Photoacoustic Endoscope Array Transducer Light Diffuser Overlap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoacoustic endoscopic systems face limitations in probe miniaturization and imaging depth due to the mismatch between optical illumination and ultrasonic scan areas, which restricts their application in gastrointestinal endoscopy and other medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An array-transducer-based photoacoustic-ultrasonic endoscope with an integrated light diffuser and optically-transparent array transducer, where the light emitting area and ultrasonic sensor area overlap, allowing for uniform light distribution and enhanced imaging depth within a restricted probe size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the probe size is reduced for miniaturization, then the probe can be inserted into narrow gastrointestinal tracts, but the imaging depth and light distribution uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into distinct functional modules: a light source module, a light diffuser module, and an array transducer module. The light diffuser is specifically segmented into multiple diffusing elements arranged in a pattern that ensures uniform light distribution across the illumination area, even in the miniaturized probe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the light diffuser is positioned between the light source and the array transducer, with the light emitting area overlapping the ultrasonic sensor area. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple functional areas within the restricted probe volume while maintaining optimal optical and acoustic pathways.
2Ease of manufacture
If the light emitting area and ultrasonic sensor area are separated, then the optical and acoustic functions can be independently optimized, but the imaging depth and overall performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light emitting area and ultrasonic sensor area into an overlapping configuration. The light diffuser is designed to distribute light uniformly across the entire illumination area, which coincides with and overlaps the ultrasonic sensor array, creating a unified imaging zone that maximizes imaging depth while maintaining functional integration.
3Volume of moving object
If a restricted probe size is used, then the probe is suitable for gastrointestinal endoscopy, but the imaging depth fails to reach the theoretical limit
Solution Approach 1:
The light diffuser is designed with spatially varying diffusing properties, with different diffusing strengths in different regions. The diffusing elements are arranged to concentrate light distribution where needed while maintaining uniformity across the illumination area, optimizing light utilization within the restricted probe size to maximize imaging depth.
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 solution enables improved imaging performance by maximizing the imaging depth and resolving the mismatch issue, allowing for deeper tissue penetration while maintaining a compact probe size, thus enhancing the diagnostic capabilities in medical procedures like GI endoscopy.
Implementation Method 1
a light diffuser configured to diffuse a laser beam delivered through the optical fiber to a target point of an object to be examined
Implementation Method 2
array transducer through which the diffused laser beam passes and configured to generate ultrasonic pulses or detect ultrasonic or photoacoustic waves generated in the object to be examined
Data Source
AI summary
A photoacoustic-ultrasonic (i.e. dual mode) endoscope includes: an optical fiber; a light diffuser configured to diffuse a laser beam delivered through the optical fiber to a target point of an object to be examined; and an array transducer through which the diffused laser beam passes and configured to generate ultrasonic waves or detect ultrasonic waves generated in the object to be examined.