WO2012124092A1 - Microimaging probe and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Microimaging probe and manufacturing method thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012124092A1
WO2012124092A1 PCT/JP2011/056301 JP2011056301W WO2012124092A1 WO 2012124092 A1 WO2012124092 A1 WO 2012124092A1 JP 2011056301 W JP2011056301 W JP 2011056301W WO 2012124092 A1 WO2012124092 A1 WO 2012124092A1
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grin lens
image fiber
sheath
end surface
image
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PCT/JP2011/056301
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
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元 虫明
寛 八尾
実 小山内
鈴木　太郎
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東洋ガラス株式会社
国立大学法人東北大学
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Priority to PCT/JP2011/056301 priority Critical patent/WO2012124092A1/en
Publication of WO2012124092A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012124092A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
    • A61B1/00165—Optical arrangements with light-conductive means, e.g. fibre optics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
    • A61B5/0082—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes
    • A61B5/0084—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/0011—Manufacturing of endoscope parts

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  • the present invention relates to a micro-imaging probe that can be inserted into a very fine portion to acquire an image.
  • an optical probe for observing the inside of a body cavity of a living body and performing biopsy or treatment of a tissue in the body cavity.
  • Such an optical probe is disclosed in, for example, the following patent documents.
  • the tip diameter of such an optical probe is several mm to tens of mm even if it is thin.
  • a method using a two-photon excitation confocal microscope uses a near-infrared ultrashort pulse laser as an excitation light source for the fluorescent dye, so that the excitation light of the fluorescent dye reaches the deep part (several hundred ⁇ m) of the living body, and as a result, deep imaging is possible. Is the method.
  • the conventional optical probe Since the conventional optical probe has a thin tip portion with a diameter of several millimeters to several tens of millimeters, its use is limited and is not suitable for, for example, observation of brain cells. Although it is possible to directly puncture a living body with an image fiber having a diameter of about 340 to 400 ⁇ m, it is highly possible that the tissue is in contact with the distal end surface of the image fiber and damaged at the time of puncture. It is not preferable.
  • the excitation light of the fluorescent dye reaches the deep part of the living body, and as a result, It is a method that imaging is possible.
  • the distance that the light reaches is at most several hundred ⁇ m deep, and even when a mouse or rat is used, the deep part of the cerebrum cannot be imaged. Can only image near the surface of the cerebral cortex.
  • it is necessary to fix an animal under the objective lens of a microscope it cannot be applied to an animal that is moving freely.
  • the near-infrared ultrashort pulse laser is expensive, the cost of the system is very high, and it cannot be expected to spread to the general public.
  • a very fine micro-imaging probe it is possible not only to select the depth to be observed by inserting the probe into the brain, but also to connect with the microscope using a fiber and freely Light measurement and light stimulation are possible even for animals that act. Also, the cost can be reduced to each stage as compared with the method using the two-photon excitation confocal microscope.
  • the micro-imaging probe can not only elucidate the information processing mode in the neural circuit of the brain, but also enables observation of each part in the living body with minimal burden on the subject.
  • the object of the present invention is to develop a novel micro-imaging probe that is much finer than conventional ones.
  • the present invention is a micro-imaging probe having an image fiber and a GRIN lens fixed to the front end thereof, wherein the front end surface of the image fiber and the rear end surface of the GRIN lens face each other with a predetermined distance therebetween. is there.
  • the GRIN lens (Graded Index lens) is a cylindrical lens that exhibits a lens action due to a refractive index distribution in the radial direction.
  • the image fiber has a large number of pixel fibers in the core, and each pixel fiber constitutes one pixel.
  • a GRIN lens that is thinner than the image fiber because the diameter of the probe tip can be reduced.
  • the diameter of the sheath tube at the tip of the probe can be about 200 to 400 ⁇ m.
  • the image fiber one having a pixel (pixel fiber) number of 10000 or more and a diameter of about 340 to 400 ⁇ m can be used. Therefore, even the thickest portion of the sheath can have a diameter of 600 ⁇ m or less.
  • the present invention is such that a GRIN lens whose outer peripheral surface is covered with a sheath tube is inserted and fixed on the distal end side of the cylindrical sheath, and an image fiber is inserted and fixed on the rear end side of the sheath.
  • Item 2 The microimaging probe according to Item 1.
