Sub-diffraction Endoscopic Imaging via Modal Decomposition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic imaging methods using single multi-mode fibers suffer from limited resolution due to mode mixing and Rayleigh Criterion, and traditional bundles of single-mode fibers result in large device diameters, making it difficult to image small tissues and microscopic elements effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a modal imaging system that uses a single multi-mode fiber with a mode separating structure, such as a spatial mode demultiplexer, to separate and measure the energy levels of incoming radiation, allowing for the reconstruction of high-resolution images at a sub-diffraction level without increasing the endoscope diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bundle of single-mode fibers is used to achieve sufficient image resolution, then image resolution is improved, but device diameter increases to millimeter scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-mode fiber functions into a single multi-mode fiber by utilizing spatial mode decomposition. Instead of requiring many individual fibers bundled together, the invention uses one multi-mode fiber that can carry multiple spatial modes, each corresponding to a pixel in the reconstructed image, thereby achieving high resolution with a much smaller device diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct spatial imaging to modal domain imaging by decomposing the light field into spatial modes. This dimensional transformation allows the system to encode image information in the modal composition rather than direct spatial arrangement, enabling super-resolution beyond the Rayleigh criterion while using a single multi-mode fiber with diameter on the order of tens of micrometers.
2Length of stationary object
If direct imaging through a single multi-mode fiber is used to reduce device diameter, then device diameter is reduced, but image resolution deteriorates due to mode mixing and speckle patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mode separating structure as an intermediary between the multi-mode fiber and the detector. This structure decomposes the complex speckle pattern at the fiber output into distinguishable spatial modes, allowing the system to recover image information that would otherwise be lost in mode mixing. The mode separating structure acts as a mediator that transforms the problematic speckle pattern into useful modal information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/optical imaging through the fiber with a computational imaging approach. Instead of relying on direct spatial mapping, the system uses modal decomposition and computational algorithms to reconstruct images from the measured modal intensities, overcoming the limitations of direct imaging through the multi-mode fiber.
3Measurement precision
If conventional endoscopic imaging methods are used to achieve adequate resolution, then image resolution is maintained, but the ability to image microscopic elements and small tissues is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of resolution from being diffraction-limited (Rayleigh criterion) to being determined by the number of resolvable spatial modes in the multi-mode fiber. By operating in the modal domain rather than the direct spatial domain, the system achieves super-resolution that enables imaging of microscopic elements and small tissues with much higher detail than conventional methods.
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 approach enables the imaging of microscopic elements and complex sources with improved resolution, allowing for the successful imaging of nerves and small tissues using a single multi-mode fiber, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by achieving quantum-resolution imaging and minimizing device diameter.
Implementation Method 1
passing an image through a single multi-mode fiber using this method causes distortion, called mode mixing
Implementation Method 2
separating the output of the multi-mode fiber into multiple modes
Implementation Method 3
measuring an energy level of each mode to construct an image of the received incoming radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Sub-diffraction endoscopic modal imaging systems and methods are disclosed herein. A single multi-mode fiber endoscope incorporated into a modal imaging system can facilitate the imaging of inner portions of a patient's body at a quantum-limited resolution. One method of sub-diffraction endoscopic modal imaging includes collecting incoming radiation with a multi-mode fiber, separating the output into multiple modes, and measuring an energy level of each mode to construct an image of the received incoming radiation.