U.S. patent application number 15/705064 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-11 for spectrally-encoded endoscopy techniques, apparatus and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to The General Hospital Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is The General Hospital Corporation. Invention is credited to Brett Eugene Bouma, Nicusor Iftimia, Milen Shishkov, Guillermo J. Tearney, Dvir Yelin.
Application Number | 20180010965 15/705064 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38288373 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180010965 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shishkov; Milen ; et
al. |
January 11, 2018 |
SPECTRALLY-ENCODED ENDOSCOPY TECHNIQUES, APPARATUS AND METHODS
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Shishkov; Milen; (Watertown,
MA) ; Tearney; Guillermo J.; (Cambridge, MA) ;
Bouma; Brett Eugene; (Quincy, MA) ; Yelin; Dvir;
(Brookline, MA) ; Iftimia; Nicusor; (North
Chelmsford, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The General Hospital Corporation |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The General Hospital
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
38288373 |
Appl. No.: |
15/705064 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15376144 |
Dec 12, 2016 |
9791317 |
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15705064 |
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|
14465960 |
Aug 22, 2014 |
9516997 |
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15376144 |
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|
13427463 |
Mar 22, 2012 |
8818149 |
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14465960 |
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11623852 |
Jan 17, 2007 |
8145018 |
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|
13427463 |
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60760139 |
Jan 19, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/0062 20130101;
G02B 23/26 20130101; A61B 5/0086 20130101; A61B 1/002 20130101;
G02B 23/2469 20130101; A61B 5/0068 20130101; B24B 9/14 20130101;
G02B 5/18 20130101; G01J 3/02 20130101; A61B 5/0066 20130101; A61B
1/00188 20130101; G02B 23/2453 20130101; A61B 5/0084 20130101; G01J
3/0205 20130101; A61B 1/00167 20130101; G01J 3/0256 20130101; G01J
3/18 20130101; G01J 3/0218 20130101; G01J 3/0208 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01J 3/18 20060101
G01J003/18; B24B 9/14 20060101 B24B009/14; G01J 3/02 20060101
G01J003/02; A61B 1/002 20060101 A61B001/002; G02B 23/26 20060101
G02B023/26; G02B 23/24 20060101 G02B023/24 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] The invention was made with the U.S. Government support
under Contract No. BES-0086709 awarded by the National Science
Foundation. Thus, the U.S. Government has certain rights in the
invention.
Claims
1-26. (canceled)
27. A spectral encoding endoscopy apparatus, comprising: an lens
optics configuration; a spacer configuration, wherein respective
predetermined lengths of the spacer configuration and the lens
optics configuration are changed by altering respective physical
aspects thereof; and a dispersive optics configuration being
modifiable to have a further predetermined length, wherein the
changed spacer and changed lens optics configurations are attached
to one another to form a combined spacer-lens optics configuration,
wherein the modified dispersive optics configuration is attached to
a substrate to form a grating substrate configuration; and the
combined spacer-lens optics configuration is connected to an
optical fiber, and the modified attached dispersed optics
configuration is connected to the changed attached lens optics
configuration to form the at least one spectral encoding endoscopy
apparatus which extends along a particular axis, and wherein the
dispersive optics configuration is modified to be at a
predetermined angle with respect to the particular axis.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/376,144 filed on Dec. 12, 2016 which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/465,960 filed
Aug. 22, 2014, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,516,997 on Dec. 13,
2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/427,463 filed Mar. 22, 2012 which issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,818,149 on Aug. 26, 2014, which is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/623,852 filed Jan. 17, 2007, which issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 8,145,018 on Mar. 27, 2012. This application is
also based upon and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/760,139, filed Jan. 19, 2006. The entire
disclosures of such applications are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to apparatus and
method for spectrally encoded endoscopy and, more particularly to,
e.g., apparatus for obtaining information for a structure using
spectrally-encoded endoscopy techniques and method for producing
one or more optical arrangements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Certain medical and technical applications utilize an
ability to look inside the patient's body or use a particular
device when the available pathways for probe advancement are of
very narrow diameter (e.g., small vessels, small ducts, small
needles, cracks etc.).
[0005] Conventional miniature endoscopes are generally composed of
fiber-optic imaging bundles. These conventional instruments have
diameters that range of from approximately 250 .mu.m to 1.0 mm.
