An endoscope objective lens for collecting combined bright field (white light) and fluorescence images includes a negative lens group, a stop, and a positive lens group. The lens has a combination of large entrance pupil diameter (â‰§0.4 mm) for efficiently collecting weak fluorescence light, large ratio between the entrance pupil diameter and the maximum outside diameter (D entrance /D max larger than 0.2), large field of view (FFOVâ‰§120Â°) and favorably corrected spherical, lateral chromatic and Petzval field curvature for both visible and near infrared wavelengths.

Description

11 parts

›BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to lens systems, and more particularly to an endoscope objective lens suitable for collecting white light and fluorescence images, where the numerical aperture and entrance pupil diameter is large to allow higher collection power for weak fluorescence signal, while maintaining a small overall diameter.

Conventionally, endoscopes are utilized for places that are difficult to see directly, especially inside human bodies. As its objective lens system, various kinds constituted of multiple lens elements are known.

While conventional retrofocus lens systems for endoscopy cover a large field of view, this type of arrangement usually has a small entrance pupil diameter in order to minimize third order aberrations at large field and thus maintain high optical performance. Although this is normally adequate for bright field imaging, it is not optimized for fluorescence, where the typical fluorescence signal strength is substantially weaker than the white light image. The small entrance pupil means that the collection efficiency of the objective is very weak. It is advantageous for an objective intended for dual modality imaging to have improved collection power, maintain a small overall diameter, large FFOV, easy of manufacturing and high optical resolution for both visible and near infrared wavelength.

›SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, an endoscope objective lens comprises a negative lens group, G 1 ; a positive lens group, G 2 ; and a stop, S, placed between the negative lens group, G 1 , and the positive lens group, G 2 , wherein the following conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied:

0.5 ≦EFL≦ 1.4 mm, −4 ≦F 1 /EFL≦− 1.2, 1.1 ≦F 2 /EFL≦ 1.9 (1)

F#≦4.2, (2)

EPD≧ 0.4 mm, 0.4 ≧EPD/Dia≧ 0.2 (3)

FFOV≧120° (4)

and wherein,

EFL is the effective focal length of the objective lens,

F1 is the effective focal length of the positive lens group, G 1 ,

F2 is the effective focal length of the negative lens group, G 2 ,

F# is the f number of the objective lens,

EPD is the entrance pupil diameter of the objective lens,

Dia is the maximum diameter of the objective lens, and

FFOV is the full field of view of the objective lens.

›BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing the constitution of an endoscope objective lens according to Example 1 of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing the constitution of an endoscope objective lens according to Example 2 of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing the constitution of an endoscope objective lens according to Example 3 of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing the constitution of an endoscope objective lens according to Example 4 of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing the constitution of an endoscope objective lens according to Example 5 of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing showing the constitution of an endoscope objective lens according to Example 6 of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing showing the constitution of an endoscope objective lens with both an optical filter and a tunable filter according to an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8A-8D and FIGS. 9A and 9B are aberration charts showing various aberrations (spherical aberration, astigmatism, coma, and distortion) of the endoscope objective lens of Example 4; and

FIGS. 10A-10D and FIGS. 11A and 11B are aberration charts showing various aberrations (spherical aberration, astigmatism, coma, and distortion) of the endoscope objective lens of Example 5.

›DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an endoscope objective lens according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the figures, incoming rays enter the objective lens system from the left and are ultimately incident on a detector at the far right of the diagrams. Several embodiments are disclosed with detailed design parameters.

In general, the endoscope objective lens of the invention comprises a negative lens group, G 1 , a positive lens group, G 2 , and a stop, S, placed between the negative lens group, G 1 , and the positive lens group, G 2 . The endoscope objective lens of the invention satisfies the following Conditional Expressions:

0.5 ≦EFL≦ 1.4 mm, −4 ≦F 1 /EFL≦− 1.2, 1.1 ≦F 2 /EFL≦ 1.9 (1)

F#≦4.2, (2)

EPD≧ 0.4 mm, 0.4 ≧EPD/Dia≧ 0.2 (3)

FFOV≧120° (4)

wherein,

EFL is the effective focal length of the objective lens,

F1 is the effective focal length of the positive lens group, G 1 ,

F2 is the effective focal length of the negative lens group, G 2 ,

F# is the f number of the objective lens,

EPD is the entrance pupil diameter of the objective lens,

Dia is the maximum diameter of the objective lens, and

FFOV is the full field of view of the objective lens.