  • the present invention also includes a step of inserting a GRIN lens into the sheath tube and covering the outer periphery with the sheath tube; Polishing the sheath tube with the GRIN lens to adjust the length of the GRIN lens;
  • a method of manufacturing a micro-imaging probe comprising: a step of inserting and fixing a GRIN lens having a cylindrical sheath covered with a sheath tube on a distal end side and a distal end portion of an image fiber on a rear end side.
  • the GRIN lens can be covered with a sheath tube before being attached to the sheath, and the sheath tube and the GRIN lens can be polished together to prevent damage to the lens during polishing. While polishing in this way, the GRIN lens with a sheath tube is temporarily fixed to the sheath to confirm the coupling state to the image fiber (the sharpness of the image to be sent), and polishing is continued until the coupling state is the best, and then the sheath The GRIN lens with tube is completely fixed to the sheath.
  • the micro-imaging probe of the present invention can have a diameter of about 250 to 300 ⁇ m thinner than the image fiber and a diameter of the thickest sheath portion of about 440 to 600 ⁇ m at the distal end, which is much thinner than conventional probes.
  • the degree of invasiveness at the time of entry is low, and it is possible to observe each tissue in the living body while minimizing the burden on the subject.
  • it is possible to observe a living tissue that is distant from the tip surface of the probe it is possible to observe a tissue that is hardly damaged during insertion.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a micro imaging probe 1 of an embodiment.
  • the micro imaging probe 1 includes a GRIN lens 2, a sheath tube 3, an image fiber 4 and a sheath 5.
  • the GRIN lens 2 has an outer diameter of 125 ⁇ m, is inserted into a zirconia sheath tube 3 having an outer diameter of 250 ⁇ m, is bonded and fixed, and the outer peripheral surface is covered with the sheath tube.
  • the image fiber 4 has 10,000 pixels and an outer diameter of 400 ⁇ m.
  • the sheath 5 is made of zirconia and has an outer diameter of 600 ⁇ m.
  • the GRIN lens 2 covered with the sheath tube 3 is inserted into the distal end side of the sheath 5 and bonded and fixed, and the image fiber 4 is inserted into the rear end side and bonded and fixed.
  • the material of the sheath tube and the sheath may be metal or glass, but it is desirable to make the material from the viewpoint of preventing stray light and from the viewpoint of strength.
  • the length is adjusted by polishing. At this time, it is temporarily fixed to the sheath 5 after being polished to some extent, and confirms the combined state of the GRIN lens and the image fiber (the sharpness of the image to be sent), polished until the combined state is the best, temporarily fixed to the sheath, Repeat the check of the connection status.
  • FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the engagement state of the GRIN lens and the image fiber.
  • the light 8 from the object is incident on the front end surface of the GRIN lens 2, travels while meandering in the lens with a sine curve, exits from the rear end surface, and enters the image fiber on the front end surface. Thereafter, the light travels inside the image fiber 4 and exits from the rear end face.
  • the length of the GRIN lens 2 is related to the distance L2 between the rear end surface of the GRIN lens and the front end surface of the image fiber and the magnification m of the image.
  • two 1 pitches are included in the intermediate portion of the GRIN lens.
  • One pitch is 1 ⁇ 2 of the meandering period of light, and these two pitches are arbitrary regions and may be omitted, but an arbitrary number of pitches can be inserted in consideration of handling.
  • the magnification m is preferably set to be approximately the same as the ratio of the core diameter of the image fiber 4 to the diameter of the GRIN lens 2.
  • the microimaging probe 1 can be used as shown in FIG. 4, for example. As shown in the figure, the tip 1 of the micro-imaging probe 1 is inserted into a subject 7 (for example, a mouse brain), and the rear end of the image fiber 4 is coupled to the objective lens 6 of the microscope. Thereby, the tissue of the subject 7 can be imaged with a microscope.
  • a subject 7 for example, a mouse brain
  • the micro-imaging probe of the present invention can be used for observation in the experimental animal brain in basic research. Further, for example, by replacing the deep brain stimulation in the clinic, which has been conventionally performed by electrical stimulation, with light stimulation, it becomes possible to perform stimulation at a pinpoint in which nerve cells are specified. Moreover, application as a purely optical microendoscope (catheter etc.) is also possible. Furthermore, it can also be used as an industrial endoscope for visually monitoring a finely processed portion.