Since optical fibers have a finite diameter, a limited number of
fibers can be incorporated into one imaging bundle, resulting in a
limited number of resolvable elements. The resultant image
resolution and field of view provided by these imaging devices may
be insufficient for obtaining endoscopic images of diagnostic
quality in patients. The use of multiple fibers for imaging also
increases the rigidity of the endoscopes, likely resulting in a
bend radius of approximately 5 cm for the smallest probes in a
clinical use. These technical limitations of fiber bundle
microendoscopes, including a low number of resolvable points and
increased rigidity, have limited the widespread use of miniature
endoscopy in medicine.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,003 describes spectrally encoded
endoscopy ("SEE") techniques and arrangements which facilitate the
use of a single optical fiber to transmit one-dimensional (e.g.,
line) image by spectrally encoding one spatial axis. By
mechanically scanning this image line in the direction
perpendicular thereto, a two dimensional image of the scanned plane
can be obtained outside of the probe. This conventional technology
provides a possibility for designing the probes that are of
slightly bigger diameter than an optical fiber. Probes in
approximately 100 .mu.m diameter range may be developed using such
SEE technology.
[0007] SEE techniques and systems facilitate a simultaneous
detection of most or all points along a one-dimensional line of the
image. Encoding the spatial information on the sample can be
accomplished by using a broad spectral bandwidth light source as
the input to a single optical fiber endoscope.
[0008] FIG. 1 shows one such exemplary SEE system/probe 100. For
example, at a distal end of the exemplary system/probe 100, light
provided by the source can be transmitted via an optical fiber 110,
and collimated by a collimating lens 120. Further, the source
spectrum of the light can be dispersed by a dispersing element 130
(e.g., a diffracting grating), and focused by a lens 140 onto the
sample. This optical configuration can provide an illumination of
the sample with an array of focused spots 150 (e.g., on a
wavelength-encoded axis), where each position (e.g., on the x-axis)
can be encoded by a different wavelength (1). Following the
transmission back through the optical fiber, the reflectance as a
function of transverse location can be determined by measuring the
reflected spectrum. High-speed spectral detection can occur
externally to the probe and, as a result, the detection of one line
of image data may not necessarily increase the diameter of the
exemplary system/probe 100. The other dimension (e.g., y, slow scan
axis) of the image can be obtained by mechanically scanning the
optical fiber and distal optics at a slower rate.
[0009] Accordingly, it may be beneficial to address and/or overcome
at least some of the deficiencies described herein above.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] One of the objectives of the present invention is to
overcome certain deficiencies and shortcomings of the prior art
systems and methods (including those described herein above), and
provide exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for generating
data using one or more endoscopic microscopy techniques and, more
particularly to e.g., generating such data using one or more
high-resolution endoscopic microscopy techniques.
[0011] For example, certain exemplary embodiments of the present
invention can facilitate the use and production of narrow diameter
optical fiber probes that use exemplary SEE techniques. Certain
procedures and configuration to achieve the preferable optical and
mechanical functionality at the distal end of a narrow diameter
fiber optical probe for SEE can be provided.
[0012] Different exemplary embodiments can be provided to
incorporate the exemplary SEE optical functionality at a tip of the
optical fiber in accordance with certain concepts of the present
invention. For example, different types of fibers can be used
depending on the spectral region and the size/flexibility
preferences, e.g., single mode, multimode or double clad fibers can
be used.
[0013] In one exemplary embodiment of the SEE system, the same
channel can be used for illumination and collecting of the
reflected light. Double clad fiber can be employed for improving
the collecting efficiency and minimizing the speckle in the
exemplary SEE system. For example, a regular telecommunication
single mode fiber SMF28 can be used.
[0014] According to a particular exemplary embodiment of an
apparatus for obtaining information for a structure according to
the present invention can be provided. For example, the exemplary
apparatus can include at least one first optical fiber arrangement
which is configured to transceive at least one first
electro-magnetic radiation, and can include at least one fiber. The
exemplary apparatus can also include at least one second focusing
arrangement in optical communication with the optical fiber
arrangement. The second arrangement can be configured to focus and
provide there through the first electro-magnetic radiation.
Further, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one third
dispersive arrangement which is configured to receive a particular
radiation which is the first electro-magnetic radiation and/or the
focused electro-magnetic radiation, and forward a dispersed
radiation thereof to at least one section of the structure. At
least one end of the fiber can be directly connected to the second
focusing arrangement and/or the third dispersive arrangement.
