• Current Optics and Photonics
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• 제7권4호
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• pp.398-407
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• 2023

We explored a method to evaluate imaging performance for the optimal assembly of an endoscopic miniature lens and a sensor constituting an imaging module at the distal end of gastrointestinal endoscopy. For the assembly of the imaging module, the image sensor was precisely located at the focal plane when collimated light passed through the endoscopic lens. As another method, the distance between the lens and sensor was adjusted to obtain the highest focus index from images measured the star chart of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard at various positions. We analyzed the slanted-edge modulation transfer function (MTF), corresponding depth of field, and number of line pairs for MTF 50% and 20% at each working distance within the range of 5-100 mm for imaging modules assembled in different ways. Assembly conditions of the imaging module with better MTF performance were defined for each working distance range of 5-30 mm and 30-100 mm, respectively. In addition to the MTF performance, the focus index of each assembled module was also compared. In summary, we examined the performance of imaging modules assembled with different methods within the suggested working distance and tried to establish the optimal assembly protocol.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• 제5권5호
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• pp.532-537
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• 2021

We present a compact endoscopic probe in a needle form which has a fast beam-scanning capability for optical coherence tomography (OCT). In our study, a beam-scanning OCT imaging needle was fabricated with a 26G syringe needle (0.46 mm in outer diameter) and a thin OCT imaging probe based on the stepwise transitional core (STC) fiber. The imaging probe could freely rotate inside the needle for beam scans. Hence, OCT imaging could be performed without rotation or translation of the needle body. In our design, the structural integrity of the needle's steel tubing was preserved for mechanical robustness. Probing the optical signal was performed through the needle's own window formed at the end. For hand-held operation of our imaging needle, a light and compact scanner module (130 g and 45 × 53 × 60 mm³) was devised. Connected to the imaging needle, it could provide rotational actuation driven by a galvanometer. Because of its finite actuation range, our scanner module did not need a fiber rotary joint which might add undesirable complexity. The beam scan speed was 20 Hz and supported 20 frames per second at the maximum for endoscopic OCT imaging.