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Abstract

This microimaging probe is substantially more compact than conventional microimaging probes. A GRIN lens is fixed on the front end side of an image fiber such that the front end surface of the image fiber and the back end surface of the GRIN lens face one another at a prescribed interval. By allowing the front end surface of the image fiber and the back end surface of the GRIN lens to face one another at a prescribed interval, an enlarged image is formed on the front end surface of an image fiber of a different diameter, and images can be efficiently transmitted.

Description

マイクロイメージングプローブ及びその製造方法Microimaging probe and manufacturing method thereof
　本発明は、非常に微細な部分に挿入して画像を取得できるマイクロイメージングプローブに関する。 The present invention relates to a micro-imaging probe that can be inserted into a very fine portion to acquire an image.
　従来、生体の体腔内を観察し、また体腔内の組織の生検や治療を行なうための光プローブが知られている。このような光プローブは、例えば下記特許文献などに開示されている。このような光プローブの先端部直径は細いものでも数ｍｍないし十数ｍｍであった。 Conventionally, an optical probe for observing the inside of a body cavity of a living body and performing biopsy or treatment of a tissue in the body cavity is known. Such an optical probe is disclosed in, for example, the following patent documents. The tip diameter of such an optical probe is several mm to tens of mm even if it is thin.
　また、脳の神経回路における情報処理様式を解明するため、二光子励起共焦点顕微鏡を用いた方法がある。この方法は、蛍光色素の励起光源として近赤外超短パルスレーザーを用いているため、生体の深部（数百μｍ）まで蛍光色素の励起光が到達し、結果として深部のイメージングができる、という方法である。 Also, there is a method using a two-photon excitation confocal microscope to elucidate the information processing mode in the neural circuit of the brain. This method uses a near-infrared ultrashort pulse laser as an excitation light source for the fluorescent dye, so that the excitation light of the fluorescent dye reaches the deep part (several hundred μm) of the living body, and as a result, deep imaging is possible. Is the method.
特開２０１０－１４２４２２JP2010-142422 特開２００８－３０７３９７JP2008-307397
　前記従来の光プローブは、先端部の直径が細いものでも数ｍｍないし十数ｍｍであるので、その用途は限定され、例えば脳細胞の観察などには不向きである。直径３４０～４００μｍ程度のイメージファイバを生体に直接穿刺して観察することも可能であるが、この場合、イメージファイバ先端面に接触している、穿刺時にダメージを受けた組織である可能性が高く、好ましくない。 Since the conventional optical probe has a thin tip portion with a diameter of several millimeters to several tens of millimeters, its use is limited and is not suitable for, for example, observation of brain cells. Although it is possible to directly puncture a living body with an image fiber having a diameter of about 340 to 400 μm, it is highly possible that the tissue is in contact with the distal end surface of the image fiber and damaged at the time of puncture. It is not preferable.
　前記の二光子励起共焦点顕微鏡を用いた方法は、蛍光色素の励起光源として近赤外超短パルスレーザーを用いているため、生体の深部まで蛍光色素の励起光が到達し、結果として深部のイメージングができる、という方法である。しかし、この方法では光が到達する距離は長くても数百μｍの深さまでであり、マウスあるいはラットを用いた場合でも、大脳の深部をイメージングすることはできないし、サルなど霊長類に対しては、大脳皮質の表層付近しかイメージングすることはできない。また、顕微鏡の対物レンズ下に動物を固定する必要があるため、自由行動中の動物に対しては適用できない。さらに、近赤外超短パルスレーザーが高価であることから、システムのコストは非常に高額となり、一般への普及は期待できない。 Since the method using the two-photon excitation confocal microscope uses a near-infrared ultrashort pulse laser as an excitation light source of the fluorescent dye, the excitation light of the fluorescent dye reaches the deep part of the living body, and as a result, It is a method that imaging is possible. However, with this method, the distance that the light reaches is at most several hundred μm deep, and even when a mouse or rat is used, the deep part of the cerebrum cannot be imaged. Can only image near the surface of the cerebral cortex. Moreover, since it is necessary to fix an animal under the objective lens of a microscope, it cannot be applied to an animal that is moving freely. Furthermore, since the near-infrared ultrashort pulse laser is expensive, the cost of the system is very high, and it cannot be expected to spread to the general public.
