Compact, transmissive two-dimensional spatial disperser design with application in simultaneous endoscopic imaging...

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Minimally invasive surgery requires smaller endoscopic devices for enhanced procedures.
• Single optical-fiber-based spectrally encoded imaging is a promising path for miniaturized endoscopy.
• Existing systems for spectrally encoded imaging and laser microsurgery are large-scale, limiting multipurpose endoscope head development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a highly scalable, transmissive axial design for a spectral 2D spatial disperser.
• To enable the development of multipurpose endoscope heads by miniaturizing optical components.
• To optimize the spectral disperser design for manufacturability and application-specific performance.

Main Methods:

• The proposed design utilizes a grating prism and a virtual imaged phased array (VIPA).
• Semi-analytical device modeling was employed for systematic parameter analysis.
• Optimization focused on achieving high spatial resolution, small device diameter, and large field of view.

Main Results:

• A spectral 2D spatial disperser design suitable for systems under 5 mm was developed.
• Favorable performance was achieved with a low grating period, high optical input bandwidth, and low VIPA tilt.
• The design offers high spatial resolution, a small device diameter, and a large field of view.

Conclusions:

• The proposed spectral 2D spatial disperser design is highly suitable for future endoscope heads.
• This miniaturized optical design facilitates the integration of mechanical-scan-free imaging and laser microsurgery.
• The development promotes advanced multipurpose endoscope heads for minimally invasive procedures.