Time-of-flight 3D imaging through multimode optical fibers

Abstract

A view through a fiber Reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image of a scene typically involves sending out pulses of light and timing their return. For endoscope applications in bioimaging or imaging inside difficult-to-reach places inside machines, the typical approach using bulk optics may not be viable. Stellinga et al . found that 3D imaging can be achieved using multimode optic fibers. After characterizing the transmission matrix of the fiber, optical pulses can be used to reconstruct 3D images of a number of scenes. Because this approach can use fibers the width of a human hair, the results are promising for miniaturized and minimally invasive 3D endoscopic imaging applications. —ISO