　非常に微細なマイクロイメージングプローブが開発されれば、脳にプローブを刺入することにより、観察対象となる深さを自由に選ぶことができるだけでなく、ファイバを用いて顕微鏡と結合し、自由に行動する動物に対しても光計測・光刺激が可能である。また、コストも前記二光子励起共焦点顕微鏡を用いた方法に比べて各段に低減できる。 If a very fine micro-imaging probe is developed, it is possible not only to select the depth to be observed by inserting the probe into the brain, but also to connect with the microscope using a fiber and freely Light measurement and light stimulation are possible even for animals that act. Also, the cost can be reduced to each stage as compared with the method using the two-photon excitation confocal microscope.
　また、マイクロイメージングプローブは、脳の神経回路における情報処理様式の解明のみならず、被験者の負担を最小限にして生体内各部の観察が可能となる。 In addition, the micro-imaging probe can not only elucidate the information processing mode in the neural circuit of the brain, but also enables observation of each part in the living body with minimal burden on the subject.
　本発明は、従来に比べて格段に微細な、新規なマイクロイメージングプローブを開発することを課題とするものである。 The object of the present invention is to develop a novel micro-imaging probe that is much finer than conventional ones.
〔請求項１〕
　本発明は、イメージファイバと、その先端側に固定したＧＲＩＮレンズを有し、前記イメージファイバの先端面とＧＲＩＮレンズの後端面が所定間隔離れて対向していることを特徴とするマイクロイメージングプローブである。 [Claim 1]
The present invention is a micro-imaging probe having an image fiber and a GRIN lens fixed to the front end thereof, wherein the front end surface of the image fiber and the rear end surface of the GRIN lens face each other with a predetermined distance therebetween. is there.
　ＧＲＩＮレンズ（Graded Indexレンズ）は、半径方向の屈折率分布によりレンズ作用を呈する円柱形レンズである。
　イメージファイバはコアに多数の画素ファイバを有し、各画素ファイバが１画素を構成するものである。 The GRIN lens (Graded Index lens) is a cylindrical lens that exhibits a lens action due to a refractive index distribution in the radial direction.
The image fiber has a large number of pixel fibers in the core, and each pixel fiber constitutes one pixel.
　ＧＲＩＮレンズはイメージファイバより細いものを用いた方がプローブ先端の径を細くでき、有利である。イメージファイバの先端面とＧＲＩＮレンズの後端面が所定間隔離れるように対向させることで、径の異なるイメージファイバの先端面に拡大像を結像させ、効率よく画像を送ることができる。 It is advantageous to use a GRIN lens that is thinner than the image fiber because the diameter of the probe tip can be reduced. By causing the front end surface of the image fiber and the rear end surface of the GRIN lens to face each other at a predetermined distance, a magnified image can be formed on the front end surface of the image fiber having a different diameter, and the image can be sent efficiently.
　ＧＲＩＮレンズは、直径が８０～３００μｍ程度のものを用いることができるので、プローブ先端部の鞘管の直径は２００～４００μｍ程度とすることがでる。イメージファイバとしては画素（画素ファイバ）数１００００以上で直径３４０～４００μｍ程度のものを用いることができるので、シースの最も太い部分でも直径６００μｍ以下にすることができる。 Since the GRIN lens having a diameter of about 80 to 300 μm can be used, the diameter of the sheath tube at the tip of the probe can be about 200 to 400 μm. As the image fiber, one having a pixel (pixel fiber) number of 10000 or more and a diameter of about 340 to 400 μm can be used. Therefore, even the thickest portion of the sheath can have a diameter of 600 μm or less.
〔請求項２〕
　また本発明は、筒状シースの先端側に、鞘管に挿入して外周面を鞘管で被覆したＧＲＩＮレンズを挿入固定し、前記シースの後端側にイメージファイバを挿入固定してなる請求項１に記載のマイクロイメージングプローブである。 [Claim 2]
Further, the present invention is such that a GRIN lens whose outer peripheral surface is covered with a sheath tube is inserted and fixed on the distal end side of the cylindrical sheath, and an image fiber is inserted and fixed on the rear end side of the sheath. Item 2. The microimaging probe according to Item 1.
