Peripheral Light-Emitting Linear Light Guide Member for Uniform Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber catheters face challenges in maintaining uniform light intensity along the axial direction due to the placement of light-scattering particles on the outer periphery of the core, leading to weakened light emission near the tip end.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral light-emitting linear light guide member featuring an optical fiber with a light-scattering member that covers the entire periphery of the core over a predetermined axial length, where light-scattering particles are dispersion-mixed with an optically transparent base material of higher refractive index, and the concentration of particles is higher at the distal end than closer to the cladding, ensuring uniform light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If light-scattering particles are placed on the outer periphery of the core at a constant ratio along the axial direction, then the light-scattering function is uniformly provided, but the light intensity near the tip end is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the concentration of light-scattering particles along the axial direction. Specifically, the particle concentration is set to be higher near the tip end and lower near the cladding end, creating different light-scattering characteristics at different positions. This gradient distribution ensures that light intensity remains sufficiently high near the tip end while maintaining appropriate light-scattering function throughout the axial length.
2Ease of manufacture
If light-scattering particles are placed on the outer periphery of the core, then light scattering function is achieved, but light intensity uniformity along the axial direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the concentration parameter of light-scattering particles along the axial direction. Instead of using a constant particle concentration, the invention implements a gradient distribution where particle concentration varies continuously from the cladding end to the tip end. This parameter variation compensates for the natural light intensity decay along the fiber length, achieving more uniform overall light intensity distribution.
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 configuration improves the uniformity of light intensity along the axial direction, enhancing treatment accuracy and safety by maintaining peak light intensity near the tip end and gradually distributing it along the catheter length.
Implementation Method 1
a light-scattering member covering an entire periphery of the outer periphery surface at an exposed portion of the core over a predetermined axial length range, wherein the light-scattering member scatters a light emitted from the outer periphery surface of the core
Implementation Method 2
light-scattering particles are dispersion-mixed with an optically transparent base material having a higher refractive index than a refractive index of the core
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral light-emitting linear light guide member is composed of an optical fiber including a core having an outer periphery surface exposed from a cladding at one end in a longitudinal direction, and a light-scattering member covering an entire periphery of the outer periphery surface at an exposed portion of the core over a predetermined axial length range. The light-scattering member scatters a light emitted from the outer periphery surface of the core. In the light-scattering member, light-scattering particles are dispersion-mixed with an optically transparent base material having a higher refractive index than a refractive index of the core. An amount of the light-scattering particles around an outer periphery of the core is higher at a distal end of the light-scattering member than at an end closer to the cladding.