Miniaturized digital holography sensor for distal three-dimensional endoscopy

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Metrology

Background:

• Conventional measurement systems struggle with access to confined or remote anatomical locations.
• Accurate 3D shape and deformation analysis is crucial for understanding biological structures and processes.
• Endoscopic tools require miniaturization for minimally invasive applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a miniaturized sensor head for endoscopic digital holographic measurements.
• To enable 3D shape and deformation analysis of objects in inaccessible environments.
• To achieve high-speed, high-resolution interferometric measurements via flexible endoscopy.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a digital holographic interferometer and CCD camera into a <10 mm diameter sensor head for flexible endoscopes.
• Utilizing dual-wavelength digital holography for shape contouring.
• Employing digital holographic interferometry with sequential illumination from three directions for 3D displacement measurement.
• Implementing temporal phase shifting to enhance lateral resolution.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of a miniaturized endoscopic holographic sensor head (<10 mm diameter).
• Achieved measurement speeds of up to five reconstructions per second.
• Enabled shape and 3D deformation measurements in previously inaccessible locations.
• Demonstrated robust performance under normal environmental conditions, outside laboratory settings.

Conclusions:

• The developed endoscopic digital holographic system provides a powerful tool for in-situ metrology in confined spaces.
• This technology facilitates advanced 3D analysis for biomedical and industrial applications.
• The system's miniaturization and environmental adaptability expand the scope of holographic measurements.