Perspective of fibre-optical microendoscopy with microlenses.

ABSTRACT

Fibre-optical microendoscopy is based on fibre-optical confocal scanning microscopy, where optical fibres are introduced for delivery of the source and collection of the signal. Fibre-optical microendoscopy has led to innovations in imaging of freely moving animals, long-term imaging, minimally invasive diagnostics, and microsurgery. The lens system in fibre-optical microendoscopy is significant because of the imaging resolution and miniaturisation possibility. State-of-the-art fibre-optical microendoscopy based on various types of lens systems is introduced and compared. The lens system contains an objective lens, a gradient index microlens, and other novel lens systems fabricated by electric arc discharge or two-photon lithography.

RESUMEN

Optical fibres are introduced in confocal scanning microscopy, inspiring the development of fibre-optical microendoscopy. Fibre-optical microendoscopy takes advantages in imaging of freely moving animals, long-term imaging, minimally invasive diagnostics, and microsurgery. The lens system helps resolving small details of samples and reducing the size in a fibre-optical microendoscope. Various types of lens systems applied in the fibre-optical microendoscopes are introduced and compared, including an objective lens, a gradient index microlens, and other nanofabricated microlens systems.