Light Guiding Taper for Fluorescence Imaging Intensity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In open surgery fluorescence imaging, the broad angular distribution of illumination light from existing systems results in low light intensity within the field of view, particularly problematic for fluorescence imaging where high excitation light intensity is required, and traditional solutions like narrowing the illumination cone are costly and difficult to manufacture and disinfect.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light guiding taper in the illumination optics to reduce the solid angle of illuminance, achieved through the conservation of Etendue, which increases light intensity by expanding the light emitting surface area, thereby concentrating light within the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional illumination systems use broad angular distribution of illumination light, then the illumination covers a wide area, but the light intensity within the field of view is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular distribution parameter of the illumination light from broad to narrow by introducing a light guiding taper. This parameter change concentrates the light energy within a smaller solid angle, thereby increasing the light intensity within the field of view while maintaining adequate coverage area for fluorescence imaging
2Illumination intensity
If a light guiding taper is introduced to concentrate light, then light intensity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination optics is segmented into distinct functional components: a light guide for light transmission and a light guiding taper for angular distribution control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall design and manufacturing while achieving the desired light concentration effect
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding taper acts as an intermediary element between the light guide and the operating area. It mediates the transition from broad angular distribution to narrow angular distribution, enabling light concentration without requiring complex optical systems or multiple components
3Measurement precision
If traditional solutions narrow the illumination cone to increase light intensity, then fluorescence imaging quality improves, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding taper is designed as a simple, inexpensive optical component that can be easily manufactured using conventional techniques. Its simple geometric shape allows for cost-effective production and disposal, providing an economical solution for achieving high-quality fluorescence imaging without investing in complex, expensive optical systems
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 light guiding taper enhances light intensity in the field of view, improving fluorescence imaging by concentrating light without significant loss or distortion, addressing the low light intensity issues in open surgery while being easier to manufacture and disinfect compared to traditional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
achieved through the conservation of Etendue, which increases light intensity by expanding the light emitting surface area, thereby concentrating light within the field of view
Implementation Method 2
an illumination light source configured to generate illumination light including white light and fluorescence excitation light
Implementation Method 3
a light guide configured for guiding illumination light from the illumination light source coupled into a light entry end of the illumination optics along a light path of the illumination optics to a light exit end of the illumination optics
Implementation Method 4
at least one excitation light source designed to illuminate the operating area with light that includes an excitation wavelength capable of exciting a fluorescent substance or dye that has been injected into the operating area, to return fluorescence emission
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system for fluorescence imaging in open surgery including an illumination light source for generating illumination light including white light and fluorescence excitation light, and illumination optics for illuminating an operating area with the illumination light. The illumination optics including a light guide configured for guiding illumination light from the illumination light source into a light entry end of the illumination optics along a light path to a light exit end of the illumination optics. The light guide includes a light guiding taper arranged in the light path comprising a light entry surface oriented towards or at the light entry end and a light emitting surface oriented towards or at the light exit end, wherein an area of the light emitting surface is larger than an area of the light entry surface.