Fiber imaging apparatus, methods, and applications

Abstract

A flexible, artifact-free, and lensless fiber-based imaging system for biological objects. This system combines image reconstruction by a trained deep neural network with low-loss image transmission through disordered glass-air Anderson localized optical fiber. High quality images of biological objects can be obtained using short (few centimeters) or long (more than one meter) segments of disordered fiber with and without fiber bending. The deep neural network can also be designed to perform image classification. The system provides the unique property that the training performed within a straight fiber setup can be utilized for high fidelity reconstruction/classification of images that are transported through either straight or bent fiber making retraining for different bending situations unnecessary. In addition, high quality image transport and reconstruction is demonstrated for cells that are several millimeters away from the fiber input facet eliminating the need for additional optical elements at the distal end of the fiber. This novel imaging system shows great potential for practical applications in endoscopy including studies on freely behaving subjects.