Grooved optical transmission channel

摘要

An optical transmission channel for use in such optical devices as a fiberscope or an optical fiber sensor. The optical transmission channel is formed of an optically transmissive material and extends longitudinally with a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface. At least one groove extends parallel to the axis of the channel in the periheral surface and provides an efficient space for receiving another optically transmissive member. In a preferred embodiment, a fiberscope includes a grooved illuminating light transmission channel having an image fiber mounted in one groove and a tube mounted in the other, the tube being provided to carry air between a balloon member at one end and a syringe at the other for contracting and expanding the balloon. By providing the tube and image fiber in grooves in the illuminating light transmission channel, the required cross-sectional area for these elements may be minimized.