Multimode Optical Fiber Tip for Radial Endoscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic systems using multimode optical fibers cause significant damage to samples due to the introduction path, leading to elongate tears and tissue damage, and image quality is compromised as examination light propagates through damaged regions.
Innovation Solution
A multimode optical fiber design with a distal end featuring a light transmission surface parallel to the optical axis and a light reflection surface forming an angle between 30° and 60°, allowing radial examination of undamaged or minimally damaged sample regions by deflecting light radially, combined with a sharp edge for minimal sample intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a multimode optical fiber with typical diameter of 100 μm is used for endoscopic examination, then high-resolution images can be obtained, but the tissue is damaged along the introduction path and directly in front of the optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light reflection surface at an angle (30-60 degrees) relative to the optical axis, changing the light propagation path from a single axial dimension to a multi-dimensional path that includes radial reflection. This allows light to access tissue regions that would otherwise be blocked by the fiber itself, enabling examination of undamaged tissue while maintaining high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled light reflection surface acts as an intermediary element between the optical fiber and the tissue. It redirects light that would otherwise be blocked by the fiber housing to illuminate tissue regions in front of the fiber, allowing examination of undamaged tissue without requiring the fiber to be removed or enlarged.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the image plane is located a short distance in front of the multimode optical fiber to avoid damaged regions, then tissue damage is minimized, but the examination light must propagate through part of the sample causing image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the angled light reflection surface, the system creates additional light propagation paths that reflect light radially outward from the fiber axis. This multi-dimensional light distribution allows illumination of tissue regions without requiring the light to pass through large portions of the sample, thereby maintaining image quality while examining undamaged tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The light reflection surface is specifically designed to redirect light toward particular tissue regions of interest. By controlling the reflection angle (30-60 degrees), the system concentrates light energy on specific local areas in front of the fiber, improving illumination efficiency and image quality in those specific regions without requiring light to traverse the entire sample.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light reflection surface is positioned at a large angle to the optical axis, then radial light transmission is improved, but the structural complexity of the distal end increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the reflection angle parameter within the range of 30-60 degrees to achieve the desired balance. By carefully selecting this angular parameter range, the system achieves sufficient radial light transmission capability while keeping the structural complexity manageable. The specific angular range represents an optimized solution that balances performance and simplicity.
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 design minimizes sample damage and enhances image quality by enabling high-resolution imaging of undamaged or slightly damaged sample regions, reducing the need for post-examination healing and improving image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end has a light transmission surface, which extends substantially parallel to the optical axis and is designed to transmit light radially in relation to the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
the distal end has a light reflection surface, which preferably extends such that the optical axis at the distal end, a normal to the light transmission surface and a normal to the light reflection surface lie substantially in one plane and an angle between the light reflection surface and the optical axis is between 30° and 60°
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a multimode optical fiber (1) with an optical axis (2). The multimode optical fiber has a single fiber core (11) surrounded by a cladding (12) and comprises a proximal end (3) for connection to an endoscopic system (13) and a distal end (4) for introduction into a sample (14). The distal end (4) has a light transmission surface (5), which extends substantially parallel to the optical axis (2) and is designed to transmit light radially in relation to the optical axis (2). The light transmission surface (5) is a substantially flat surface, a spherical segment surface or a paraboloid segment surface, and is a boundary surface of the fiber core (11). In addition, the distal end (4) has a light reflection surface (6), which extends such that the optical axis (2) at the distal end (4), a normal to the light transmission surface (5) and a normal to the light reflection surface (6) lie substantially in one plane and an angle between the light reflection surface (6) and the optical axis (2) is between 30° and 60°. In addition, the invention relates to an endoscopic system (13) for examining a sample (14) and to a method for examining a sample (14) by means of an endoscopic system (13).