Multi-Wavelength Phase Distortion Compensation in Image Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic imaging technologies face challenges in compensating for phase distortions across multiple wavelengths, limiting their ability to provide high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging with flexible and small diameters, particularly in applications like neurosurgery, where prior methods are inadequate for simultaneous phase distortion correction and function implementation.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that modulate the electromagnetic phase distortion of multiple wavelengths by adjusting the length of waveguides and using a spatial light modulator to minimize an error function, allowing for simultaneous compensation of phase distortions and changing propagation directions of electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If rigid optical waveguide arrangements with diameters of more than 1 mm are used, then two-dimensional imaging is provided, but the endoscope diameter is too large for applications in neurosurgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple wavelength channels (e.g., red, green, blue) that travel through separate waveguides. Each wavelength carries information about a different focal plane, enabling 3D imaging without requiring a large diameter single-channel waveguide arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the wavelength dimension to the imaging system. By using multiple wavelengths with different phase distortions, the system can encode depth information (z-axis) into the spectral domain, allowing 3D imaging through a small-diameter flexible endoscope.
2Measurement precision
If phase distortion compensation is implemented for one wavelength at a time, then phase accuracy is improved, but temporal resolution deteriorates due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores the relationship between wavelength and phase distortion for each waveguide during a calibration phase. During actual imaging, this pre-stored information is used to immediately compensate for phase distortions across all wavelengths simultaneously, avoiding sequential processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model (transmission matrix) that copies the phase distortion characteristics of each waveguide. This digital model allows rapid computation and compensation of phase effects for multiple wavelengths without physically measuring each wavelength sequentially.
3Volume of moving object
If complex 2D/3D scanning optics are used at the distal end, then single-mode waveguide transmission is achieved, but the minimum diameter increases to several millimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex scanning optics from the distal end of the endoscope. Instead, it uses a coherent fiber bundle that directly transmits images from the distal end to the proximal end, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning components and reducing the minimum diameter.
4Measurement precision
If distal imaging optics are used to increase absolute spatial resolution, then resolution is improved, but the diameter of the field of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each waveguide in the coherent bundle multi-functional by assigning different wavelengths to different focal planes. A single waveguide arrangement thus serves multiple imaging functions (different depths and resolutions) simultaneously, avoiding the trade-off between resolution and field of view.
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 high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging with flexible and small-diameter endoscopes capable of compensating for phase distortions across multiple wavelengths, enhancing imaging capabilities in difficult-to-access areas.
Implementation Method 1
modulating the electromagnetic phase of one or more selected waveguides of the arrangement... determining a desired modulated phase for each of the selected waveguides j and for each of the wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
compensating for it by means of a digital optical phase conjugation using programmable, digital, optical spatial light modulators (SLM)
Implementation Method 3
Coherent bundles of optical waveguides—also known as coherent fiber bundles (CFB)—which contain about 10,000 to 100,000 fiber cores
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a device for simultaneously compensating for the phase distortion of multiple wavelengths of an arrangement of electromagnetic waveguides and/or for implementing functions which change the propagation directions of electromagnetic radiation upon entrance into and/or exit from the arrangement, wherein these functions can be designed, for example, as focusing the electromagnetic radiation on a focal point, implementing a doughnut mode, and/or tilting the propagation direction of the electromagnetic radiation.