Miniature Forward-Viewing SEE Probe Optical Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) probes face challenges in miniaturizing the double-prism grating (DP GRISM) for forward-view imaging, making it difficult to achieve high-definition imaging in small spaces within the body, such as small vessels or needles.
Innovation Solution
The design of a miniature SEE probe with a light reflecting component and grating positioned to allow diffracted light to propagate substantially along the probe's optical axis, using a spacer with an angled reflective surface to ensure wavelengths propagate parallel to the optical axis, and incorporating additional fibers for reduced background signal and dual-color imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a double-prism grating (DP GRISM) is used for forward-view imaging, then forward-view imaging capability is achieved, but the probe diameter becomes too large (10 mm) for practical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the DP GRISM into separate components: a grating component and a light guiding component with reflective surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be miniaturized independently while maintaining the forward-view imaging function, reducing the overall probe diameter from 10 mm to sub-mm dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reconfigures the optical path by positioning the grating and light guiding components in specific spatial arrangements. The light guiding component uses angled reflective surfaces to redirect light along the probe axis, effectively using spatial dimensionality to achieve forward-view imaging in a compact configuration.
2Length of moving object
If the probe size is reduced to enable imaging in small pathways, then access to small vessels and ducts is improved, but the ability to achieve high-definition imaging is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the local optical properties at the probe tip by precisely positioning the grating and light guiding components. The light guiding component is designed with specific reflective surface angles and positions to maximize light collection efficiency and spatial resolution, ensuring high-definition imaging capability is maintained despite the reduced probe diameter.
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 forward-view imaging with a smaller probe size, allowing for high-definition two-dimensional imaging and color imaging in small spaces, improving the ability to visualize tissues and vasculature with reduced probe diameter and background noise.
Implementation Method 1
broadband light is diffracted by a grating at the tip of the fiber, producing a dispersed spectrum on the sample
Implementation Method 2
the light reflecting component and the grating component are positioned such that, when a light is transmitted to the grating component
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary apparatus, systems, methods of making, and methods of using a configuration in an optical arrangement for forward viewing spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) probe can be provided. For example, the probe can comprise a light focusing component, a light guiding component, a light reflecting component, and a grating component.