Fiber Scanner Modeling as the Basis for New Scanning Fiber Endoscopes

In order to develop a one-millimeter outside diameter endoscope we have moved away from using a bundle of optical fibers that are an integral part of current endoscopes. To achieve the field of view and the resolution requirements in spite of the small diameter we are using a single optical fiber that acts as a scanning source. Photo detectors positioned along the side of the scanning fiber detect the backscattered light and software then reconstructs the image on a monitor. The single optical fiber moves in a spiral scan pattern that is produced using a four quadrant piezoelectric tube as the actuator. The optical fiber is fed through the center of the piezoelectric tube and glued into place.Copyright © 2005 by ASME