In the event that fluorescence imaging is performed in the near infrared, the wavelength range objective lens needs to extend beyond the visible spectrum. It is preferable for the objective to be able to cover a spectrum of between about 400 nm-850 nm, and more preferably between about 400 nm-1970 nm, as shown in Example 4.

In order to achieve high resolution imaging, the optical resolution of the system needs to match the pixel size of the detector, or ˜3.6 μm assuming a ⅙″ detector. At 850 nm, the F# required for the objective to produce a 3.6 μm rms spot diameter is preferably F#≦4.2, and more preferably ≦2.8 to produce sharp images, especially for near infrared light.

For endoscopy applications, the angular field coverage is preferred to be as large as possible to allow the maximum observation of the lumen. The FFOV is greater than or equal to 120°, and preferably FFOV≧170°.

The dual modality use of the objective requires the objective to have a means to fully reject the excitation light to avoid overwhelming the weak fluorescence signal. This requires at least one (preferably two) optical filter disposed between the last lens element of the objective and the detector. Such an optical filter, typically an interference type laser rejection filter, is made on glass with finite thickness, usually greater than or equal to 0.7 mm.

Due to the large angle of rays transmitted through the filter, the passband of the laser rejection filter may shift up to 2% of the central bandwidth. This requires the optical filter to have a passband full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the range of 10-50 nm.

In an alternative embodiment, a second laser optical filter, such as a laser rejection filter, and the like, is tilted by ≧10° in order to prevent any multiple reflection between the two filters.

The optical filter, F, may comprises a laser rejection filter, such as a volume holographic filter, a thin film dielectric filter, dichroic filter, a polarization interference filter, an air spaced or solid spaced etalon.

In an alternative embodiment, in addition to the optical filter, F, a tunable filter, such as a liquid crystal etalon or a liquid crystal tunable polarization interference filter, can be used adjunct with a monochromatic CCD for multi-spectral imaging or hyperspectral imaging endoscope such that the center wavelength of the tunable filter matches relevant excitation wavelengths. This tunable filter allows for the possible identification and distinction of multiple fluorescence dye stained tissues. For example, the center wavelength of the tunable filter can be in the range between about 600-800 nm.

Spherical surfaces are preferred in the embodiment for manufacturing considerations. However, this does not exclude usage of aspherical surfaces or plastic inject molded elements in the design.

›EXAMPLES

Below, the endoscope objective lens of the invention is further explained employing concrete examples.

›Examples6

›Example 1

The schematic constitution of an endoscope objective lens of Example 1 is shown in FIG. 1 . In this endoscope objective lens, the negative lens group, G 1 , arranged proximate the object side comprises a negative lens element E 1 directing its concave surface to the image side, and a flat element (zero power element) E 2 . The positive lens group, G 2 , arranged distal the object side comprises a positive lens element E 3 directing its convex surface to the image side, a positive lens element E 4 , and a doublet lens element, E 5 . A stop, S, is placed between the negative lens group, G 1 , and the positive lens group, G 2 , and an optical filter, F, is placed between the last lens element E 5 of the positive lens group, G 2 , and the image plane, IP. In one embodiment, the optical filter, F, comprises a laser rejection filter. The doublet lens element, E 5 , comprises two elements having a refractive index greater than 0.02 and an Abbe number difference greater than 15.0 for correcting chromatic, coma, and spherical aberration in visible and near infrared wavelengths.

Radius of curvature R (mm) of each lens surface, thickness or air gap (mm) between lenses, glass code, and semi-aperture are listed in Table I. Note that numbers in the table indicate the order from the object side. Also, as shown in Table I, the Conditions Expressions (1) to (4) are all satisfied.

