Imaging endoscope and endoscopic method employing phase conjugate imaging techniques
First Claim
1. In combination, an elongated endoscope probe for phase conjugate image formation at a proximal end of the probe, and a source of illuminating radiation disposed to illuminate an object near a distal tip of the probe, said probe comprising:
- a first transmissive member extending from the distal tip of said probe to a filter location intermediate the distal tip of said probe and the proximal end of said probe;
a second transmissive member extending from said intermediate filter location to the proximal end of said probe, wherein said first and second transmissive members exhibit substantially identical optical transmission characteristics; and
a phase conjugate filter disposed at said intermediate filter location, between said first and second transmissive members.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved endoscope employing phase conjugate imaging principles includes a first transmissive member for transmitting light rays received at a distal tip of the endoscope to an intermediate filter location. A phase conjugate filter at the intermediate filter location redirects the rays, according to the precise inverse of their incoming direction, along a second transmissive member optically identical to the first. Rays exiting the endoscope bear the exact relation to one another as when entering the tip of the endoscope and may be imaged or displayed on an eyepiece or video screen.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. In combination, an elongated endoscope probe for phase conjugate image formation at a proximal end of the probe, and a source of illuminating radiation disposed to illuminate an object near a distal tip of the probe, said probe comprising:
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a first transmissive member extending from the distal tip of said probe to a filter location intermediate the distal tip of said probe and the proximal end of said probe; a second transmissive member extending from said intermediate filter location to the proximal end of said probe, wherein said first and second transmissive members exhibit substantially identical optical transmission characteristics; and a phase conjugate filter disposed at said intermediate filter location, between said first and second transmissive members. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of forming a visible image of an object in an interior of a body cavity, comprising the steps of:
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illuminating the object; collecting light reflected from the object; transmitting said light from a distal end of an endoscope extending into said cavity proximally along said endoscope to an intermediate filter location; employing a phase conjugate filter element disposed at said intermediate filter location to redirect said light; retransmitting said redirected light proximally along said endoscope to a proximal end thereof; and forming a visible image of the object. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification