Single Multimode Fiber Endoscope for Neuron Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopy imaging devices with mode fiber bundles, GRIN lenses, or hybrid systems are not suitable for biological applications such as neuron imaging and optogenetics due to their large cross-sections, which limit their precision and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A multimode fiber endoscope system that includes a spatial light modulator to phase shift and attenuate light into spatially independent modes, coupled with a multimode fiber optimized for robustness and high intensity contrast, allowing for precise light control and imaging through a small cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If conventional endoscopy imaging devices (mode fiber bundles, GRIN lenses, or hybrid systems) are used, then imaging capability is provided, but the cross-section is large (0.5 mm up to a few mm) making them unsuitable for biological applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a single multimode fiber that is divided into multiple independent modes, where each mode acts as an independent imaging channel. This segmentation allows the fiber to function as multiple smaller imaging paths within a single small-diameter fiber, achieving both small cross-section and high imaging precision through mode-division multiplexing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from spatial dimension (multiple fiber bundles) to modal dimension (multiple modes in single fiber) to achieve multiplexing. By utilizing different propagation modes within a single fiber, the system accomplishes what would traditionally require multiple separate fibers, thereby reducing the overall cross-section while maintaining imaging capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the multimode fiber is optimized for small cross-section, then flexibility for biological applications is improved, but mode coupling and loss of spatial information occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through mode-selective coupling and characterization techniques to monitor and compensate for mode coupling effects. By characterizing the fiber's mode propagation properties and using this information to adjust the excitation and detection schemes, the system maintains reliable spatial information preservation even in flexible, small-diameter configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes specific parameters of the multimode fiber including the refractive index profile, core diameter, and mode field distribution to minimize mode coupling while maintaining flexibility. By carefully controlling these parameters, the fiber achieves both mechanical flexibility for biological applications and optical stability for reliable spatial information transmission
3Measurement precision
If multiple fiber bundles are used to improve imaging resolution, then imaging quality is enhanced, but device complexity and cross-section increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple imaging functions into a single multimode fiber by utilizing mode-division multiplexing. Different propagation modes within the single fiber serve as independent imaging channels, combining the functionality of multiple fiber bundles into one unified structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high imaging resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The single multimode fiber performs multiple imaging functions simultaneously through its different modes, making it a universal imaging platform that replaces multiple specialized fiber bundles. This multi-functionality is achieved by exciting and detecting different mode combinations to accomplish various imaging tasks through one fiber
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, flexible imaging with a well-defined focus and robustness to bending, suitable for applications like neuron imaging and optogenetics by maximizing the average difference of eigenvalues and intensity contrast of the multimode fiber modes.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator that phase shifts and/or attenuates light from the light source into a first plurality of spatially independent modes
Implementation Method 2
a multimode fiber disposed within the elongated body and extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the elongated body
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of optical elements disposed between the light source and the multimode fiber, wherein one or more of the plurality of optical elements are configured to direct light from the light source into the multimode fiber, and wherein one or more of the plurality of optical elements are configured to direct light from the multimode fiber to the detector
Implementation Method 4
a light detector disposed relative to the proximal end of the elongated body
Data Source
AI summary
An example multimode fiber endoscope may include an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; a multimode fiber disposed within the elongated body and extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the elongated body; a light source disposed relative to the proximal end of the elongated body; a light detector disposed relative to the proximal end of the elongated body; and multiple optical elements disposed between the light source and the multimode fiber. One or more of the optical elements are configured to direct light from the light source into the multimode fiber. One or more of the optical elements are configured to direct light from the multimode fiber to the detector. In some embodiments, the multimode fiber may be a single multimode fiber.