›Example 2

The schematic constitution of an endoscope objective lens of Example 2 is shown in FIG. 2 . In this endoscope objective lens, the negative lens group, G 1 , arranged proximate the object side comprises a negative lens element E 1 directing its concave surface to the image side. The positive lens group, G 2 , arranged distal the object side comprises a positive lens element E 2 directing its convex surface to the image side, a positive lens element E 3 , and a doublet lens element, E 4 . A stop, S, is placed between the negative lens group, G 1 , and the positive lens group, G 2 , and an optical filter, F, is placed between the last lens element E 5 of the positive lens group, G 2 , and the image plane, IP. In one embodiment, the optical filter, F, comprises a laser rejection filter. The doublet lens element, E 4 , comprises two elements having a refractive index greater than 0.02 and an Abbe number difference greater than 15.0 for correcting chromatic, coma, and spherical aberration in visible and near infrared wavelengths

Radius of curvature R (mm) of each lens surface, thickness or air gap (mm) between lenses, glass code, and semi-aperture are listed in TABLE II. Note that numbers in the table indicate the order from the object side. Also, as shown in TABLE II, the Conditions Expressions (1) to (4) are all satisfied.

›Example 3

The schematic constitution of an endoscope objective lens of Example 3 is shown in FIG. 3 . In this endoscope objective lens, the negative lens group, G 1 , arranged proximate the object side comprises a negative lens element E 1 directing its concave surface to the image side, and a flat element (zero power element) E 2 . The positive lens group, G 2 , arranged distal the object side comprises a positive lens element E 3 directing its convex surface to the image side, and a doublet lens element E 4 . A stop, S, is placed between the negative lens group, G 1 , and the positive lens group, G 2 , and an optical filter, F, is placed between the last lens element E 5 of the positive lens group, G 2 , and the image plane, IP. In one embodiment, the optical filter, F, comprises a laser rejection filter.

Radius of curvature R (mm) of each lens surface, thickness or air gap (mm) between lenses, glass code, and semi-aperture are listed in TABLE III. Note that numbers in the table indicate the order from the object side. Also, as shown in TABLE III, the Conditions Expressions (1) to (4) are all satisfied.

›Example 4

The schematic constitution of an endoscope objective lens of Example 4 is shown in FIG. 4 . In this endoscope objective lens, the negative lens group, G 1 , arranged proximate the object side comprises a negative lens element E 1 directing its concave surface to the image side, and a flat element (zero power element) E 2 . The positive lens group, G 2 , arranged distal the object side comprises a positive lens element E 3 directing its convex surface to the image side, and a doublet lens element E 4 . A stop, S, is placed between the negative lens group, G 1 , and the positive lens group, G 2 , and an optical filter, F, is placed between the last lens element E 5 of the positive lens group, G 2 , and the image plane, IP. In one embodiment, the optical filter, F, comprises a laser rejection filter. The doublet lens element, E 4 , comprises two elements having a refractive index greater than 0.02 and an Abbe number difference greater than 15.0 for correcting chromatic, coma, and spherical aberration in visible and near infrared wavelengths

Radius of curvature R (mm) of each lens surface, thickness or air gap (mm) between lenses, glass code, and semi-aperture are listed in TABLE IV. Note that numbers in the table indicate the order from the object side. Also, as shown in TABLE IV, the Conditions Expressions (1) to (4) are all satisfied.

›Example 5

The schematic constitution of an endoscope objective lens of Example 5 is shown in FIG. 5 . In this endoscope objective lens, the negative lens group, G 1 , arranged proximate the object side comprises a negative lens element E 1 directing its concave surface to the image side, and a flat element (zero power element) E 2 . The positive lens group, G 2 , arranged distal the object side comprises a positive lens element E 3 directing its convex surface to the image side, a doublet lens element E 4 , and a positive lens element E 5 directing its convex surface to the image side. A stop, S, is placed between the negative lens group, G 1 , and the positive lens group, G 2 , and an optical filter, F, is placed between the last lens element E 5 of the positive lens group, G 2 , and the image plane, IP. In one embodiment, the optical filter, F, comprises a laser rejection filter. The doublet lens element, E 4 , comprises two elements having a refractive index greater than 0.02 and an Abbe number difference greater than 15.0 for correcting chromatic, coma, and spherical aberration in visible and near infrared wavelengths

Radius of curvature R (mm) of each lens surface, thickness or air gap (mm) between lenses, glass code, and semi-aperture are listed in TABLE V. Note that numbers in the table indicate the order from the object side. Also, as shown in TABLE V, the Conditions Expressions (1) to (4) are all satisfied.

