the specifications of the lens 15c, it is possible to advantageously adjust the irradiation state of the second light as needed, for example, by narrowing or widening the irradiation range of the second light, adjusting the irradiation position appropriately, or increasing or decreasing the irradiation intensity. The lens 15c is an example of an optical element.

[0086] In Fig. 14, an optical element 15D having a spherical convex surface 15d is attached to the end 10b of the core 10d by fusion, adhesive, or the like. In this case, similar to the lens 15c in Fig. 13, there is an advantage that the irradiation state of the second light can be appropriately adjusted depending on the shape of the convex surface 15d. The convex surface 15d is an example of an optical element.

[0087] [Light irradiation from the tip of the light transmitting and receiving probe (variation)] Fig. 15 shows a part of a modified light output device 100A. In the example of Fig. 15, a coupler 23 is provided midway through delivery optical fiber 21, and light source unit 111 (110) is optically connected to core 10d via delivery optical fiber 22, coupler 23, and delivery optical fiber 21. In this case, light (third light) output from light source unit 111 and transmitted through core 10d can be output from end portion 10b.

[0088] In this case, the inclined surfaces 10b1 and 15a provided on the end portion 10b, the conical surface 15b, the lens 15c, the convex curved surface 15d, the optical elements 15A to 15D, etc. direct the third light traveling in the axial direction outward in the radial direction.

[0089] Furthermore, in this case, irradiation control unit 211 can individually control the output and stop of light for each light source unit 110 (111, 112) included in light output device 100. Furthermore, irradiation control unit 211 can switch between light source units 110 (111, 112) that output light, in response to an operation input by an operator via input unit 220.

[0090] [Modification of the light transmitting and receiving probe] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the leakage part 11 of a modified light transmitting and receiving probe 10A. As shown in Fig. 16, the light transmitting and receiving probe 10A is configured as a multi-core optical fiber having a plurality of cores 10d arranged in parallel and a first cladding 10e surrounding the plurality of cores 10d. In this case, for example, the number of cores 10d can be increased and the cores 10d can be arranged closer to the irradiation range A, thereby increasing the received light intensity of the second light at the light receiving unit 250 and further improving the detection sensitivity of the second light at the detection unit 214. Note that the number of cores 10d may be two or more and is not limited to seven.

[0091] As described above, the light transmitting and receiving probe system 1 of this embodiment can irradiate light onto a wider irradiation range A facing the outer peripheral surface 10c of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10. That is, according to this embodiment, the irradiation range A can be further expanded.

[0092] Furthermore, the light transmitting and receiving probe system 1 of this embodiment can detect the irradiation intensity at the end At of the irradiation range A facing the end 10b of the light transmitting and receiving probe 10. The light transmitting and receiving probe system 1 can determine, for example, whether the intended width of the irradiation range A has been obtained or whether the intended irradiation intensity has been obtained for the irradiation range A, for example, by comparing the light intensity of the second light Lr from the end At of the irradiation range A with a threshold value. Because the irradiation intensity for the end At is close to the lower limit of the irradiation intensity for the irradiation range A, the configuration of this embodiment is particularly effective in cases where an irradiation intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity is required.

[0093] The light transmitting and receiving probe 10 of this embodiment and the light transmitting and receiving probe system 1 including the light transmitting and receiving probe 10 can be used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). When used in PDT, a beneficial medical system can be constructed that brings about various effects, such as enabling faster treatment and more reliable or appropriate treatment.

[0094] Furthermore, the light transmitting and receiving probe system 1 of this embodiment can also be used for photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). In this case, since it can be used for both PDT and PDD, it is possible to construct a more useful medical system that provides various effects, such as being compact, easy to use, and facilitating more appropriate treatment.

[0095] Specifically, for example, if a glioma that has taken up a fluorescent labeling agent emits red fluorescence with a wavelength of approximately 600 nm as the second light Lr in response to blue light with a wavelength of 400 to 410 nm irradiated as the first light Lc, the first light Lc can be irradiated and the second light Lr can be received while the light-transmitting and receiving probe 10 is being inserted or withdrawn, thereby detecting the extent of the glioma as the insertion range of the light-transmitting and receiving probe 10 where the second light Lr is received. This has the advantage of enabling, for example, PDT to be performed more reliably and efficiently on the extent of the glioma. In this case, for example, detection of the extent of the glioma, i.e., PDD, can be performed when the light-transmitting and receiving probe 10 is inserted, and irradiation treatment, i.e., PDT, can be performed on the detected extent of the glioma when the light-transmitting and receiving probe 10 is withdrawn.

[0096] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the specifications of each configuration, shape, and the like (structure, type, direction, model, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be modified as appropriate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] The present invention can be used in a light transmitting and receiving probe system and a light transmitting and receiving probe. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1...Light transmitting and receiving probe system 10, 10A...Light transmitting and receiving probe 10a...End (first end) 10a1...end face 10a2...end face 10a3...end face 10b...End (second end) 10b1…Slanted surface (optical element) 10c…Outer surface 10d...Core 10e...First clad 10f...Second clad (first coating layer) 11...Leaking part 11a...recess 11b...Particle 11c...Vacancy 12...Transmission section 13...Covering layer (second coating layer) 14...Scattering layer 14a...Scattering element 15A~15D…Optical element 15a...Slanted surface (optical element) 15b...conical surface (optical element) 15c...Lens (optical element) 15d...Convex curved surface (optical element) 20...Delivery optical fiber 20a...Core 20b...Clad 20c…Outer skin 21...Delivery optical fiber (second transmission optical fiber, second coupling portion) 22...Delivery optical fiber (first transmission optical fiber, first coupling portion) 23...Kapla 30…Joint part (first joint part, second joint part, integrated joint part) 31...Tapered section 32...Straight section 100,100A...Optical output device 110...Light source unit 111...Light source unit 112...Light source unit 200...Control device 210...Controller 211... Irradiation control unit 212...input control unit 213...Output control unit 214...Detection unit 220...input section 230...Output section 241...Main memory section 242…Auxiliary storage device 250...Light receiving section A...Irradiation range At...end Ax…Optical axis Lc…First Light Lr…Second Light X…axis direction

