Multi-wavelength Illumination System with EMR Combiner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illumination systems for high-intensity and high-quality lighting in fields like endoscopy and microscopy face challenges in being cost-effective, compact, and safe for both the viewer and the target, such as living tissue, while also dealing with speckle issues and the need for multi-wavelength illumination.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines coherent and incoherent light sources with an electromagnetic-radiation combiner and focusing optics to produce a compact, adjustable, and speckle-free illumination, using multiple light sources of differing wavelengths, which can be directed through optical fibers for precise targeting and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources of differing wavelengths are combined to provide multi-wavelength illumination, then the versatility and quality of illumination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources of differing wavelengths (coherent and incoherent sources) into a single illumination system using electromagnetic radiation combiners. This merging approach enables multi-wavelength illumination capability while managing system complexity through integrated design of the combiner and focusing optics.
2Illumination intensity
If coherent light sources are used to provide high intensity illumination, then the illumination intensity is improved, but speckle artifacts are generated that degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using incoherent light sources specifically for illumination regions where speckle-free imaging is required, while coherent light sources can be used in regions where high intensity is needed and speckle is acceptable. The electromagnetic radiation combiner allows spatial and functional differentiation of light source characteristics within the same system.
3Illumination intensity
If high intensity illumination is provided to small regions, then the illumination quality is improved, but the safety for the viewer and target (such as living tissue) is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing incoherent light sources which provide high intensity illumination with reduced safety risks compared to coherent sources. The system can adjust the spectral composition and coherence properties of the combined light to optimize both illumination intensity and safety parameters for different application scenarios.
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 system provides high-intensity, adjustable, and speckle-free illumination that is safe for both the viewer and the target, enabling precise imaging and treatment while maintaining a compact form factor, suitable for various applications including endoscopy and microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic-radiation (EMR)-combiner designed and configured to combine the coherent light and the incoherent light with one another into a combined beam
Implementation Method 2
a first focusing optic designed and configured to focus the combined beam so as to provide the input light to the tool
Implementation Method 3
a negative lens designed and configured for diverging the illuminating light so as to illuminate the target
Implementation Method 4
a positive lens designed and configured for focusing the work-EMR beam and the pointer-light beam
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for providing high-intensity and high-quality illumination and other electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to target regions. The systems each include multiple EMR sources and a radiation combiner for combining the output radiation of the multiple sources. In some examples, the EMR sources are visible light sources, such as light-emitting diodes and laser diodes. In some of those examples, the light sources are of differing colors that are combined to form output illumination having user-selected qualities, such as color and intensity. The output of the radiation combiner can be directed into an optical fiber or bundle of optical fibers for remote delivery of the output to a target, such as in endoscopy and remote-illumination microscopy. Systems disclosed can also include additional EMR beams, such as visible light beams used for pointing/targeting and non-visible beams used, for example, for heating and fluoroscopic excitation of dyes/stains, among other things.