Spectrally Encoded Endoscopy Probe With Integrated Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectrally encoded endoscopy probes face challenges in achieving forward-view capabilities due to complex designs requiring multiple components like lenses, prisms, and gratings, which increase cost, complexity, and size, while also limiting aperture use and introducing optical aberrations and light loss.
Innovation Solution
A spectrally encoded endoscopy probe design featuring a light guiding component, a light focusing component, and a triangular grating that directs spectrally dispersed light along the probe's optical axis with no intermediate reflections, simplifying manufacturing and reducing the need for off-axis elements and reflective surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a forward-view spectrally encoded endoscopy probe is designed using conventional methods with multiple components (lenses, prisms, gratings), then forward-view capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guiding component, light focusing component, and grating component into a single integrated probe structure. The grating is formed directly on the light guiding component, eliminating the need for separate prisms and reflective surfaces, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining forward-view capability
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding component serves multiple functions: it guides light, focuses light, and incorporates the grating for spectral encoding. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed while achieving the same optical effects
2Ease of operation
If conventional forward-view probe designs are used, then forward-view capability is achieved, but probe size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grating structure is formed directly on the light guiding component, nesting the spectral encoding function within the light guidance structure. This eliminates the need for additional external components like prisms and reflective surfaces, thereby reducing probe size
3Ease of operation
If conventional forward-view probe designs with reflective surfaces are used, then forward-view capability is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates reflective surfaces and intermediate reflections from the optical path by using a grating formed directly on the light guiding component. This removes the need for precise alignment of multiple components and simplifies manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the grating directly onto the light guiding component, the patent eliminates the need for separate alignment of grating and light guiding elements, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing alignment precision requirements
4Measurement precision
If conventional spectrally encoded endoscopy configuration is used, then spectral encoding is achieved, but light loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates intermediate reflections from the optical path by using a grating formed directly on the light guiding component. This removes multiple reflection interfaces that cause light loss, thereby improving light efficiency while maintaining spectral encoding capability
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 resolution and field of view while reducing manufacturing complexity and light loss, enabling more efficient and cost-effective production of endoscopy probes with improved imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Spectrally encoded endoscopy utilizes the ability of the diffraction grating that deflects incident light to a diffraction angle according to wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a light guiding component configured for guiding light in a direction of an optical axis of the probe
Implementation Method 3
a light focusing component configured for focusing the light onto the grating component
Data Source
AI summary
A novel endoscope, which can be a spectrally encoded endoscope (SEE) probe having forward-view, side-view, or a combination of forward and side views is provided herein. The SEE probe includes a light guiding component, a light focusing component, and a grating component. The probe is configured to forward a light such as a spectrally dispersed light from the grating component to a sample with no intermediate reflections between light guiding component and the grating component. A triangular grating, such as a staircase grating or an overhang grating may be used as the grating component.