Optical Microscopy Probe With Relay Lens Unit for Sideways Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical microscopy probes for scanning microscopy have limited field of view due to small free working distance, restricting imaging to only forward directions and limiting accessibility to regions of interest, such as vulnerable plaque in blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
An optical microscopy probe with an elongated housing and a relay lens unit comprising a first lens, a second lens, and a mirror, where the first lens is positioned parallel to the probe's longitudinal direction and the second lens defines a focal point outside the probe, allowing for scanning microscopy through an optical window positioned at the side of the distal end, enabling imaging in directions other than forward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small objective lens is used to achieve high numerical aperture, then imaging resolution is improved, but free working distance becomes too small to access sideways regions of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sideways imaging capability by positioning an optical window and detector at the side of the probe housing, enabling detection of light reflected from sideways regions. This dimensional change allows the system to access regions of interest that are not in the forward imaging path, effectively bypassing the limited free working distance constraint while maintaining high resolution through the high-NA objective lens.
2Device complexity
If the probe is designed for forward direction imaging only, then device complexity is reduced, but field of view is limited to forward directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the same probe to perform both forward direction imaging (through the objective lens) and sideways imaging (through the optical window and detector). This dual imaging capability allows the device to adapt to different imaging needs and access various regions of interest without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby increasing versatility while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 design enhances the field of view and flexibility in scanning microscopy, allowing for imaging in previously inaccessible areas, such as sideward views of blood vessel walls, thereby improving diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a relay lens unit rigidly mounted relative to the housing at the distal end of the probe, the relay lens unit comprising a first lens, a second lens and a mirror, wherein the relay lens unit is optically arranged relative to the objective lens for relaying a focal point of the objective lens to a position outside the probe
Implementation Method 2
an objective lens rigidly coupled to an end portion of the optical guide, wherein the relay lens unit is optically arranged relative to the objective lens for relaying a focal point of the objective lens
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an optical microscopy probe (10) for scanning microscopy imaging of object (O). The probe has an optical window (22), and an optical guide (2) having an objective lens (6) rigidly coupled to an end portion of the optical guide. The optical guide is displaceably mounted in a transverse direction of the housing (21) so as to enable optical scanning in a region of interest (ROI). A relay lens unit (25) is rigidly mounted at the distal end (23) of the probe and it has a first lens (25a), a second lens (25b) and a mirror (25c), the relay lens unit being optically arranged relative to the objective lens for allowing scanning microscopy through the optical window of the housing. The invention is advantageous for obtaining an improvement in the available field of view of the probe because the cooperation between the displaceable objective lens and the relay lens unit may compensate for the relative limited free working distance of the objective lens.