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The great synergy effect in fusion of spectral data from 2 (or more) spectral methods is available now when the advanced combi-fiber probes collect spectra from the same spot: Raman+DRS (Diffuse Reflection Scattering), Raman+Fluorescence, Near+Mid IR-absorption, Fluorescence + Mid ATR-absorption. Advantages of combi-probe enhanced accuracy to be presented, including the demo of the smallest diameter Raman/Fluorescence probe with <200µm diameter.
We present the development of fibres to be used for modal filtering within the European DARWIN mission and its scientific precursor GENIE: Chalcogenide fibres fit the wavelength range up to about 11 microns, while silver halide fibres can cover the full DARWIN wavelength range from 6.5 to 20 microns. A wide range of different manufacturing methods have been applied for producing step-index fibres. We also present the first results of manufacturing photonic crystal silver halide fibres.
We tested the modal wavefront filtering capability of the fibres in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer fed by a CO2-laser. In addition we recorded the transverse output beam profile for each fibre. The results of both measurements are strong indicators for single-mode operation.
We identified the critical issues experienced in the course of this manufacturing activity. The efficient removing of cladding modes and the required length of the fibres, commonly strongly underestimated, turned out as the keys for successful demonstration of singlemode behaviour. We found dedicated and compatible materials acting as mode stripper for both fibre materials used.
We highlight the required steps for further improvement of the manufactured fibres and for a reasonable continuation of the fibre development activities for DARWIN.
This paper presents the design, manufacturing, and test results of single mode fibres to be used as wavefront filters in mid-infrared range. Fibres made from chalcogenide glass and silver halide crystals were produced. The first class can serve as wavefront filters up to a wavelength of 11 microns, while silver halide fibres can be used over the full Darwin wavelength range from 6.5 to 18 micron. The chalcogenide glass fibres were drawn by double crucible method whereas polycrystalline fibres from silver halides were fabricated by multiple extrusion from a crystalline preform.
Multi-layer AR-coatings for fibre ends were developed and environmentally tested for both types of fibres. Special fibre facet polishing procedures were established, in particular for the soft silver halide fibre ends. Cable design and assembly process were also developed, including termination by SMA-connectors with ceramic ferrules and fibre protection by loose PEEK-tubings to prevent excessive bending and chemical attacks for fibres.
The wavefront filtering capability of the fibres was demonstrated on a high quality Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Two different groups of laser sources were used to measure the wavefront filtering of the fibres by using a CO-laser for testing in the lower sub-band and a CO2-laser to check the upper sub-band.
Measurements of the fibres far field intensity distribution and transmission were performed for numerous cable samples. Single mode behaviour was observed in more than 25 silver halide fibre cables before AR-coating of their ends, while after that 17 cables were compliant with all technical requirements. Residual cladding modes existing in short single mode fibres were effectively removed by applying of a proper absorbing jacket to the fibre's lateral surface and by adding an oversized output aperture in front of fibre ends.
Several fibres were exposed to gamma radiation of total dose of 25, 50, and even 500 krad. No deterioration was found on AR-coated fibre ends and on fibre material. Five fibres were irradiated by proton radiation of 10MeV energy and 1010 p/cm2 equivalent fluence. Several fibres were cooled down to 10 K by plunging them in a dipstick into liquid Helium. Silver halide fibres survived that test when cables were properly assembled. The brittle chalcogenide glass fibres were much more sensitive to thermal gradients and the related cables did not survive the thermal shock.
Critical issues have been revealed in multiple drawings of chalcogenide glass fibres where core and cladding composition were not stable at some fabrication stages - resulting in a poor single mode guiding. Much better results have been achieved with polycrystalline fibres from silver halides made with a small core and low NA and enabling single mode guiding in the mid infrared.
Spectral fiber sensing for label free analysis of tissue composition helps to differentiate malignant and normal tissue to secure minimal invasive, but complete tumor removal or treatment. All key methods of Raman, fluorescence, diffuse reflection & MIR-absorption spectroscopy will be compared when used for the same spot of tissue - to select the most specific, sensitive and accurate method or to combine them for the synergy enhanced effect. The most informative spectral features for distinct organs/ tumor can be used to design special fiber sensors to be developed for portable and low cost applications with modern IT-features. Examples of multi-spectral tissue diagnostics promising for the future clinical applications will be presented to enable reduced mortality from cancer in the future. Translation of described methods into clinical practice will be discussed in comparison with the other method of optical diagnostics which should enhance modern medicine by less invasive, more precise and more effective methods of therapy to be fused with in-vivo diagnostics sensors & systems.
Publisher's Note: This paper, originally published on 4 March, 2016, was replaced with a corrected/revised version on 7 April, 2016. If you downloaded the original PDF but are unable to access the revision, please contact SPIE Digital Library Customer Service for assistance.
One key aspect was in special fiber probe development for each technique. Using fiber optic probes in Raman, MIR and NIR spectroscopy is a very powerful method for non-invasive in vivo applications. Miniaturization of Raman probes was achieved by deposition of dielectric filters directly onto the silica fiber end surfaces. Raman, NIR and MIR spectroscopy were used to analyze samples from kidney tumors. The differentiation between cancer and healthy samples was successfully obtained by multivariate data analysis.
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