Proximal scanning systems: improved resolution using inclined optical fibers.
The illumination of a plane beneath the radiating aperture of an inclined multimode optical fiber is calculated. Graphical results are presented that show, for a proximal scanning head made up of fiber triplets composed of a central sensing fiber and two illuminating fibers, inclining the illuminating fibers away from the sensing fiber provides improved illumination of the work surface. The improvement in illumination obtained allows closer spacing of the scanning head to the work surface, thus improving resolution. A simple geometrical formula is presented that enables a prediction to be made of the fiber inclination for optimum illumination. This formula holds for large variations in the shape of the fiber polar sensitivity function.
O'Donovan
P L
PL
Lind
L F
LF