Single-shot 3D endoscopic imaging exploiting a diffuser and neural networks

Abstract

Lens-based endoscopes offer high lateral resolution, but suffer from rigid imaging properties, such as a fixed focal plane. We present a miniaturized 0.5 mm diameter endoscope in which the objective lens is replaced by an optical diffuser. The intensity information of the object space is scattered and passed to a camera via a coherent fibre bundle. The image is reconstructed by a neural network. The field of view and resolution depend on the object distance. 3D-single-shot imaging up to video rate can be enabled. The approach shows great potential for applications like robust 3D fluorescence imaging.