New Optical Technology Adds Zoom, Auto Focus to Endoscopes

Modern clinical endoscopes are still limited in their ability to visualize difficult to reach areas. Some endoscopes have zooming and auto-focus features, but the extra necessary components are making them bulkier. Now researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a new approach for making adjustable lenses that will allow endoscopic devices  to keep their slim profile.

The new approach relies on two round polymer pieces that when aligned fit like a Yin-Yang, essentially working like one block that just lets light through. When the two pieces are moved laterally, the curving shapes of the optical polymer components work together to change the focal length of the system. The entire device can fit inside the tip of an endoscope.

So far the prototype device is able to perform focus adjustment, but the research team is already planning on integrating more components to add a powerful zoom. While the device has yet to see the insides of a patient’s body, the findings published in journal Optics Express point to the technology soon being applied in real clinical endoscopes.

Study in Optics Express: Miniature adjustable-focus endoscope with a solid electrically tunable lens…

Source: OSA…