Full-color imaging with a 3D nanoprinted fiber endoscope

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Nanotechnology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Microsized full-color endoscopes are crucial for minimally invasive diagnostics and industrial inspections.
• Fabrication and optical aberration correction present significant challenges for miniaturized endoscopes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a miniaturized fiber endoscope with enhanced optical performance.
• To overcome fabrication and aberration correction challenges in microendoscope development.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two-photon polymerization (TPP) 3D nanoprinting technology.
• Integrated multiple freeform microlenses onto an imaging fiber tip.
• Employed advanced fabrication for aberration correction and full-color imaging.

Main Results:

• Achieved a field of view (FOV) of 60° and a resolution of 7.13 line pairs per mm (lp/mm).
• Successfully corrected optical aberrations, enabling high-quality full-color imaging.
• Demonstrated accurate color reproduction and preservation of image details.

Conclusions:

• The proposed fiber endoscope offers an innovative solution for high-performance microendoscope development.
• TPP 3D nanoprinting enables effective aberration correction and miniaturization.
• The technology enhances imaging capabilities for medical and industrial applications.