GRIN Lens Reflective Waveguide for Multi-Photon Endoscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gradient index lenses in multi-photon endoscopy have a low numerical aperture, leading to a reduced signal-to-noise ratio and difficulty in obtaining clear images due to limited light collection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A miniature endoscopic probe with a gradient index lens featuring a reflective waveguide formed on its side surface through light reflection coating, using metals like silver or dielectric materials like SiO2, which improves light collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional gradient index lens is used in multi-photon endoscopy, then the device maintains a small form factor, but the numerical aperture is low (0.1 to 0.6), resulting in reduced light collection efficiency and poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the reflective waveguide on the side surface of the GRIN lens to collect light from additional dimensions (radial direction) beyond what the conventional lens aperture captures, thereby improving light collection efficiency without increasing the lens diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective waveguide acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the GRIN lens and the detected light, capturing light that would otherwise be lost and directing it to the detection system, thus enhancing the effective numerical aperture
2Measurement precision
If the numerical aperture of the gradient index lens is increased to improve light collection efficiency, then image quality improves, but the lens size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light collection function into two distinct components: the GRIN lens for focal focusing and the reflective waveguide for radial light collection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining the small size of the GRIN lens while adding light collection capability through the waveguide structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the GRIN lens and reflective waveguide into a single integrated probe structure, combining the focusing capability of the lens with the light collection capability of the waveguide to achieve high light collection efficiency without requiring a separate complex optical system
3Measurement precision
If additional optical fibers and reflectors are added to increase light collection efficiency in multi-photon microscopy, then light collection improves, but the device cannot be effectively used in miniature endoscopy situations
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective waveguide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a light collection element and a structural component of the probe, eliminating the need for separate optical fibers and reflectors, thus achieving miniaturization while maintaining high light collection efficiency
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 reflective waveguide enhances light collection efficiency, allowing for clearer images with lower light sources, reducing photo-toxicity and photo-bleaching effects, and facilitating mass production with lower costs.
Implementation Method 1
the reflective waveguide is formed by light reflection coating on a side surface of GRIN lens
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a miniature endoscopic probe and a multi-photon endoscopy including the same.