[0015] According to still another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the end and/or the section can be directly
connected to the third dispersive arrangement. The second focusing
arrangement can include at least one optical element which may be
directly connected the end. The second arrangement may include an
optical component with a numerical aperture of at most 0.2, and the
optical element may be directly connected the optical component.
The second arrangement may include an optical component with a
numerical aperture of at most 0.2. The end may be directly
connected to the optical component.
[0016] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the particular radiation can include a plurality of
wavelengths and/or a single wavelength that changes over time. The
third dispersive arrangement may be configured to spatially
separate the particular radiation into a plurality of signals
having differing center wavelengths. The first, second and third
arrangement can be provided in a monolithic configuration. The
third dispersive arrangement may be a fiber grating, a blazed
grating, a grism, a dual prism, a binary, prism and/or a
holographic lens grating. The second focusing arrangement can
include a gradient index lens, a reflective mirror lens grating
combination and/or a diffractive lens.
[0017] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, at least one fourth arrangement can be provided which is
configured to control a focal distance of the second focusing
arrangement. The third dispersive arrangement may include a
balloon. The second focusing arrangement and the third dispersive
arrangement can be provided in a single arrangement. The single
arrangement may be a holographic arrangement and/or a diffractive
arrangement.
[0018] In addition, an exemplary embodiment of a method for
producing an optical arrangement can be provided. For example, a
first set of optical elements having a first size in a first
configuration and a second set of optical elements in cooperation
with the second set and having a second size in a second
configuration can be provided. The first and second sets can be
clamped into a third set of optical elements. The third set can be
polished, and a further set of optical elements may be deposited on
the polished set.
[0019] According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the first set and/or the second set can be at least one
set of cylindrical optical elements. At least one of the
cylindrical optical elements may be an optical fiber. The third set
may be polished at an angle with respect to the extension of at
least one of the optical elements. The angle can substantially
correspond to a Littrow's angle and/or be substantially greater
than 1 degree. The further set may be a grating, and/or can include
a diffractive optical element. A layer can be applied between
elements of the first set and/or the second set. The layer may be
composed of a thin material and/or a soft material.
[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of
embodiments of the invention, when taken in conjunction with the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Further objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures
showing illustrative embodiments of the present invention, in
which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a procedure for
implementing one-dimensional space-to-spectrum encoding;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
an SEE imaging system/probe;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary
embodiment of the SEE imaging system/probe, in which a prism is
used as a dispersing element;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an additional exemplary
embodiment of the SEE imaging system/probe, in which a micro
spherical lens is used with the grating following a lens;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a further exemplary
embodiment of the SEE imaging system/probe, which has a micro
spherical lens design with the grating before the lens;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a micro spherical lens configuration with the grating provided
before the lens, and in which the lens can be formed by a drop of
optical epoxy at a tip of a fiber;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
an endoscopic system/probe that can use a holographic optical
element ("HOE") formed in a drop of photosensitized polymer
combining the functionality of expansion, focusing and dispersing
regions;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
the endoscopic system/probe assembly that may be non-monolithic to
facilitate zooming and/or refocusing;
[0030] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
the endoscopic system/probe assembly having monolithic distal
optics and a grism as a dispersing element in an exemplary
configuration for side imaging;
[0031] FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of another exemplary
embodiment of the endoscopic system/probe assembly having
monolithic distal optics and a double prism grism as a dispersing
element in an exemplary configuration for forward imaging;
[0032] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment
of a cylindrical grating substrate with a tilted base for a Littrow
regime;
[0033] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment
of a prismatic grating substrate with a tilted base for the Littrow
regime;
[0034] FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram of another exemplary
embodiment of the cylindrical grating substrate with a mirror
tilted base and flatten side for the Littrow regime;
[0035] FIG. 10D is a schematic diagram another exemplary embodiment
of the prismatic grating substrate with a mirror tilted base for
the Littrow regime;
[0036] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of yet another exemplary
embodiment of the endoscopic system/probe assembly in an exemplary
balloon catheter configuration, in which approximately all of the
optical functionality is transferred to the balloon by via HOE that
is deposited on the balloon surface;
[0037] FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of still another exemplary
embodiment of the endoscopic system/probe assembly in balloon
catheter configuration, in which at least some optical
functionality is transferred to the balloon by the use of high
refractive index transparent liquid to fill a thin wall balloon to
form an inflatable focusing lens;
[0038] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a catheter system/probe delivery technique using an exemplary guide
catheter;
[0039] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary
embodiment of a catheter system/probe delivery procedure using an
exemplary biopsy needle;
[0040] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention for making the
exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe shown in FIG. 2;
and
[0041] FIG. 15 is an illustration of procedural steps of an
exemplary embodiment of a process for mounting grating substrates
which can be facilitated for an exemplary grating fabrication
process.
