Multicore Fiber Endoscope with Fixed Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary endoscopic devices face limitations such as non-uniform rotation distortion, fragility, high cost, reliability issues, rotational speed limitations, and image quality inefficiencies due to the use of spinning optical fibers and distal motors, as well as size and power requirements in phased arrays.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multicore fiber endoscope system that employs swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) with a fixed distal optics configuration, utilizing a multicore optical fiber and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to eliminate the need for distal mechanical elements and spinning fibers, enabling efficient beam deflection and imaging without the drawbacks of prior art systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spinning optical fibers and distal motors are used for beam deflection, then imaging functionality is achieved, but device complexity and reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam deflection systems (spinning fibers and distal motors) with a purely optical solution using multicore fiber arrays. Each core acts as an independent light delivery channel, eliminating moving parts while maintaining imaging capability through optical phase array techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent cores within the fiber bundle. Each core can be independently controlled to deliver light at different angles, replacing the need for a single mechanical scanning system and enabling parallel light delivery paths
2Ease of operation
If distal motors are used for beam deflection, then imaging is enabled, but size and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates distal motors by using multicore fiber arrays with fixed distal optics. Beam deflection is achieved through optical phase control at the proximal end rather than mechanical rotation at the distal end, dramatically reducing size and power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical rotation in one dimension to optical phase control across multiple spatial dimensions. The multicore fiber array provides angular diversity through spatial arrangement of cores, replacing mechanical degrees of freedom with optical path differences
3Speed
If spinning optical fibers are used, then beam scanning is achieved, but non-uniform rotation distortion and reliability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single spinning fiber into multiple independent fiber cores that can operate simultaneously without mechanical rotation. Each core provides a stable, fixed light delivery path, eliminating rotation-induced distortion while maintaining scanning capability through electronic control of core activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spinning mechanism with an optical control system that activates different fiber cores in sequence or simultaneously. This eliminates mechanical wear and rotation instability while achieving the same beam scanning function through optical switching
4Speed
If phased arrays with distal motors are used, then beam deflection is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical phased array systems with a static multicore fiber array. Beam deflection is achieved through optical phase control and interferometric techniques rather than mechanical positioning, simplifying the system while maintaining beam steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the multicore fiber array serve multiple functions simultaneously: light delivery, beam deflection, and imaging. The same optical paths used for light delivery also provide the phase information needed for interferometric imaging, eliminating the need for separate mechanical scanning 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
This solution provides a compact, robust, and cost-effective endoscope system with improved scanning resolution and flexibility, reducing the limitations of prior art systems by using multicore fibers and PICs to achieve high precision and efficient optical sensing without mechanical complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a multicore optical fiber optically coupling the fixed distal optics to the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are configurations for fiber optic endoscopes employing fixed distal optics and multicore optical fiber.