〔請求項３〕
　また本発明は、鞘管にＧＲＩＮレンズを挿入しその外周を鞘管で被覆するステップと、
該鞘管をＧＲＩＮレンズと共に研磨してＧＲＩＮレンズの長さを調整するステップと、
筒状シースの、先端側に鞘管で被覆したＧＲＩＮレンズを、後端側にイメージファイバの先端部を挿入固定するステップを有することを特徴とするマイクロイメージングプローブの製造方法である。 [Claim 3]
The present invention also includes a step of inserting a GRIN lens into the sheath tube and covering the outer periphery with the sheath tube;
Polishing the sheath tube with the GRIN lens to adjust the length of the GRIN lens;
A method of manufacturing a micro-imaging probe, comprising: a step of inserting and fixing a GRIN lens having a cylindrical sheath covered with a sheath tube on a distal end side and a distal end portion of an image fiber on a rear end side.
　本発明において、ＧＲＩＮレンズの長さを正確に調整することが重要である。ＧＲＩＮレンズをシースに取り付ける前に鞘管で被覆し、鞘管とＧＲＩＮレンズを共に研磨することで研磨中のレンズの損傷を防ぐことができる。このように研磨しながら、鞘管付きＧＲＩＮレンズをシースに仮固定してイメージファイバへの結合状態（送られる画像の鮮明さ）を確認し、結合状態が最良となるまで研磨を続け、その後鞘管付きＧＲＩＮレンズをシースに完全に固定する。 In the present invention, it is important to accurately adjust the length of the GRIN lens. The GRIN lens can be covered with a sheath tube before being attached to the sheath, and the sheath tube and the GRIN lens can be polished together to prevent damage to the lens during polishing. While polishing in this way, the GRIN lens with a sheath tube is temporarily fixed to the sheath to confirm the coupling state to the image fiber (the sharpness of the image to be sent), and polishing is continued until the coupling state is the best, and then the sheath The GRIN lens with tube is completely fixed to the sheath.
　本発明のマイクロイメージングプローブは、先端部で、イメージファイバよりも細い直径２５０～３００μｍ程度、最も太いシース部分直径４４０～６００μｍ程度にでき、従来のプローブに比べて格段に細いものとなるので、刺入時における侵襲度が低く、被験者の負担を最小限にして生体内各部組織の観察が可能となる。また、プローブの先端面から離れている生体組織を観察できるので、刺入時のダメージを殆ど受けていない組織の観察が可能である。
　さらに、例えば脳の神経回路における情報処理様式を研究する場合、脳にプローブを刺入することにより、観察対象となる深さを自由に選ぶことができるだけでなく、顕微鏡と結合し、自由に行動する動物に対しても光計測・光刺激が可能となる。 The micro-imaging probe of the present invention can have a diameter of about 250 to 300 μm thinner than the image fiber and a diameter of the thickest sheath portion of about 440 to 600 μm at the distal end, which is much thinner than conventional probes. The degree of invasiveness at the time of entry is low, and it is possible to observe each tissue in the living body while minimizing the burden on the subject. In addition, since it is possible to observe a living tissue that is distant from the tip surface of the probe, it is possible to observe a tissue that is hardly damaged during insertion.
Furthermore, for example, when studying the information processing mode in the neural circuit of the brain, it is possible not only to freely select the depth to be observed by inserting a probe into the brain, but also to freely connect with a microscope and act freely It is possible to measure light and stimulate light even with animals.
実施例のマイクロイメージングプローブの断面説明図である。It is sectional explanatory drawing of the micro imaging probe of an Example. ＧＲＩＮレンズとイメージファイバの光の係合の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of engagement of the light of a GRIN lens and an image fiber. ＧＲＩＮレンズとイメージファイバの端面距離Ｌ２、像の倍率ｍの説明図である。End plane distance L 2 of the GRIN lens and the image fiber is an explanatory diagram of the magnification m of the image. マイクロイメージングプローブの使用例の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the usage example of a micro imaging probe.
　図１は実施例のマイクロイメージングプローブ１の断面説明図である。
　マイクロイメージングプローブ１は、ＧＲＩＮレンズ２、鞘管３、イメージファイバ４及びシース５からなる。
　ＧＲＩＮレンズ２は外径１２５μｍで、外径２５０μｍのジルコニア製の鞘管３に挿入し、接着固定され、外周面が鞘管で被覆された状態である。
　イメージファイバ４は画素数１００００で外径は４００μｍである。
　シース５はジルコニア製で外径が６００μｍである。
　シース５の先端側に鞘管３で被覆したＧＲＩＮレンズ２を挿入し、接着固定し、後端側にイメージファイバ４を挿入し、接着固定している。
　鞘管及びシースの材質は金属やガラスが考えられるが、迷光を防ぐためと強度の観点から金属製にすることが望ましい。 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a micro imaging probe 1 of an embodiment.