[0042] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and
characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like
features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated
embodiments. Moreover, while the subject invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in
connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that
changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments
without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject
invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Prior to providing a detailed description of the various
exemplary embodiments of the methods and systems for endoscopic
microscopy according to the present invention, some introductory
concepts and terminology are provided below. As used herein, the
term "endoscopic probe" can be used to describe one or more
portions of an exemplary embodiment of an endoscopic system, which
can be inserted into a human or animal body in order to obtain an
image of tissue within the body.
[0044] Prior to describing the exemplary embodiments of the systems
and/or probes for spectrally encoded endoscopy according to the
present invention, certain exemplary concepts and terminology are
provided herein. For example, the term "endoscopic probe" may be
used to describe a portion of an endoscopic system, which can be
inserted into a human body in order to obtain an image of tissue
within the human body. The term "monolithic" may be used to
describe a structure formed as a single piece, which can have more
than one optical function. The term "hybrid" may be used to
describe a structure formed as a plurality of pieces, e.g., each
piece having one optical function.
[0045] The exemplary embodiments of the system, apparatus, probe
and method described herein can apply to any wavelength of light or
electro-magnetic radiation, including but not limited to visible
light and near infrared light.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a SEE imaging
system/probe 200 (e.g., endoscopic probe having a single mode fiber
that deliver light from a light source to the tip of the fiber)
which can include an optical fiber 210, an expansion region 220, a
focusing region 230, an angled region 240 and a dispersing element
250 (e.g., grating). The exemplary system/probe 200 can generate a
spectrally encoded imaging signal, e.g., a line 260 on the imaged
surface with the longer wavelengths 280 deviated further from the
probe axis than the shorter wavelengths 270.
[0047] The optical fiber 210 can be a single-mode fiber and/or a
multi-mode fiber (e.g., preferably single mode for preserving the
phase relation of the source light and the light remitted by the
sample). By facilitation a light delivery through the optical fiber
210, SEE capabilities can be provided in a catheter or endoscope.
Thus, a high-resolution microscopy of surfaces of the body
accessible by endoscope can be facilitated by the exemplary
embodiment of the system/probe 200.
[0048] A multiple of (e.g., four) distinct regions with specific
optical properties can be used to determine the system/probe
functionality.
[0049] For example, the expansion region can be used to facilitate
the beam that is confined in the fiber core to expand and fill an
aperture. The expansion region can be composed of optical glass
(e.g., a piece of coreless fiber spliced to the main fiber and then
cleaved to a predetermined length), optical epoxy, air, or
transparent fluid. Index matching with the fiber core may be
desirable for reducing the back reflection from the interface
between the fiber and the expansion region. Other techniques and/or
arrangements for reducing the back reflection, e.g.,
anti-reflection coating or angle cleaving, can be employed in case
of air or other non-matching media used as an expansion region.
[0050] In the focusing region, the diverging beam can be
transformed to a converging one. For example, a gradient index
("GRIN") lens or spherical micro lens can be used as shall be
described in more detail below with reference to other exemplary
embodiments. For example, the GRIN lens can be made by splicing a
piece of GRIN fiber and cleaving it to a predetermined length. The
spherical lens can be formed on the coreless fiber tip by melting
it, by polishing, or by applying a small measured amount of optical
epoxy.
[0051] The angled region can be used to support the dispersing
element and/or provide an incidence tilt for the output direction
and/or the desired regime (Litrow) in certain cases (e.g., a
diffraction grating). As with the expansion region, different media
can be used, and different techniques and/or arrangements for
obtaining the desired tilt can be employed. For example, some of
such exemplary techniques can include angle cleaving, polishing,
molding of the optical epoxy etc.
[0052] The dispersing element can tilt different parts of the
incident spectrum at different angles, thus producing the desired
spatial spread of the incident light. It can be a prism made of
high dispersion material or a high efficiency diffracting grating.
