Asymmetric Waveguide Corrects Sheath Astigmatism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in correcting astigmatism introduced by the cylindrical shape of the sheath, leading to uneven beam sizes and working distances, which complicates image acquisition and alignment.
Innovation Solution
The optical probe incorporates a sheath with a hollow interior and a waveguide with asymmetric optical power, including a second waveguide with an elliptical core and a radially symmetric GRIN lens, to compensate for astigmatism, ensuring consistent beam focus and reduced astigmatism effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cylindrical sheath is used to house the light source and waveguide, then the probe structure is simplified and protected, but astigmatism is introduced causing uneven beam sizes and working distances
Solution Approach 1:
An asymmetric optical element is positioned at the distal end of the sheath to compensate for the astigmatism introduced by the cylindrical sheath. This asymmetric element has different optical powers along different axes, specifically designed to counterbalance the astigmatic effect and achieve symmetrical beam focus despite the symmetric cylindrical housing.
2Length of moving object
If the sheath diameter is reduced to minimize invasiveness, then patient trauma is reduced, but astigmatism increases due to stronger optical power of the sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric optical element is designed to preemptively counteract the astigmatic effect before it degrades image quality. By positioning this element at the distal end of the sheath, the system pre-compensates for the astigmatism that would otherwise be introduced by the small-diameter sheath, allowing minimal invasiveness without sacrificing optical precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional astigmatism compensation methods (prolate spheroidal ball or curved reflective cap) are used, then astigmatism can be corrected, but alignment and manufacturing become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex global shapes like prolate spheroidal balls or curved reflective caps that require precise alignment, the invention employs a localized asymmetric optical element with specific optical powers along different axes. This element can be precisely manufactured and positioned at the distal end of the sheath, making alignment more straightforward while achieving effective astigmatism correction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves image quality by achieving symmetrical beam focus and reducing astigmatism, allowing for higher resolution and more accurate intracoronary imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide with asymmetric optical power for reducing astigmatism when the light travels through the sheath
Implementation Method 2
a radially symmetric GRIN lens
Implementation Method 3
an optical component that reflects light from the second waveguide and through the sheath
Data Source
AI summary
An optical probe for use in medical instrumentation where a sheath is covering the optical probe, wherein the optical probe is configured to correct astigmatism by incorporating asymmetric optical powers.