›Example 6

The schematic constitution of an endoscope objective lens of Example 6 is shown in FIG. 6 . In this endoscope objective lens, the negative lens group, G 1 , arranged proximate the object side comprises a negative lens element E 1 directing its concave surface to the image side, and a positive lens element E 2 directing its convex surface to the object side. The positive lens group, G 2 , arranged distal the object side comprises a positive lens element E 3 directing its convex surface to the image side, and a doublet lens element E 4 . A stop, S, is placed between the negative lens group, G 1 , and the positive lens group, G 2 , and a laser rejection filter, F, is placed between the last lens element E 5 of the positive lens group, G 2 , and the image plane, IP. The doublet lens element, E 4 , comprises two elements having a refractive index greater than 0.02 and an Abbe number difference greater than 15.0 for correcting chromatic, coma, and spherical aberration in visible and near infrared wavelengths

Radius of curvature R (mm) of each lens surface, thickness or air gap (mm) between lenses, glass code, and semi-aperture are listed in TABLE VI. Note that numbers in the table indicate the order from the object side. Also, as shown in TABLE VI, the Conditions Expressions (1) to (4) are all satisfied.

According to an alternate embodiment, the endoscope objective lens 10 may include a tunable filter, TF, as shown in FIG. 7 . In this embodiment, the tunable filter, TF, such as a liquid crystal etalon or a liquid crystal tunable polarization interference filter, can be used adjunct with a monochromatic CCD for multi-spectral imaging or hyperspectral imaging endoscope such that the center wavelength of the tunable filter matches relevant excitation wavelengths. This tunable filter allows for the possible identification and distinction of multiple fluorescence dye stained tissues. For example, the center wavelength of the tunable filter, TF, can be in the range between about 600-800 nm.

FIGS. 8A-8D and FIGS. 9A-9B are aberration charts showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, coma, and distortion of the endoscope objective lens of Example 4. Note that shown in the astigmatism chart are aberrations for the saggital image surface and the tangential image surface. In these aberration charts, ω indicates half angle of view. As is clear from these aberration charts, aberrations can be corrected extremely well with the endoscope objective lens of Example 4.

FIGS. 10A-10D and FIGS. 11A-12B are aberration charts showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, coma, and distortion of the endoscope objective lens of Example 5. Note that shown in the astigmatism chart are aberrations for the saggital image surface and the tangential image surface. As is clear from these aberration charts, aberrations can be corrected extremely well with the endoscope objective lens of Example 5.

The endoscope objective lens of the invention has about four (4) times higher collection power as compared with the prior art because the collection power is proportional to the square of the EPD. The ratio between the EPD and the outer dimension of the largest element is a good indicator of the effectiveness of using the maximum allowable diameter for collecting light. This ratio is generally small (<0.15), as compared to ≧0.2 in the invention.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

›Tables in the description — 6

TABLE I — Thick ness

Surface #	Radius (mm)	(mm)	Glass	Semi-Aperture
1	inf	15.000
2	23.24000	0.420	562712.6376	1.05
3	0.80385	0.703		0.62
4	inf	1.440	755201.2758	0.65
Stop	inf	0.100		0.65
5	−4.83861	0.807	620410.6032	0.75
6	−1.81488	0.100		0.75
7	4.91982	1.098	559702.6397	0.9
8	−3.63847	0.098		0.9
9	2.61880	1.200	620410.6032	1
10	−1.94907	0.433	755201.2758	1
11	inf	0.100		1
12	inf	1.500	458500.678	1.1
13	inf	0.090		1.1
Image	inf	−0.003		1.15
EFL = 0.96, EPD = 0.5, F1 = −1.485, F2 = 1.776, FNO = 1.92, FFOV = 170 deg, F1/EFL = −1.546, F2/EFL = 1.85, EPD/Dia = 0.227, EFL/IH = 1.09

TABLE II — Thickness

Surface #	Radius (mm)	(mm)	Glass	Semi-Aperture
1	inf	15.077
2	12.30000	0.323	530894.6618	1.25
3	0.82280	1.396		0.62
Stop	inf	0.300		0.65
4	−3.61427	0.734	620410.6032	0.65
5	−1.68472	0.100		0.75
6	16.54421	0.733	542767.6522	0.75
7	−3.37801	0.100		0.9
8	2.74422	1.403	729373.4604	0.9
9	−1.35000	0.450	755201.2758	1
10	−42.46217	0.098		1
11	inf	1.500	458500.678	1
12	inf	0.138		1.1
Image	inf			1.15
EFL = 0.96, EPD = 0.7, F1 = −1.685, F2 = 1.60, FNO = 1.37, FFOV = 170 deg, F1/EFL = −1.755, F2/EFL = 1.667, EPD/Dia = 0.28

