Tiny endoscopic optical coherence tomography probe driven by a miniaturized hollow ultrasonic motor

Abstract

We present an endoscopic probe for optical coherence tomography (OCT) equipped with a miniaturized hollow ultrasonic motor that rotates the objective lens and provides an internal channel for the fiber to pass through, enabling 360 deg unobstructed circumferential scanning. This probe has an outer diameter of 1.5 mm, which is ultra-small for motorized probes with an unobstructed view in distal scanning endoscopic OCT. Instead of a mirror or prism, a customized aspheric right-angle lens is utilized, leading to an enlargement of the numerical aperture and thus high transverse resolution. Spectral-domain OCT imaging of bio-tissue and a phantom are demonstrated with resolution of 7.5 μm(axial)×6.6 μm(lateral) and sensitivity of 96 dB.

Single-Pixel MEMS Imaging Systems

“…In addition, a miniaturized objective designed with a focal shift along the longitudinal axis was also employed for two-photon microendoscopy. This mechanism has been widely explored by using different actuation methods for various applications, including OCT [71][72][73][74][75], confocal microscopy [76] and multiphoton imaging [77][78][79]. However, it should be noted this method cannot provide flexible scanning trajectories.…”

A hollow cylindrical linear nut-type ultrasonic motor

“…Many demands for hollow mini motors have emerged in wide areas, such as precise optical instruments, modern medical devices, and precise machining devices, where a hole is needed for light transmission, optic cable [17], or electric wire. We have developed a thread-drive, nut-type travelling wave LUSM that utilizes the two secondorder or third-order bending modes in the section plane [18][19][20].…”

Polarization sensitive optical frequency domain imaging system for endobronchial imaging

“…The combination of OCT and endoscopy, namely endoscopic OCT, is a significant leap that broadens the application of OCT to hollow organs [3][4][5]. The recent development of endoscopic OCT towards smaller, faster and functional [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] and multimodal systems [13][14][15][16][17], further provides clinicians with improved contrast for more comprehensive and accurate diagnosis.…”