Multi-core optical fiber germanium doping for fluorescence imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-core optical fibers used in confocal fluorescent imaging methods face challenges in accurately separating fluorescent light from associated light, leading to reduced diagnostic accuracy due to broadband emission peaks caused by germanium content, which complicates filtering and affects the signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A multi-core optical fiber with a cladding of quartz and cores doped with germanium, having a diameter of 1.3 to 2.0 µm, a numerical aperture of 0.35 to 0.45, and a refractive index profile factor of 2.0 to 4.0, with a core interval of 3.0 µm or more, is developed to suppress broadband emission and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio for fluorescence diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If germanium-doped cores are used in multi-core optical fiber, then the numerical aperture and light collection efficiency are improved, but broadband emission peaks are generated reducing the signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the germanium content (20-30wt%), core diameter (1.3-2.0µm), numerical aperture (0.35-0.45), and refractive index profile factor (2.0-4.0) to optimize the balance between light collection efficiency and broadband emission suppression. This quantitative parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal range where both requirements are satisfied.
2Measurement precision
If core diameter is reduced to improve resolution, then the imaging precision is improved, but the light collection efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by optimizing the core diameter to 1.3-2.0µm, which is sufficiently small to provide high imaging precision and resolution, yet sufficiently large to maintain adequate light collection efficiency. The numerical aperture is simultaneously optimized to 0.35-0.45 to maximize light gathering capability within the constrained core size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses germanium-doped silica core material to enhance light collection efficiency. The germanium doping increases the refractive index and improves light gathering capability, compensating for the reduced light collection area due to the small core diameter, thereby maintaining both resolution and efficiency.
3Productivity
If the interval between cores is reduced to increase pixel density, then the productivity is improved, but the cross-talk between adjacent cores increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the core interval to achieve high pixel density while preventing cross-talk. By carefully controlling the spacing between cores and optimizing the refractive index profile factor (2.0-4.0), the patent achieves sufficient core density for high-resolution imaging while maintaining adequate optical isolation between adjacent cores to prevent signal interference.
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 optimized multi-core optical fiber design effectively reduces broadband emission, improving the accuracy of fluorescence diagnostics by maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio and balancing resolution and contrast for precise tissue imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a center of each of the cores having a germanium content from 20wt% to 30wt%... effectively reduces broadband emission, improving the accuracy of fluorescence diagnostics
Implementation Method 2
a cladding including quartz; and a plurality of cores embedded in the cladding... Separation of the fluorescent lights from the excitation lights produces fluorescent spectra
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-core optical fiber apparatus is disclosed. The multi-core optical fiber apparatus includes a cladding comprising quartz and a plurality of cores embedded in the cladding. Each of the cores has a diameter (D) ranging from 1.3µm to 2.0µm, a numerical aperture (NA) from 0.35 to 0.45 and a refractive index profile factor (α) from 2.0 to 4.0. A center of each of the cores has a germanium content of 20wt% to 30wt%. An interval between adjacent cores is 3.0µm or more.