It is possible to also produce a grating at the fiber tip. For
example, transmitting or reflecting gratings can be used in
different regimes depending on the application.
[0053] Other numerous combinations and permutations of the
above-mentioned regions can provide a functional system/probe,
certain exemplary embodiments of which shall be described in
further detail below. For example, two general types of dispersing
elements can be used: prism or diffracting grating. The holographic
optical element that combines the dispersing power of the grating
and the focusing power of a lens can also be used as shown in FIG.
7.
[0054] Prism made of dispersing material can be used when the light
source has a very broad spectrum, e.g., a femto-second laser source
with microstructured fiber for super-continuum generation. In such
exemplary source, the spectrum can span in visible and near
infrared.
[0055] FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment of the SEE
system/probe 300 which can include a single mode optical fiber 310
spliced to a coreless fiber 320 (e.g., the expansion region).
Further, a short piece of gradient refracting index (GRIN) fiber
330 can be spliced to the coreless fiber (e.g., the focusing
region). In addition, another short piece of coreless fiber 340 can
be spliced to the focusing region 330. The output surface 350 may
be angle polished/cleaved, thus forming a refracting boundary
between the fiber 340 and the external medium 355 (e.g., air, water
or other liquid). In FIG. 3, an exemplary use of the prism 340 is
illustrated as a dispersive element. With an anti-reflecting
coating on the output surface 350, this exemplary configuration can
provide a high transmission efficiency. It may be desirable for the
angled region to be made of a highly dispersive material. In the
case of a normal dispersion, longer wavelength parts of the
original spectrum 370 may deviate less than the shorter wavelengths
380, thus forming the imaging line 360.
[0056] Diffracting gratings can be preferable in the case of narrow
band source because of the higher dispersing power that can be
achieved with such gratings. For example, the transmission and
reflection diffracting gratings can be used. FIG. 5 shows a
schematic diagram of a further exemplary embodiment of the SEE
imaging system/probe 500, which has a micro spherical lens 530 with
a grating 550 provided before the lens 530 use of the reflection
diffracting grating. In other exemplary configuration, the use of
reflection diffracting grating utilizes a housing that can enlarge
the system/probe. The additional details of the exemplary
embodiment of the SEE system/probe 500 shall be described in
further detail below.
[0057] The selected dispersing element can be a transmission
diffracting grating. It is also possible to use other grating,
e.g., a volume holographic grating or a surface phase grating. The
volume holographic gratings can exhibit a higher efficiency, but
are less common, and some of the materials used therefore generally
require sealing from the humidity, as well as more expensive and
difficult to replicate. The surface phase gratings may be less
efficient, but are easy to replicate and mass-produce when a master
grating is made. For both of these exemplary elements, the grating
can be a thin film (.about.5-10 .mu.m) that is applied to the
angled region.
[0058] FIG. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of the SEE
system/probe 400 which can include a single mode optical fiber 410
spliced to a coreless fiber 420. In this exemplary embodiment, the
tip of the expansion region 420 can be melted to form a small
spherical surface 425, and then a low refractive index epoxy 430
may be used to attach the grating 440 at an angle to the
system/probe 400. In this exemplary system/probe 400, the focusing
region can be the surface that separates the expansion region and
the angled region. The longer wavelengths 460 of the original
spectrum may deviate more than the shorter wavelengths 470, thus
possibly forming the imaging line 450.
[0059] FIG. 5 shows the exemplary SEE probe 500 described above,
which can include a single mode optical fiber 510 spliced to a
coreless fiber 520. The tip of the expansion region 520 can be
melted to form a ball 530. The ball may be polished at an angle
(Littrow) and on the flat surface 540 that can result from this
exemplary procedure, a reflecting grating 550 may be deposited. The
light beam can expand in the expansion section after exiting an end
510 of the core of the optical fiber 510, and may then be dispersed
by the grating 550. Different monochromatic beams that can result
may then be focused by the near spherical surface of the glass ball
to form the imaging line 560. The dispersing element may be
provided before the focusing element. The longer wavelengths 580 of
the original spectrum may deviate more than the shorter wavelengths
570.
