Full-color imaging with a 3D nanoprinted fiber endoscope

Endoscopic technology plays a crucial role in minimally invasive diagnostic procedures and precision industrial inspections. However, producing a microsized full-color endoscope has been challenging in fabrication and aberration corrections. In this paper, we propose a miniaturized fiber endoscope featuring multiple lens elements with freeform surfaces using two-photon polymerization (TPP) 3 D nanoprinting technology to effectively correct various optical aberrations and have realized good optical performances in full-color imaging. The microlens was integrated onto an imaging fiber tip, achieving a FOV of 60° and a resolution of 7.13 line pairs per mm (lp/mm). In addition, the proposed fiber endoscope is capable of accurately reproducing full-color information while preserving image details across different image types. This research offers an innovative approach to develop high-performance endoscopes and enhance its imaging applications.