Forward Scanning Optical Probe With GRIN Lens Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical imaging techniques, such as interferometric imaging, face challenges in effectively scanning targets with existing scanning systems that rely on optical elements like mirrors and lenses, which may not provide precise control over light ray alignment and refraction for efficient imaging.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system incorporating a gradient-index (GRIN) lens and optical fiber, where the GRIN lens optical axis aligns with an imaginary fiber axis at specific points, and the GRIN perimeter intersects the fiber axis, allowing for precise movement of optical elements in a closed path to refract and scan light rays effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mirrors and lenses are used for scanning, then the scanning system can be constructed, but precise control over light ray alignment and refraction is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GRIN lens and optical fiber into a single integrated scanning probe assembly, where the GRIN lens is positioned at the distal end of the optical fiber. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms between multiple optical components, achieving precise light ray control while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The GRIN lens acts as an intermediary element that receives light from the optical fiber and precisely controls its refraction and direction. By introducing this specialized optical intermediary, the system achieves superior light ray alignment precision compared to traditional mirror-lens systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the GRIN lens optical axis aligns with the imaginary fiber axis at specific points, then light refraction precision is improved, but the movement path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GRIN lens and optical fiber are pre-aligned during manufacturing so that their optical axes coincide at specific positions along the closed movement path. This preliminary alignment action ensures precise optical performance is achieved at critical points without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system utilizes dynamic movement of the GRIN lens relative to the optical fiber along a closed path, where the alignment between optical axes is maintained at specific positions during the movement cycle. This dynamic approach allows precise imaging at multiple scan positions while managing movement path complexity through controlled periodic motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the GRIN perimeter intersects the imaginary fiber axis at multiple points, then scanning coverage is improved, but the optical element configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the scanning capability from a single-axis movement to a two-dimensional closed path movement, where the GRIN lens traverses a circular or elliptical trajectory. This dimensional expansion allows the GRIN perimeter to intersect the imaginary fiber axis at multiple points, providing comprehensive scanning coverage of the target area.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-path movement configuration enables the scanning system to perform multiple imaging functions from a single probe position, covering a broader field of view and enabling various scanning patterns (radial, circular, linear) without requiring multiple specialized optical configurations.
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 enables precise alignment and refraction of light rays, enhancing the scanning efficiency and image quality by ensuring optimal interaction between the GRIN lens and optical fiber, thereby improving the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber has a fiber axis that extends to an imaginary fiber axis and is configured to transmit a light ray
Implementation Method 2
The GRIN lens has a GRIN perimeter and a GRIN lens optical axis and is configured to refract the light ray
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a scanning system includes optical elements and a movement system. The optical elements include an optical fiber and a gradient-index (GRIN) lens. The optical fiber has a fiber axis that extends to an imaginary fiber axis, and is configured to transmit a light ray. The GRIN lens has a GRIN perimeter and a GRIN lens optical axis, and is configured to refract the light ray. The movement system moves a first optical element relative to a second optical element in a closed path such that the GRIN lens optical axis substantially aligns with the imaginary fiber axis at at least one point of the path and the GRIN perimeter intersects the imaginary fiber axis at at least two points of the path.