TABLE III — Thickness

Surface #	Radius (mm)	(mm)	Glass	Semi-Aperture
1	inf	15.000
2	16.68332	0.423	527304.6649	1.10
3	0.82300	0.326		1.10
4	inf	1.600	487490.7041	0.68
Stop	inf	0.100		0.42
5	8.94786	1.277	743972.4485	0.51
6	−1.85896	0.098		0.87
7	2.55373	1.031	620410.6032	0.98
8	−1.19591	0.355	755201.2758	0.97
9	−5.15044	0.200		1.10
10	inf	1.500	458500.678	1.10
11	inf	0.200		1.10
Image	inf			1.15
EFL = 1.00, EPD = 0.45, F1 = −1.66, F2 = 1.488, FNO = 2.22, FFOV = 120 deg, F1/EFL = −1.66, F2/EFL = 1.488, EPD/Dia = 0.20,

TABLE IV — Thickness EFL = 1.00, EPD = 0.4, F1 = −3.88, F2 = 1.80, FNO = 2.5, FFOV = 120 deg, F1/EFL = −3.88, F2/EFL = 1.80, EPD/Dia = 0.227, wavelength: 400-1970 nm

Surface #	Radius (mm)	(mm)	Glass	Semi-Aperture
1	inf	15.000
2	12.20000	0.323	620437.6032	1.10
3	0.82300	0.386		1.10
4	−79.82783	1.400	487490.7041	0.68
5	−2.17607	0.255		0.42
Stop	inf	0.100		0.51
6	−11.29718	1.191	743930.4485	0.87
7	−1.92178	0.098		0.98
8	2.35491	0.984	620393.6032	0.97
9	−1.28650	0.320	755201.2758	1.10
10	−8.35965	0.200		1.10
11	inf	1.500	458500.678	1.10
12	inf	0.200		1.15
Image	inf

TABLE V — Thickness

Surface #	Radius (mm)	(mm)	Glass	Semi-Aperture
1	inf	15.000
2	16.68332	0.423	596016.6165	1.10
3	0.82300	0.326		0.72
4	inf	2.654	755201.2758	0.75
Stop	inf	0.100		0.66
5	−115.15093	0.626	729902.4599	0.66
6	−1.78112	0.098		0.73
7	2.56745	0.789	620410.6032	0.72
8	−1.09207	0.340	755201.2758	0.67
9	−4.20543	0.200		0.68
10	−3.61952	0.500	487544.704	0.70
11	−2.43219	0.098		0.76
12	inf	1.500	458500.678	0.78
Image	inf			0.75
EFL = 0.900, EPD = 0.45, F1 = −1.47, F2 = 1.56, FNO = 1.63, FFOV = 140 deg, F1/EFL = −1.63, F2/EFL = 1.73, EPD/Dia = 0.25

TABLE VI — Thickness

Surface #	Radius (mm)	(mm)	Glass	Semi-Aperture
1	inf	15.000
2	9.80000	0.323	743798.4486	1.10
3	0.99000	0.226		0.72
4	1.95491	0.300	755201.2758	0.69
5	18.84610	0.330		0.59
Stop	inf	0.100		0.29
6	−1.74834	0.878	743972.4485	0.36
7	−1.18107	0.100		0.75
8	2.60415	1.283	640639.5661	1.07
9	−1.33195	0.400	755201.2758	1.14
10	−3.56468	0.200		1.10
11	inf	1.500	458500.678	1.11
12	inf	0.110		1.1
Image	inf			1.1
EFL = 1.28, EPD = 0.45, F1 = −3.66, F2 = 1.45, FNO = 2.88, FFOV = 170 deg, F1/EFL = −2.85, F2/EFL = 1.13, EPD/Dia = 0.205

Claims as granted

14 claims

Classifications

6 codes

IPC · International Patent Classification

Section A — Human necessities

A61B1/00

Section G — Physics

G02B21/02

USPC · US Patent Classification

359/656359/659600/101359/660

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