Spectrally Encoded Endoscopy Probe Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional miniature endoscopes with fiber-optic imaging bundles have limited image resolution and field of view due to their finite diameter and increased rigidity, restricting their use in medical applications where narrow pathways are required.
Innovation Solution
The development of spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) systems that utilize a single optical fiber to transmit a one-dimensional image, allowing for the creation of probes with diameters as small as 100 μm by encoding spatial information with a broad spectral bandwidth light source, and employing optical configurations such as double clad fibers and holographic optical elements to improve resolution and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fiber-optic imaging bundles are used in miniature endoscopes, then the probe structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the image resolution and field of view are limited due to finite diameter and increased rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fiber-optic imaging bundle with a single optical fiber combined with spectral encoding optics. Instead of using multiple physical fibers to transmit spatial information, the system uses a single fiber to transmit spectrally encoded information, where spatial position is encoded into wavelength. This substitution of mechanical imaging with optical spectral encoding resolves the contradiction by achieving high resolution (40,000 points) with a simple single-fiber structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space from spatial domain to spectral domain. By encoding spatial information into spectral wavelengths using diffraction gratings and optical processing, the system transforms the imaging problem from a spatial multiplexing challenge (requiring many fibers) to a spectral multiplexing solution (using a single fiber with broad bandwidth). This parameter transformation enables high resolution while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple optical fibers are used for imaging, then the number of resolvable elements increases, but the rigidity of the endoscope increases and the bend radius increases to approximately 5 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical array of multiple fibers with a single optical fiber system. Instead of increasing the number of physical fibers to improve resolution, the system uses spectral encoding to multiply the effective number of resolvable elements from a single fiber. This eliminates the rigidity problem associated with multi-fiber bundles while achieving 40,000 resolvable points, enabling flexible navigation in narrow pathways.
3Length of moving object
If a single optical fiber is used to transmit one-dimensional image, then the probe diameter can be reduced to approximately 100 μm, but the system requires spectrally encoding optics and mechanical scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the imaging system. By encoding spatial information along one dimension into spectral wavelengths, the system effectively creates a second dimension for information encoding. This dimensional transformation allows a single fiber to carry the equivalent information of many fibers, reducing probe diameter to 100 μm while the added spectral encoding optics provide the necessary functionality.
4Manufacturing precision
If spectrally encoded endoscopy is implemented, then high-resolution imaging with 40,000 resolvable points is achieved in a 250 μm diameter probe, but the system requires broad spectral bandwidth light source and complex optical processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex spatial mechanical imaging systems with optical spectral processing. Instead of using mechanical scanners and complex lens systems to achieve high resolution, the system uses spectral encoding with diffraction gratings and broadband light sources. The optical processing occurs in the spectral domain, simplifying the mechanical complexity while achieving 40,000 resolvable points through wavelength-multiplexed information.
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 imaging with a smaller diameter and increased flexibility, facilitating the use of endoscopes in narrow medical pathways while maintaining image quality, as demonstrated by the ability to achieve 40,000 resolvable points in a 250 μm diameter probe compared to 1,600 points in commercial fiber-optic bundles.
Implementation Method 1
the source spectrum of the light can be dispersed by a dispersing element 130 (e.g., a diffracting grating)
Implementation Method 2
light provided by the source can be transmitted via an optical fiber 110
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary apparatus for method for forming at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration. For example, it is possible to modify a spacer configuration and an lens optics configuration to have respective predetermined lengths, and also to modify a dispersive optics configuration to have a further predetermined length. Further, the modified spacer and modified lens optics configurations can be attached to one another to form a combined spacer-lens optics configuration. The modified dispersive optics configuration can be attached to a substrate to form to form a grating substrate configuration. Additionally, the combined spacer-lens optics configuration can be connected to an optical fiber, and the modified attached dispersed optics configuration can be connected to the modified attached lens optics configuration to form the spectral encoding endoscopy configuration(s) which can extends along a particular axis. The dispersive optics configuration can be modified to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the particular axis.