Optical Probe Head with Polarization Beam Splitting for Confined Space Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguide systems face challenges in scanning light beams within small, confined spaces such as vascular and pulmonary organs due to limitations in instrument design and target geometry, making it difficult to achieve precise optical imaging and treatment.
Innovation Solution
The use of a polarization-maintaining optical waveguide with an optical probe head that splits light into two orthogonal polarizations, allowing for independent control and direction of each polarization beam to achieve forward-looking and side-looking views, and a rotating mechanism to scan the light beams within the target area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional optical waveguide system is used to deliver light to the target, then the light can be guided through the waveguide, but the light beam cannot be scanned to change direction effectively in small confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The optical probe head is divided into multiple independent optical components: a first optical component for generating a first light beam, a second optical component for generating a second light beam, and a third optical component for combining these beams. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for specific functions while working together to achieve comprehensive beam scanning capability in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple light beams with different propagation directions and combines them to achieve scanning capability. By utilizing different spatial dimensions and directions for light delivery, the system overcomes the limitations of conventional single-beam waveguide systems in confined anatomical spaces.
2Length of moving object
If the instrument size is reduced to sub-millimeters for vascular and pulmonary organs, then access to confined spaces is improved, but the design of beam pointing or steering mechanisms becomes considerably challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The optical probe head is divided into multiple independent optical components: a first optical component for generating a first light beam, a second optical component for generating a second light beam, and a third optical component for combining these beams. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for specific functions while working together to achieve comprehensive beam scanning capability in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple light beams with different propagation directions and combines them to achieve scanning capability. By utilizing different spatial dimensions and directions for light delivery, the system overcomes the limitations of conventional single-beam waveguide systems in confined anatomical spaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light beams are combined to achieve comprehensive scanning, then the coverage of the target area is improved, but the optical path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical probe head is divided into multiple independent optical components: a first optical component for generating a first light beam, a second optical component for generating a second light beam, and a third optical component for combining these beams. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for specific functions while working together to achieve comprehensive beam scanning capability in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple light beams with different propagation directions and combines them to achieve scanning capability. By utilizing different spatial dimensions and directions for light delivery, the system overcomes the limitations of conventional single-beam waveguide systems in confined anatomical spaces.
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
Enables precise optical imaging and treatment by allowing selective interaction with specific regions of the target, improving the ability to navigate and map internal structures with high accuracy, even in small spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber movably placed inside the hollow channel of the sheath and structured to exhibit a first principal polarization direction and a second, orthogonal principal polarization direction
Implementation Method 2
Light can be guided through a light pipe or optical waveguide such as optic fiber to a target
Implementation Method 3
an optical probe head located inside the sheath and engaged to a distal end of the PM fiber... to receive the input polarized light from the PM fiber. The optical probe head is operable to direct the probe light polarized in the first principal polarization direction to exit the optical probe head at a first exit angle
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques, apparatus and systems that use an optical probe head to deliver light to a target and to collect light from the target for imaging, monitoring, medical diagnostics and medical treatment applications.