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Thermomechanical Actuator-Based Three-Axis Optical Scanner for High-Speed Two-Photon Endomicroscope Imaging
Shih-Chi Chen1, Heejin Choi2, Peter T C So3
1Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems : a Joint IEEE and ASME Publication on Microstructures, Microactuators, Microsensors, and Microsystems
|February 13, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a novel three-axis thermomechanical actuator-based endoscopic scanner for high-resolution ex vivo two-photon imaging. The device achieves high-speed scanning within a compact endoscope port, enabling detailed subsurface imaging.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optical Imaging
- Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
Background:
- Two-photon microscopy offers high-resolution subsurface imaging but often requires bulky equipment.
- Existing endoscopic imaging solutions may lack the speed or resolution for detailed ex vivo analysis.
- Developing miniaturized, high-speed scanning systems is crucial for advancing endoscopic imaging capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize a compact, three-axis thermomechanical actuator-based endoscopic scanner.
- To enable high-speed raster scanning for ex vivo two-photon imaging within a small endoscopic port.
- To demonstrate the resolution and optical cross-sectioning capabilities of the developed system.
Main Methods:
- Integration of an optical system (prism, gradient index lens, optical fiber) with a silicon electromechanical scanner.
- Utilizing geometric contouring, pulsing technique, and mechanical frequency multiplication (MFM) for high-speed thermomechanical actuation.
- Housing the scanner within a 7 mm diameter endoscope port for versatile application.
Main Results:
- Achieved scanning speeds of 3 kHz x 100 Hz x 30 Hz across a 125 x 125 x 100 μm³ volume.
- Demonstrated high-speed actuation through novel MFM technique.
- Presented sample cross-sectional images of 15-μm fluorescent beads, validating system resolution.
Conclusions:
- The developed endoscopic scanner provides a compact and high-speed solution for ex vivo two-photon imaging.
- The system's design facilitates detailed subsurface visualization with optical cross-sectioning capabilities.
- This technology holds potential for enhanced diagnostic and research applications in minimally invasive procedures.