The micro imaging probe 1 includes a GRIN lens 2, a sheath tube 3, an image fiber 4 and a sheath 5.
The GRIN lens 2 has an outer diameter of 125 μm, is inserted into a zirconia sheath tube 3 having an outer diameter of 250 μm, is bonded and fixed, and the outer peripheral surface is covered with the sheath tube.
The image fiber 4 has 10,000 pixels and an outer diameter of 400 μm.
The sheath 5 is made of zirconia and has an outer diameter of 600 μm.
The GRIN lens 2 covered with the sheath tube 3 is inserted into the distal end side of the sheath 5 and bonded and fixed, and the image fiber 4 is inserted into the rear end side and bonded and fixed.
The material of the sheath tube and the sheath may be metal or glass, but it is desirable to make the material from the viewpoint of preventing stray light and from the viewpoint of strength.
　鞘管３で被覆したＧＲＩＮレンズ２は、シースに固定するに先立って、研磨により長さ調整が行われる。このとき、ある程度研磨した状態でシース５に仮固定し、ＧＲＩＮレンズとイメージファイバの結合状態（送られる画像の鮮明さ）を確認し、結合状態が最良となるまで研磨、シースへの仮固定、結合状態の確認作業を繰り返す。 Before the GRIN lens 2 covered with the sheath tube 3 is fixed to the sheath, the length is adjusted by polishing. At this time, it is temporarily fixed to the sheath 5 after being polished to some extent, and confirms the combined state of the GRIN lens and the image fiber (the sharpness of the image to be sent), polished until the combined state is the best, temporarily fixed to the sheath, Repeat the check of the connection status.
　図２はＧＲＩＮレンズとイメージファイバの係合状態の説明図である。
　物体からの光８はＧＲＩＮレンズ２の先端面に入射し、レンズ内をサインカーブで蛇行しながら進行して、後端面から出射し、イメージファイバの先端面に結像した状態で入射する。
　その後、光はイメージファイバ４の内部を進行し、その後端面から出射する。 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the engagement state of the GRIN lens and the image fiber.
The light 8 from the object is incident on the front end surface of the GRIN lens 2, travels while meandering in the lens with a sine curve, exits from the rear end surface, and enters the image fiber on the front end surface.
Thereafter, the light travels inside the image fiber 4 and exits from the rear end face.
　ＧＲＩＮレンズ２の長さは、ＧＲＩＮレンズ後端面とイメージファイバ先端面の間隔Ｌ２と像の倍率ｍに関係する。図２の場合、ＧＲＩＮレンズの中間部に１ピッチが２個入っている。１ピッチは光の蛇行周期の１／２で、この２ピッチは任意領域であり、無くても良いのであるが、ハンドリングを考慮して任意の数のピッチを挿入することができる。 The length of the GRIN lens 2 is related to the distance L2 between the rear end surface of the GRIN lens and the front end surface of the image fiber and the magnification m of the image. In the case of FIG. 2, two 1 pitches are included in the intermediate portion of the GRIN lens. One pitch is ½ of the meandering period of light, and these two pitches are arbitrary regions and may be omitted, but an arbitrary number of pitches can be inserted in consideration of handling.
　ＧＲＩＮレンズ後端面とイメージファイバ先端面の間隔Ｌ２と像の倍率ｍは、図３に示すように求めることができる。
　図３における符号の意味は次の通りである。
Ｌ１：　物体とＧＲＩＮレンズ先端面の間隔
ｎ１：　ＧＲＩＮレンズの中心屈折率
ｇ ：　ＧＲＩＮレンズの集光能力を表わす定数
ｚ２：　ＧＲＩＮレンズの長さ Magnification m of distance L 2 and the image of the GRIN lens rear surface and the image fiber tip surface can be obtained as shown in FIG.
The meanings of the symbols in FIG. 3 are as follows.
