Capsule Endomicroscopy Lens for Aberration Correction Without Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrally encoded confocal microscopy (SECM) probes face challenges in achieving diffraction-limited optical resolution due to asymmetric spherical aberrations caused by a cylindrical imaging window, and filling the probe with water to correct these aberrations complicates manufacturing and reduces device lifetime.
Innovation Solution
Designing an objective lens with a first aspheric surface and a second biconic surface to correct aberrations without the need for water immersion, using a lens with a biconic surface oriented to match the capsule's curved surface, and employing a 1060nm swept-source laser for improved resolution and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If water is filled in the probe to correct spherical aberrations, then optical resolution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and device lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water filling requirement from the probe design by introducing a biconic objective lens that corrects aberrations without requiring water immersion. This removes the need for water-tight sealing components and eliminates the complexity of maintaining a water-filled environment while preserving diffraction-limited optical resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the objective lens by designing it with a biconic surface instead of a conventional spherical or planar surface. This geometric parameter change enables the lens to correct asymmetric spherical aberrations caused by the cylindrical imaging window without requiring external media like water, thereby simplifying manufacturing and increasing device lifetime.
2Measurement precision
If water is filled in the probe to correct spherical aberrations, then optical resolution is improved, but device lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the water-filled environment from the probe design, eliminating the source of degradation over time. The biconic objective lens provides aberration correction without requiring water immersion, thereby eliminating issues related to water leakage, contamination, and the need for periodic refilling, which directly extends device lifetime.
3Measurement precision
If a biconic surface is used in the objective lens, then aberration correction is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface geometry parameter of the objective lens from conventional spherical or planar to biconic. This parameter change provides superior aberration correction for the cylindrical imaging window configuration. While biconic surfaces do require precision manufacturing, the patent addresses this by integrating the lens with the imaging window assembly, allowing for coordinated manufacturing processes that achieve the required precision.
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
The new design achieves diffraction-limited optical resolution, simplifies manufacturing, increases device lifetime, and enhances imaging speed and resolution by a factor of 5.2 and lateral resolution by 15%, making it suitable for upper gastrointestinal tract diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens having a first aspheric surface and a second biconic surface, diffracted light from the diffraction grating being directed into the aspheric surface of the objective lens and being emitted from the biconic surface of the objective lens towards a transparent cylindrical surface of the probe
Implementation Method 2
a diffraction grating, the waveguide directing light from the light source to the diffraction grating
Implementation Method 3
a waveguide coupled to the light source, the waveguide directing light from the light source to the diffraction grating
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A probe for performing endomicroscopy, including: a light source; a waveguide coupled to the light source; a diffraction grating, the waveguide directing light from the light source to the diffraction grating; and a lens having a first aspheric surface and a second biconic surface, diffracted light from the diffraction grating being directed into the aspheric surface of the lens and being emitted from the biconic surface of the lens towards a transparent cylindrical surface of the probe.