Coherent hollow-core waveguide bundles for infrared imaging

Abstract

Coherent IR fiber optic bundles for use in IR imaging from 2 to 12 m are fabricated from rigid hollow-glass waveguide arrays. The bore of each hollow glass tube in the bundle is coated with thin films of metallic Ag followed by AgI for enhanced reflectivity. The coating of the rigid bundle is done using liquid phase chemistry techniques applied to all tubes simultaneously. The hollow-glass arrays are composed of up to 900 individual tubes with bore sizes as small as 50 m. Several rigid hollow-core arrays are used to transmit an IR image of a small loop of hot wire and a sample of tissue heated by a CO 2 laser.

Theoretical and experimental investigation of the thermal effects within body cavities during transendoscopical CO2 laser‐based surgery

“…The close-loop multi-parameter control system, developed in this study and based on an online analyzed thermal feedback, has presented instant capability to manage automatically varying conditions. When combined with a flexible IR imaging bundle [41][42][43][44] it may be utilized transendoscopically to thermally optimize such MIS.…”

Multi-aperture imaging device for airborne platforms

“…GRIN spherical lenses have been studied by the authors for use in the NIR region, and devices based on chalcogenide glasses offer the potential for broadband IR application 9 . Fibre-optic face plates for use at these longer wavelengths are challenging, but capillary based devices have been demonstrated for relaying images 10 . For the LWIR region, polythene offers a further option, and such plates could be diamond-turned to provide the 'terraced' profile necessary to enhance coupling into solid fibres.…”

Photothermal imaging bundle system for estimating tissue oxygen saturation

“…This will enable these measurements for transendoscopic use and advance the issue in discussion greatly since the existing methods cannot operate as an independent, non-invasive diagnostic apparatus. A coherent infrared bundle consisting of waveguides capable of transmitting IR radiation was developed 6,8,9 . The bundle enables imaging of saturation levels in a tissue using a thermal camera.…”