Imaging through shape sensing fiber

Established techniques for measuring the transmission matrix (TM) of a multimode fiber (MMF) allow for spot scanning at the distal end of the fiber through phase control at the proximal end, enabling ultrathin medical endoscopes and other applications that benefit from controllable light fields in MMF. Adding this capability to fibers utilized for other applications allows imaging to be performed within these areas. One outstanding limitation of this technology is the need to re-calibrate the fiber upon bending or other environmental perturbation. Here, we demonstrate a modified shape-sensor fiber that allows both shape sensing and imaging within the same fiber. In addition to permitting an image at the end of a shape sensor probe, the unification of these two technologies opens up the possibility of using the reconstructed fiber shape to mathematically update the calibration of the imaging waveguide in a dynamic environment, as has been proposed in the prior literature. Creating a robust method for maintaining knowledge of the fiber's TM as the fiber is manipulated is critical for clinical deployment of this technology.