RGB-color forward-viewing spectrally encoded endoscope using three orders of diffraction

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Endoscopy Technology

Background:

• Spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) uses wavelength encoding for spatial information.
• Achieving color imaging with miniature SEE probes remains a significant technical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel SEE probe capable of real-time RGB color imaging.
• To overcome the limitations of current SEE technology in color visualization.

Main Methods:

• A novel SEE probe design utilizing three diffraction orders (blue, green, red) for RGB imaging.
• The probe features rotating 0.5 mm illumination optics within a 1.2 mm sheath, with a 5 mm rigid distal end housing detection fibers.

Main Results:

• The SEE probe successfully performed real-time RGB imaging.
• Effective pixel counts of 44k/59k/23k for R/G/B channels were achieved over a 58° field of view.
• The device demonstrated the ability to differentiate a wide gamut of colors when imaging a color chart, resolution target, and swine tissue.

Conclusions:

• The developed SEE probe enables real-time, high-resolution color imaging in a miniature format.
• This advancement addresses a critical challenge in SEE technology, paving the way for enhanced endoscopic visualization.