Optical probe, light intensity detection, imaging method and system

Abstract

Gradient index lenses, or GRIN lenses, are useful for collimating light from a waveguide and reducing loss when coupling two fibers or coupling the fiber to other optical components. There is provided herein a method to align a GRIN lens to the distal end of an optical fiber with precise lateral alignment. The alignment occurs by: (1) rotating the fiber with respect to the lens so that the fiber is parallel with the lens, such that a light is transmitted through the fiber and then through the lens, and (2) translating the fiber laterally with respect to the lens based on the position of a circle pattern that appears on the screen after the distal end of the lens. The transmitted light is centered in the circle pattern for centered alignment or positioned at calculate distance from the center of the circle pattern for off-axis alignment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.