[0060] FIG. 6 shows another exemplary embodiment of the SEE
system/probe 600 which may include a single mode optical fiber 610
spliced to a short piece of coreless fiber 620 that may be angle
cleaved or polished at an angle (which can be the Littrow angle for
the grating 630) and the grating 630 may be deposited on the tip of
the expansion region 620. A drop of an optical epoxy 640 can be
cured at the tip of the fiber 610 to protect the transmission
grating 630 and form the focusing surface 650. The dispersing
element 630 can be provided before the focusing element 650, and
the expansion region 620 and the angled region 620 may coincide.
The longer wavelengths 670 of the original spectrum may deviate
more than the shorter wavelengths 680 to form the imaging line
660.
[0061] FIG. 7 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the SEE
system/probe 700, which can include a single mode optical fiber
710. A holographic optical element ("HOE") 730 written in a drop of
photosensitive polymer 720 can incorporate the optical
functionality of the expansion, focusing and dispersing elements.
The longer wavelengths 750 of the original spectrum can deviate
more than the shorter wavelengths 760 to form the imaging line
740.
[0062] FIG. 8 shows still another exemplary embodiment of the SEE
system/probe 800 which can include a static monolithic core 810 and
a spinning flexible thin wall Teflon tubing 820 with the angled
region 850 attached to its end. An optical fiber 830, an expansion
region 835, and a focusing region 840 may be attached/glued/spliced
together to form the core 810. A dispersing element/grating 857 can
be deposited on the tilted output surface of the angled region 850.
The glass-to-air interfaces of the focusing region 840 845 and the
angled region 850 853 may be anti-reflection coated. Changing the
gap between such elements by advancing the core 810 can effectively
change the distance 880 of the imaging line 860 to the output
surface of the system/probe 800 (e.g., the grating 875).
[0063] Exemplary non-monolithic configurations similar to those
shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 can allow for
additional functionality such as zooming and/or focusing to be
provided in the distal probe end. Multi-lens configurations may
also be implemented.
[0064] The use of a prism-grating combination (grism) may
facilitate a control of the angle of incidence and the probe output
direction. Exemplary arrangement which implements such
configurations are shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. In particular,
FIG. 9A shows a further exemplary embodiment of the SEE imaging
system/probe 900 which can include a static sheath 905 with a
transparent window 908 and a monolithic optical core 910 that can
be scanned. The core can include an optical fiber 915, an expansion
region 917, a focusing element (e.g., a GRIN lens) 920, and a prism
925 with the grating 930 deposited on its output surface. The
optical elements may be maintained together with a micro mechanical
housing 940. This exemplary configuration may represent a side
looking imaging system/probe.
[0065] FIG. 9B shows still another exemplary embodiment of the SEE
imaging system/probe 950 which can include a static sheath 955 with
a transparent window 958 and a monolithic optical core 960 that can
be scanned. The core can include an optical fiber 965, an expansion
region 967, and a focusing element (GRIN lens) 970. A grating 980
may be sandwiched between prisms 975 and 977. The optical elements
may be maintained together with a micro mechanical housing 990.
This exemplary configuration can represent a forward-looking
imaging system/probe.
[0066] It may be beneficial for this exemplary application to
utilize a grating in Littrow regime when the angle of incidence is
equal to the angle of diffraction (e.g., for the central
wavelength). In this exemplary configuration, the shape of the beam
may not change after the grating, and thus provide an effective
regime. FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate exemplary embodiments of the
substrate that can provide a Littrow regime for the grating.
[0067] For example, FIG. 10A shows an exemplary embodiment of a
diffracting grating substrate 1000 which can include a cylindrical
body 1005 with one side 1020 polished at the Littrow's angle 1015.
FIG. 10B shows another exemplary embodiment of the diffracting
grating substrate 1025 which includes a prismatic body 1030 with
one side 1045 polished at the Littrow's angle 1040. FIG. 10C shows
still another exemplary embodiment of the diffracting grating
substrate 1050 which can include a cylindrical body 1055 with one
side 1057 polished at the complimentary to Littrow's angle 1058 and
a mirror 1087 deposited. Another flat surface 1065 may be polished
parallel to the cylinder axis where the grating is to be deposited.
FIG. 10D shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the diffracting
grating substrate 1075 which can include a prismatic body 1080 with
one side 1087 polished at the complimentary to Littrow's angle 1085
and a mirror 1087 deposited. The grating is intended to be
deposited on the side 1095. It should be understood that the
illustrated sizes are merely exemplary, and other sizes are
possible and are within the scope of the present invention.
