Miniaturized Endoscopic Imaging With Dynamic PIC Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging systems, such as those based on GRIN and ball lenses, suffer from significant optical aberrations, limited functionality, and are difficult to miniaturize due to their passive nature and fixed focal lengths, which degrade imaging resolution and hinder further miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) and a control module, which utilizes a light source, a sensor, and a communication device to dynamically control the propagation and shape of light, allowing for multi-focal, multi-spectral, and polarization-resolved imaging and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GRIN lenses and prisms are used to focus and redirect light, then light can be delivered to tissue for imaging, but optical aberrations occur and imaging resolution degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed parameter nature of traditional GRIN lenses into dynamic parameter control through liquid crystal integration. By applying voltage, the liquid crystal changes its refractive index and focal length, allowing the system to adjust optical parameters in real-time to compensate for aberrations and optimize imaging resolution across different depths and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms where liquid crystal lenses can change their focal length and optical properties on-demand. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying imaging conditions, correct spherical aberrations at different depths, and switch between imaging and therapy modes, directly addressing the resolution degradation caused by static optical components.
2Volume of moving object
If angle polished ball lenses are used to redirect and focus light, then light delivery to tissue is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and difficult to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated tip structure. The liquid crystal lens serves simultaneously as the focusing element, the beam steering mechanism, and the mode switching component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate GRIN lenses, prisms, and angle-polished facets, dramatically reducing the tip volume while maintaining all necessary optical functions for imaging and therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal lens provides multi-functionality by enabling the same optical component to perform focusing, beam redirection, and mode switching operations. This universal component replaces multiple specialized components, allowing the catheter tip to be miniaturized while still delivering all required optical functions for both imaging and therapeutic applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed focal length lenses are used, then optical simplicity is maintained, but multi-focal and multi-spectral imaging capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal lens enables dynamic focal length adjustment through voltage control, allowing the system to switch between multiple focal points and spectral ranges. This dynamic property provides multi-focal and multi-spectral imaging capabilities without requiring physically interchangeable lenses or complex optical trains, maintaining relative optical simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the refractive index and focal length parameters of the liquid crystal lens through electrical control, the system can access multiple focal depths and spectral bands. This parameter tuning capability delivers versatile multi-focal imaging functionality while avoiding the mechanical complexity of multiple fixed lenses or moving optical components.
4Ease of operation
If passive optical components are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but dynamic control over light propagation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electrical control of liquid crystal properties. Instead of physically moving lenses or changing optical components, the system uses voltage signals to dynamically control light propagation, focusing, and beam direction. This substitution provides ease of operation through electronic control while keeping the optical structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal components introduce dynamic control to the optical system, enabling real-time adjustment of focal length, beam direction, and mode switching through electrical signals. This dynamic capability enhances ease of operation by allowing programmable control of light propagation without adding significant mechanical or structural complexity to the optical train.
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 system achieves high-resolution, miniaturized optical imaging and illumination with dynamic control over light properties, enabling multi-focal and multi-spectral capabilities, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid crystal can be dynamically changed by applying a voltage to change the propagation direction, shape, and/or focal length of the light
Implementation Method 2
a first ridge waveguide and a second ridge waveguide disposed above the substrate and separated from each other by a gap
Implementation Method 3
a tapered waveguide that tapers from a first width at a first end to a second width at a second end
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Some embodiments include a light source, optical fiber, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) components (e.g., ridge waveguide, tapered waveguide, ring resonator, Mach-Zehnder, array waveguide grating, input/output grating coupler), and the refractive and diffractive optical components (e.g., diffractive lens, gratings, metasurface-based lenses, refractive lenses, diffractive grating, surface relief grating, sub state, liquid crystal) to control, shape, sort, and guide the light toward a desired direction and ultimately focus it into an object for imaging and/or illumination. Further, embodiments may include at least one optical source, at least one sensor, and at least one control module. The control module may control, tune, and adjust the functionality of each component depending on feedback from the sensor or user. The functionality of some components can be dynamically changed by applying an electric voltage and/or current or changing the properties of impinging light (e.g., polarization, wavelength).