Folded-Beam Confocal Endomicroscope for High-Speed Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical endomicroscopes are limited by slow scanning mechanisms and bulky dimensions, which result in motion artifacts and reduced resolution, making them unsuitable for fast and flexible in vivo imaging of epithelial tissues.
Innovation Solution
A compact single-axis confocal endomicroscope design using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and a folded beam path configuration with a dual mirror scanning assembly, enabling high-speed and high-resolution imaging with a small outer diameter suitable for integration with standard medical endoscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a traditional scanning mechanism is used in endomicroscopes, then the device can perform tissue imaging, but the scanning speed is too slow resulting in motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning mechanisms with an acousto-optic scanner that uses sound waves to modulate light. This substitution of mechanical system with acoustic-optical system enables much faster scanning speeds (greater than 1000 lines per second) while eliminating motion artifacts, directly resolving the contradiction between scanning speed and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using acoustic frequencies in the megahertz range to modulate the light path. This parameter change from mechanical movement to acoustic modulation enables scanning speeds exceeding 1000 lines per second while maintaining image quality, resolving the speed-quality contradiction.
2Device complexity
If a traditional scanning mechanism is used in endomicroscopes, then the device can perform tissue imaging, but the device dimensions are too bulky requiring a fiber bundle that reduces resolution and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the bulky fiber bundle from the endomicroscope design by using a single-mode fiber with a folded beam path. This removal of the fiber bundle reduces device complexity and size while maintaining or improving imaging resolution through the use of acoustic-optic scanning technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a folded beam path configuration that folds the optical path within a compact space. This dimensional manipulation allows the optical path to be extended without increasing the physical footprint of the device, enabling high resolution imaging in a compact form factor.
3Device complexity
If a fiber bundle is used to reduce device size, then the device becomes more compact, but resolution is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fiber bundle with a single-mode fiber combined with an acousto-optic scanning system. This substitution maintains device compactness while significantly improving imaging resolution by using acoustic field control instead of spatial light modulation through a fiber bundle.
4Speed
If the scanning mechanism is made faster, then motion artifacts are reduced, but the scanning mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning mechanisms with a simpler acousto-optic system that uses sound waves to modulate light. This substitution achieves scanning speeds greater than 1000 lines per second while reducing mechanical complexity, as acoustic modulation requires no moving parts.
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 compact design allows for real-time, high-resolution in vivo imaging with minimal motion artifacts, achieving fast frame rates and improved imaging performance, enabling sub-surface scanning and optical biopsy capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a single-mode optical fiber extending into the fiber ferrule
Implementation Method 2
a folded beam path configuration that achieves a compacted design... using a fast scanning assembly located in a distal probe end... a scanning mirror positioned to facilitate a high numerical aperture
Implementation Method 3
uses parametric resonance where drive signals are applied at frequencies near 2ωo/n (ωo is the natural frequency of vibrational modes and n is an integer ≥1). These electrostatic devices were fabricated with compact dimensions
Implementation Method 4
uses parametric resonance where drive signals are applied at frequencies near 2ωo/n
Implementation Method 5
a lens assembly fixedly positioned within the rigid outer housing, the lens assembly positioned distally to the lateral scanning assembly to scan the higher numerical aperture illumination beam across the lateral sample region and to collect fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A compact single-axis confocal endomicroscope is provided, capable of complying with 2.8 mm diameter endoscope space requirements. The single-axis confocal endomicroscope uses a folded path design achieved between a fixed mirror and a lateral plane scanning mirror thereby producing high numerical apertures that allow for diffraction-limited resolution in sub-surface scanning. The scanning mirror has a central aperture that allows for illumination beam expansion in the folded path design.