University of Michigan

Haijun Li

Thomas D Wang

Xiyu Duan

Kenn Oldham

Gaoming Li

Zhen Qiu

Jongsoo Choi

A compact single-axis confocal endomicroscope is provided, capable of complying within 2.8 mm diameter endoscope space requirements. The single-axis confocal endomicroscope uses a folded path design achieved between a fixed mirror and a lateral plane scanning mirror thereby producing a high numerical aperture that allows for diffraction-limited resolution with sub-surface depths. The scanning mirror is formed on a fixed-position, scanning MEMS assembly and has a central aperture that allows for illumination beam expansion in the folded path design. A series of spacers are used to retain beam focusing optical elements in fixed positioned relative to the scanning MEMS assembly for coupling with a single mode fiber.

Ultra-compact microsystems-based single axis confocal endomicroscope

A scanning assembly for an optical instrument includes a reflector and a folded-beam spring assembly coupled to the reflector for deflecting the reflector for beam scanning. A lever suspension assembly is coupled to the folded-beam spring assembly and provides torsional movement of the reflector for beam scanning over a two-dimensional region, allowing for large total scan angles and large vertical displacements.

Comb-driven MEMS resonant scanner with full-circumferential range and large out-of-plane translational displacement

A compact single-axis confocal endomicroscope is provided, capable of complying with 2.8 mm diameter endoscope space requirements. The single-axis confocal endomicroscope uses a folded path design achieved between a fixed mirror and a lateral plane scanning mirror thereby producing high numerical apertures that allow for diffraction-limited resolution in sub-surface scanning. The scanning mirror has a central aperture that allows for illumination beam expansion in the folded path design.

Ultra-compact folded-beam path confocal endomicroscope

An optical probe assembly as a confocal endomicroscope includes an optical focusing stage that focuses an output beam onto a sample and a mirror scanning stage that is movable for scanning the output beam in both a lateral two dimensional plane and an axial direction, using a side-view configuration. The side-view configuration allows for output beam illumination and fluorescent imaging of the sample with greater imaging resolution and improved access to hard to reach tissue within a subject.

3-axis side-view confocal fluorescence endomicroscope

A multi-photon optical probe includes a probe housing, a lateral scanning stage coupled to a lateral mirror assembly and a remote axial scanning stage coupled to an axial mirror assembly. The lateral scanning stage is adapted to scan output laser energy over a planar scan area of the sample by moving the lateral mirror assembly. The axial scanning stage is adapted to scan the output laser energy over a vertical depth range of the sample, which, combined with the planar scan area, forms a 3-dimensional volume. A controller operates in conjunction with a number of remote actuating legs coupled to the axial mirror assembly in order to provide level imaging plane which in turn provides for a clear scanned image.

Multi-photon endomicroscope for vertical cross-sectional imaging

An optical probe scanning assembly for use in an optical probe includes a mirror assembly that focuses an illumination beam path and a collection beam path at a region of interest within the sample. The illumination beam and the collection beam overlap to form a confocal beam region. The mirror assembly is movable in an x-axis direction and in a y-axis direction to scan the confocal beam region within the sample. The scanning assembly further includes a scanning suspension system including a gimbal assembly connected to the mirror assembly to allow the mirror assembly to rotate about one or more axes. The mirror is thereby adapted to scan along at least two different orthogonal planes, one of which extends vertically into the sample.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Haijun Li