Claims

1. at least one light source; a light transmitting and receiving probe having a first end portion in an axial direction, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the axial direction, a core, a first clad surrounding the core, and a leakage portion through which first light output from the light source, coupled with the first clad at the first end portion, and transmitted through the first clad leaks radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the first clad; a light receiving unit configured to receive second light coming from the outside, coupled to the core at the second end, transmitted through the core, and output from the core at the first end; a detection unit that detects the second light received by the light receiving unit; A light transmitting and receiving probe system comprising:

2. a first coupling portion facing a position radially outwardly shifted from the axis of the first end portion and coupling light output from the at least one light source to the first cladding; a second coupling portion that faces closer to the axis than the first coupling portion of the first end portion and to which the light output from the core at the first end portion is coupled; 10. The optical probe system of claim 1, further comprising an integrated coupling having:

3. 3. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, wherein the light transmitting and receiving probe has a first coating layer surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the first clad between the first end and the leakage portion.

4. The optical transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 3 , wherein the first coating layer includes a second cladding having a refractive index lower than that of the first cladding.

5. 5. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, wherein the light transmitting and receiving probe has an outer skin surrounding the outermost part in the radial direction.

6. 6. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 5, wherein the outer cover is made of a resin material.

7. 3. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, wherein the light transmitting and receiving probe has a section in which an outer peripheral surface of the first cladding is exposed at a position axially offset from the leakage portion.

8. 8. The optical transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, wherein the optical transmitting and receiving probe has a second coating layer surrounding the first cladding on the axially opposite side of the leaky portion from the first end portion and suppressing direct coupling of the first light from the leaky portion to the core.

9. 9. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, further comprising an optical element at the second end that redirects light traveling radially inward toward the core.

10. 10. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, wherein the leakage portion includes a recess or a protrusion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the first cladding.

11. 11. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, wherein the leakage portion includes a particle or a hole provided inside the first cladding.

12. 12. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, wherein the leakage portion includes a section in which the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the first cladding changes along the axial direction.

13. 13. The optical transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, wherein the leakage portion includes a bent portion of the first cladding.

14. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the leakage portion has a scattering layer provided radially outside the first cladding and introducing light from the first cladding and scattering it radially outward.

15. The optical transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 2 , wherein the integral coupling portion is optically connected to the first end portion.

16. 16. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 2 or 15, wherein the integrated coupling section comprises a fiber bundle in which a first transmission optical fiber that transmits the first light and has an end portion that serves as the first coupling section and a second transmission optical fiber that transmits the second light and has an end portion that serves as the second coupling section are bundled together.

17. 17. The optical transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 16, wherein the fiber bundle is a tapered fiber bundle that becomes thinner as it approaches the optical transmitting and receiving probe.

18. 18. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light source and the core at the first end are optically connected, and a third light output from the light source and transmitted through the core can be output from the second end.

19. a plurality of light sources as the at least one light source; 19. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that switches between light sources that output light among the plurality of light sources.

20. The optical transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 19 , wherein the plurality of light sources includes a plurality of light sources that output the first light.

21. the at least one light source and the core at the first end are optically connected, and a third light output from the light source and transmitted through the core can be output from the second end; 21. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of light sources include a light source that outputs the first light and the third light.

22. a user operation input unit; 22. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 19, wherein the control unit switches a light source that outputs light from among the plurality of light sources in response to an operation input by a user to the operation input unit.

23. 23. The light transmitting and receiving probe system according to claim 1, wherein the light transmitting and receiving probe has a plurality of cores arranged in parallel as the core.

24. A light transmitting and receiving probe included in the light transmitting and receiving probe system according to any one of claims 1 to 23, A light transmitting and receiving probe having the first end, the second end, the core, the first cladding, and the leaky portion.

25. a first coupling portion facing a position radially outwardly shifted from the axis of the first end portion and coupling light output from at least one light source to the first cladding; a second coupling portion that faces closer to the axis than the first coupling portion of the first end portion and to which the light output from the core at the first end portion is coupled; 25. The light transmitting and receiving probe of claim 24, having an integral coupling portion having:

26. 26. The light transmitting and receiving probe according to claim 24, further comprising a first coating layer surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the first clad between the first end and the leakage portion.

27. 27. The optical transmitting and receiving probe according to claim 26, wherein the first coating layer includes a second cladding having a refractive index lower than that of the first cladding.

28. 28. The light transmitting and receiving probe according to claim 24, further comprising an outer skin surrounding the outermost part in the radial direction.

29. A light transmitting and receiving probe according to any one of claims 24 to 28, further comprising a second coating layer surrounding the first cladding on the axially opposite side of the leaky portion from the first end portion, and suppressing direct coupling of the first light from the leaky portion to the core.

30. 30. The light transmitting and receiving probe according to claim 24, further comprising an optical element at the second end that redirects light traveling radially inward toward the core.

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