[0068] In certain exemplary applications, the system/probe can be
small enough to be introduced through a small opening, and big
enough to be able to image at big distances in a cavity. These
conflicting preferences can be met by using an inflating balloon
with added optical functionality. Two such exemplary configurations
are shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.
[0069] In particular, FIG. 11A shows another exemplary embodiment
of the SEE system/probe 1100 which can include a single mode
optical fiber 1110. A holographic optical element ("HOE") 1125
written on the surface of the inflating balloon 1120 can
incorporate the optical functionality of the focusing and
dispersing elements. The dispersed light may be focused into the
imaging line 1130. When the exemplary system/probe 1100 is spun,
the image of the area 1135 may be obtained. This exemplary
configuration may be further defined by the material availability
for infrared applications and the possible difficulties associated
with the holographic process.
[0070] FIG. 11B shows still another exemplary embodiment of the SEE
system/probe 1150 which can include a single mode optical fiber
1160. A holographic optical element ("HOE") 1165 written in a drop
of photosensitive polymer 1067 deposited on the tip of the fiber
1060 can incorporate the optical functionality of the expansion,
and dispersing elements. Further, the balloon catheter 1170 may be
filled with a high refractive index biocompatible liquid, thus
forming a near spherical refracting focusing surface 1175. This
exemplary configuration may be further defined by the material
availability for infrared applications and the possible
difficulties associated with the holographic process.
[0071] One exemplary advantage of the various exemplary embodiments
of the present invention may be the relative simple configurations
and designs of the exemplary embodiments of the systems/probes.
According to one exemplary embodiment, e.g., the system/probe can
include an optical fiber with a modified tip. (See FIGS. 2-7). For
example, the system/probe can illuminate a line at the object and
acquire one line of image at a time. In order to acquire an image
with this exemplary system/probe, it may be preferable that the
imaging line is scanned in transverse direction across the object.
This can be a repetitive or a single scan. In such cases, an image
or the surface that the line scans can be acquired and displayed.
The information obtained from the back-scattered light can be
interpreted in various manners to represent different tissue types,
different states of the same tissue, various types of dysphasia,
tissue damage etc. as well as motion of body liquids and cells.
Certain exemplary arrangements which can be used for placing the
probe and scanning the tissue may be as follows.
Catheter Exemplary Embodiments
[0072] Where catheters are used in medicine, a very thin wall
sealed PTFE tube can be used as a protective transparent sheath for
the probe that can be delivered through the lumen of a guide
catheter to the area of interest (as shown in FIG. 12). When in
place, the fiber inside the thin tube can be scanned by rotating or
by pulling in order to obtain an image. A short distal part of the
catheter can be of a small diameter. The proximal end can be of a
bigger diameter with added additional springs/shafts to protect the
fiber and convey the motion.
[0073] For example, FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a
catheter of the SEE system/probe 1200 which can include an optical
core 1230. The exemplary system/probe 1200 can be protected by a
transparent sheath 1220 that can allow the transmission of the
imaging light 1240 into the region of interest. The imaging
catheter 1220 can be placed trough a guide catheter 1210.
Needle Exemplary Embodiments
[0074] For needle biopsies that are traditionally performed under
CT, MRI, or ultrasound guidance, the fiber optic probe may be
inserted into the biopsy needle (as shown in FIG. 13). In this
exemplary configuration, the fiber optic probe may be embedded
within the needle biopsy device or inserted through the lumen of
the needle. The image can be acquired during the insertion of the
needle or by rotating of the probe inside the needle and, e.g.,
only looking at a limited angle
[0075] FIG. 13 shows another exemplary embodiment of a catheter of
the SEE system/probe 1300 which can include an optical core 1330.
The exemplary system/probe 1300 can be delivered to the region
being imaged through the lumen of a biopsy needle 1320 that may be
delivered through an endoscope or guide catheter 1310.
Intraoperative Exemplary Embodiments
[0076] For example, the exemplary system/probe may be incorporated
into an electrocautery device, scalpel, or be an independent
hand-held device.
