Single Mode Fiber Probe Epoxy Encapsulation and Angled Polish
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bare fiber probes in common-path optical coherence tomography systems are fragile, difficult to clean, and have suboptimal reference power levels leading to low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), limiting their effectiveness in surgical and intra-operative applications.
Innovation Solution
A durable single mode optical fiber probe is created by encasing the fiber tip with hardened ultraviolet-light curable epoxy and polishing it at a non-orthogonal angle to optimize reference power and improve SNR, allowing for easy cleaning and integration with surgical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a bare fiber tip is used to provide reference light, then the probe structure is simple, but the fiber tip is very fragile and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
A thin film layer of epoxy is applied over the fiber tip to provide protection. This thin film encapsulates the fragile fiber tip while maintaining optical functionality, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe combines fiber optic material with epoxy coating material to create a composite structure. The epoxy provides mechanical protection and cleaning ease while the fiber tip maintains optical functionality, achieving both durability and simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a bare fiber tip is used for reference light, then the probe structure is simple, but cleaning the fiber tip during surgical procedure is very challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The epoxy thin film coating makes the fiber tip surface smooth and non-porous, preventing contamination adherence and enabling easy cleaning during surgical procedures while maintaining the simple probe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The epoxy coating acts as a disposable protective layer that can be easily cleaned or replaced, facilitating quick maintenance between surgical procedures without complicating the overall probe design.
3Device complexity
If a bare fiber tip is used, then the reference power level is determined by refractive indices, but the reference power level cannot be adjusted to achieve high signal to noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the physical parameters of the fiber tip surface through epoxy coating and angle polishing, the reference power level is optimized. The angled polish (non-orthogonal to optical axis) modifies the Fresnel reflection characteristics, enabling high SNR while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber tip surface is polished at a non-orthogonal angle rather than perpendicular to the optical axis. This asymmetric geometry optimizes the reference light reflection properties, achieving maximum signal-to-noise ratio without adding complex adjustment mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the fiber tip is protected with epoxy coating, then durability and cleaning ease are improved, but the reference power level must be optimized through angle polishing
Solution Approach 1:
The epoxy coating process and angle polishing parameters are optimized to achieve the desired reference power level. By controlling the polish angle and epoxy thickness, high durability and cleaning ease are achieved while maintaining manufacturability through standardized precision processes.
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 solution enhances the durability and cleaning ease of the fiber probe while optimizing the reference power level, significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio and image quality in OCT systems.
Implementation Method 1
applying a layer of ultraviolet-light curable epoxy on the portion of the single mode optical fiber that extends beyond the distal end of the sheath; exposing the ultraviolet-light curable epoxy to ultraviolet light such that the ultraviolet-light curable epoxy cures to become hardened
Implementation Method 2
the cleaved fiber tip provides reference light derived from Fresnel reflection; the hardened epoxy is polished at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the optical axis at the end face
Data Source
AI summary
A probe for a common path optical coherence tomography system includes a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen therein, a single mode optical fiber disposed within the lumen of the sheath such that a portion of the single mode optical fiber extends beyond the distal end of the sheath. The single mode optical fiber has an end face for transmitting and receiving light. The probe also includes a layer of hardened epoxy encasing the portion of the single mode optical fiber that extends beyond the distal end of the sheath except for the end face. The single mode optical fiber has an optical axis extending along a longitudinal direction of the single mode optical fiber. The hardened epoxy is polished at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the optical axis at the end face.