L 1 : Distance between the object and the GRIN lens front end surface n 1 : Center refractive index of GRIN lens g: Constant indicating the light collecting ability of GRIN lens z 2 : Length of GRIN lens
　倍率ｍは、イメージファイバ４のコア径とＧＲＩＮレンズ２の径の比とほぼ同じに設定することが望ましい。 The magnification m is preferably set to be approximately the same as the ratio of the core diameter of the image fiber 4 to the diameter of the GRIN lens 2.
　マイクロイメージングプローブ１は、例えば図４に示すように使用することができる。
　同図に示すように、マイクロイメージングプローブ１の先端部１を被検体７（例えばマウスの脳）に刺入し、イメージファイバ４の後端を顕微鏡の対物レンズ６に結合する。こにより、被検体７の組織を顕微鏡でイメージングすることができる。 The microimaging probe 1 can be used as shown in FIG. 4, for example.
As shown in the figure, the tip 1 of the micro-imaging probe 1 is inserted into a subject 7 (for example, a mouse brain), and the rear end of the image fiber 4 is coupled to the objective lens 6 of the microscope. Thereby, the tissue of the subject 7 can be imaged with a microscope.
　本発明のマイクロイメージングプローブは、基礎研究における実験動物脳内の観察に用いることができる。また、例えば従来は電気刺激で行っていた臨床における脳深部刺激を光刺激に置き換えることにより、神経細胞を特定したピンポイントでの刺激を行えるようになる。また、純粋に光学的な微細内視鏡としての応用（カテーテルなど）も可能である。さらに、微細加工部分を視覚的にモニタリングする工業用内視鏡として使用することもできる。 The micro-imaging probe of the present invention can be used for observation in the experimental animal brain in basic research. Further, for example, by replacing the deep brain stimulation in the clinic, which has been conventionally performed by electrical stimulation, with light stimulation, it becomes possible to perform stimulation at a pinpoint in which nerve cells are specified. Moreover, application as a purely optical microendoscope (catheter etc.) is also possible. Furthermore, it can also be used as an industrial endoscope for visually monitoring a finely processed portion.
　１　マイクロイメージングプローブ
　２　ＧＲＩＮレンズ
　３　鞘管
　４　イメージファイバ
　５　シース
　６　対物レンズ
　７　被検体
　８　光 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Micro imaging probe 2 GRIN lens 3 Sheath tube 4 Image fiber 5 Sheath 6 Objective lens 7 Subject 8 Light

Claims (3)

  1. イメージファイバと、その先端側に固定したＧＲＩＮレンズを有し、前記イメージファイバの先端面とＧＲＩＮレンズの後端面が所定間隔離れて対向していることを特徴とするマイクロイメージングプローブ。 A micro-imaging probe having an image fiber and a GRIN lens fixed to the front end thereof, wherein the front end surface of the image fiber and the rear end surface of the GRIN lens face each other with a predetermined distance therebetween.
  2. 筒状シースの先端側に、鞘管に挿入して外周面を鞘管で被覆したＧＲＩＮレンズを挿入固定し、前記シースの後端側にイメージファイバを挿入固定してなる請求項１に記載のマイクロイメージングプローブ。 The GRIN lens having an outer peripheral surface covered with a sheath tube is inserted and fixed on the distal end side of the cylindrical sheath, and an image fiber is inserted and fixed on the rear end side of the sheath. Micro imaging probe.
  3. 鞘管にＧＲＩＮレンズを挿入しその外周を鞘管で被覆するステップと、
    該鞘管をＧＲＩＮレンズと共に研磨してＧＲＩＮレンズの長さを調整するステップと、
    筒状シースの、先端側に鞘管で被覆したＧＲＩＮレンズを、後端側にイメージファイバの先端部を挿入固定するステップを有することを特徴とするマイクロイメージングプローブの製造方法。     Inserting a GRIN lens into the sheath tube and covering the outer periphery with the sheath tube;
    Polishing the sheath tube with the GRIN lens to adjust the length of the GRIN lens;
    A method of manufacturing a micro-imaging probe, comprising: a step of inserting and fixing a GRIN lens having a cylindrical sheath coated with a sheath tube on a distal end side and a distal end portion of an image fiber on a rear end side.
PCT/JP2011/056301 2011-03-16 2011-03-16 Microimaging probe and manufacturing method thereof WO2012124092A1 (en)

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