Monolithic Micro-Optics for Fiber Endoscope Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of optical systems for fiber endoscopes is limited by the deterioration of image quality and resolution due to the fixed minimum size of pixels or fiber cores, leading to substantial image errors and distortion, making it difficult to achieve high-resolution imaging in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact micro-optics with a monolithic design, incorporating dispersive optics such as prisms and transmission gratings, which split light based on wavelength and are manufactured using 3D laser writing, allowing for precise control of imaging properties and adaptation to prevent imaging errors, enabling miniaturization without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the optical system is miniaturized to increase flexibility, then the endoscope diameter is reduced, but the image resolution deteriorates due to the fixed minimum size of pixels or fiber cores
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple optical waveguides arranged in a bundle, where each waveguide acts as an independent transmission channel. This segmentation allows the light from different spatial locations to be transmitted through separate waveguides, enabling high-resolution imaging even in a miniaturized endoscope with reduced diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional pixel arrays to three-dimensional optical waveguide bundles arranged in specific geometric patterns (e.g., hexagonal close packing). This dimensional change allows more transmission channels to be packed into a smaller cross-sectional area, maintaining image resolution while reducing endoscope diameter.
2Measurement precision
If prisms with large wedge angles are used to achieve reasonable transverse splitting during miniaturization, then the splitting degree increases, but substantial image errors and distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical prisms with diffraction gratings as the dispersive element. Diffraction gratings achieve wavelength-dependent spatial separation through optical diffraction rather than mechanical refraction, eliminating the need for large wedge angles and their associated image errors while maintaining effective transverse splitting for spectral imaging.
3Length of moving object
If diffraction gratings are used instead of prisms for miniaturization, then the system becomes easier to miniaturize, but undesired stray light and reduced image contrast occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by designing the diffraction grating with specific local characteristics (e.g., groove profiles, blaze angles) that maximize diffraction efficiency into the desired order while minimizing stray light. The grating structure is locally optimized to direct light preferentially into the first diffraction order, reducing unwanted higher-order diffraction and improving image contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical element (such as a lens or mirror) between the diffraction grating and the detector to collect and focus the diffracted light while blocking stray light paths. This intermediary component mediates between the diffraction grating and the imaging plane, ensuring that only the desired diffracted light reaches the detector, thereby maintaining high image contrast.
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 solution achieves increased image resolution and quality in a compact form, allowing for effective high-resolution imaging in fiber endoscopes, while maintaining the flexibility required for minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the dispersive optics is configured to split light, which passes the dispersive optics, at the exit face depending on the wavelength and to image the light onto the exit surface at different locations as a function of the wavelength
Implementation Method 2
light to be transmitted by the fiber endoscope, for example from the surgical site, enters the micro-optics via the entry face and is coupled into the fiber of the fiber endoscope at the exit face and is transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
Micro-optics, in particular for connection to a fiber endoscope, including an entry face and an exit face, the exit face being connectable to an end face of the fiber endoscope, and dispersive optics arranged between the entry face and the exit face, so that light passing the dispersive optics is split at the exit face depending on the wavelength, the micro-optics being monolithic.