Increasing the imaging capabilities of multimode fibers by exploiting the properties of highly scattering media

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new imaging approach that uses scattering media to enhance the resolution and working distance of multimode fiber-based devices, achieving submicron focus at extended distances.

Contribution

The study presents a novel method of employing highly scattering media to improve multimode fiber imaging capabilities, enabling larger working distances and finer focus.

Findings

Achieved submicron focus at 800 μm distance.

Demonstrated the effect of scattering media on focus size.

Provided a parametric analysis of working distance and separation effects.

Abstract

We present a novel design that exploits the focusing properties of scattering media to increase the resolution and the working distance of multimode fiber based imaging devices. Placing a highly scattering medium in front of the distal tip of the multimode fiber enables the formation of smaller sized foci at increased working distances away from the fiber tip. We perform a parametric study of the effect of the working distance and the separation between the fiber and the scattering medium on the focus size. We experimentally demonstrate submicron focused spots as far away as 800{\mu}m with 532nm light.