Optical Probe Calibration for Multimode Fiber Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic probes using single-mode optical fibers are limited by their inability to perform spatial 2D or 3D imaging due to mechanical scanning mechanisms that introduce optical artifacts and are often too thick, inflexible, and expensive, with a need for a more robust solution to access hard-to-reach areas within the human body.
Innovation Solution
The use of multimode or multicore optical fibers with proximal processing to determine and compensate for the continuously changing optical transfer function, enabling advanced imaging and light delivery systems that can perform physical or synthetic scanning without requiring access to the distal end, using methods like phase and amplitude control, and polarization diversity detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical scanning mechanisms are used in single-mode optical fiber endoscopes, then light can be delivered to and collected from the sample, but the device becomes too thick, inflexible, and expensive, and introduces optical artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning mechanisms with a multimode optical fiber that performs scanning through optical mode multiplexing. The distal end of the fiber contains lens arrays and microlens structures that enable synthetic aperture imaging without moving parts, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The multimode optical fiber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers light to the sample, collects light from the sample, performs spatial scanning, and enables 2D/3D imaging all through a single static component, eliminating the need for separate mechanical scanning systems
2Reliability
If mechanical scanning mechanisms are used, then light delivery and collection is enabled, but the endoscope introduces optical image artifacts such as non-uniform rotation distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical scanning that causes rotation distortion by using optical mode multiplexing in multimode fiber. The scanning is achieved through controlled excitation of different propagation modes, which are inherently more stable and artifact-free compared to mechanical rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the proximal end detects and characterizes the optical transfer function, then uses this information to compensate for and correct imaging artifacts, improving measurement precision
3Ease of manufacture
If single-mode optical fiber is used, then the fiber is inexpensive and flexible, but it cannot perform spatial 2D or 3D imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the optical fiber from single-mode to multimode, which enables support for multiple spatial modes necessary for 2D/3D imaging while maintaining flexibility and reasonable cost through standard fiber manufacturing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 1D scanning capability of single-mode fiber to 2D/3D imaging capability by utilizing the additional spatial modes available in multimode fiber, enabling volumetric imaging through synthetic aperture techniques
4Reliability
If existing endoscopic probes are used, then they can access some tissue regions, but they are too thick and inflexible to access hard-to-reach areas within the human body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical fiber type to multimode, which allows for smaller probe diameters while maintaining imaging capability through optical mode multiplexing, enabling access to previously unreachable anatomical regions
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical scanning components with optical mode-based scanning, the overall probe diameter is reduced, improving flexibility and access to confined spaces within the human body
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 approach allows for a smaller, more flexible, and cost-effective endoscope capable of high-resolution, one, two, or three-dimensional imaging, while minimizing optical artifacts and environmental disturbances, enhancing medical and non-medical applications by accurately compensating for the multimode fiber transfer function.
Implementation Method 1
an optical probe apparatus including a multimode optical waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end
Implementation Method 2
determine an optical transfer function of the multimode optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
using methods like phase and amplitude control, and polarization diversity detection
Implementation Method 4
using methods like phase and amplitude control, and polarization diversity detection
Data Source
AI summary
An optical probe includes an optical source that generates an optical beam that propagates from a proximal end to a distal end of an optical fiber that imparts a transformation of a spatial profile of the optical beam. An optical control device imparts a compensating spatial profile on the optical beam that at least partially compensates for the transformation of the spatial profile of the optical beam imparted by the optical fiber in response to a control signal from a signal processor. A distal optical source generates a calibration light that propagates through the one or more optical waveguides from the distal end to the proximal end of the optical fiber. An optical detector detects the calibration light and generates electrical signals in response to the detected calibration light. The signal processor generates the control signal to instruct the optical control device to impart the compensating spatial profile on the optical beam that at least partially compensates for the transformation of the spatial profile of the optical beam imparted by the optical fiber.