Exemplary Optical Parameters
[0077] One exemplary parameter for comparing different miniature
endoscope technologies may be the number of resolvable points. This
exemplary parameter can be the limiting factor that may render a
technology more or less useful for the particular application. The
total number of resolvable points provided by the exemplary
embodiments of the SEE system/probe (n) for the first diffraction
order can be defined by:
n = ( .DELTA..lamda. d .lamda. 0 .LAMBDA. cos ( .theta. i ) ) 2
##EQU00001##
[0078] Exemplary determinations can indicate that for a source with
a center wavelength, .lamda..sub.0, source bandwidth,
.DELTA..lamda., of 250 nm, a grating input angle, .theta..sub.i, of
49.degree. and a grating groove density, .LAMBDA., of 1800 lines
per mm, a 250 .mu.m diameter SEE probe may facilitate imaging with,
e.g., 40,000 resolvable points. In comparison, a commercially
available 300 .mu.m diameter fiber-optic image bundle (Holl
Meditronics, 30-0084-00) contains only 1,600 resolvable points.
[0079] FIG. 14 shows a flow diagram of a method according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention for making the
exemplary embodiment of the SEE system/probe shown in FIG. 2. In
particular, the end of SMF-28 optical fiber 210 or any other
optical fiber can be stripped (step 1410). In step 1420, the spacer
can be polished to a predetermined length. The GRIN lens can be
polished to a predetermined length in step 1430. Further, in step
1440, the grating 250 can be polished to a predetermined length and
angle.
[0080] The results of step 1410 are provided to step 1450, in which
the end of the optical fiber is cleaved. The results of steps 1420
and 1430 are provided to step 1460, in which the spacer and GRIN
lens are glued together. The results of step 1440 are provided to
step 1470, in which the grating 250 is deposited on the grating
substrate. The results of steps 1450 and 1460 are provided to step
1475, in which the spacer-GRIN lens assembly is glued to the
optical fiber using an optical epoxy and the spacing is varied to
achieve the desired focal properties. The results of steps 1475 and
1470 are provided to step 1485 in which the grating 250 bearing the
grating substrate is glued to the GRIN lens. In step 1480,
flexible, optically clear, bio- and device-compatible sheath can be
provided for housing the imaging core. The results of steps 1480
and 1485 are forwarded to step 1490, in which the exemplary
system/probe is assembled, e.g., by inserting the core into the
sheath and sealing and sterilizing the resultant assembly.
[0081] FIG. 15 shows an illustration of procedural steps of an
exemplary embodiment of a process for mounting grating substrates
which can be facilitated for an exemplary grating fabrication
process. It should be understood that dimensions and materials
provided in FIG. 15 are exemplary, and numerous other dimensions
and materials can be utilized in accordance with the exemplary
embodiments of the present invention. For example, several glass
rods 1500, 1510 with different diameters can be stacked and mounted
together inside a particular mount 1520 into a particular location
1525. The rods can be separated by a thin lead foil 1530 (e.g., 127
.mu.m thick). The rod stack can then be polished at an angle while
inside the mount 1520. After polishing, the polished face can be
cleaned, and a grating 1540 may be fabricated, e.g., without
disassembling the pieces. When grating fabrication is completed,
the pieces can be disassembled. The individual pieces may then be
polished from the other side 1550. The completed grating 1560 can
then be assembled into the fiber or lens. The stack of fibers and
the lead foil 1530 is shown in FIG. 15 as a small square 1525 in
the middle of the particular mount 1520 (e.g., a holder). In a top
projection indicated in FIG. 15, the same stack is shown as a
parallelogram in the middle. This stack is further enlarged in the
top right drawing of FIG. 15, labeled "Top view". The final
exemplary product (e.g., a completed piece 1560) can be obtained
from one of the rods 1500 by shortening and/or polishing the
non-grating-carrying end to obtain the desired length.
[0082] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the
invention. Various modifications and alterations to the described
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of
the teachings herein. Indeed, the arrangements, systems and methods
according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can
be used with and/or implement any OCT system, OFDI system, SD-OCT
system or other imaging systems, and for example with those
described in International Patent Application PCT/US2004/029148,
filed Sep. 8, 2004, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/266,779,
filed Nov. 2, 2005, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/501,276, filed Jul. 9, 2004, the disclosures of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. It will thus
be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise
numerous systems, arrangements and methods which, although not
explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the
invention and are thus within the spirit and scope of the present
invention. In addition, to the extent that the prior art knowledge
has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above, it
is explicitly being incorporated herein in its entirety. All
publications referenced herein above are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
* * * * *