METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RESTORING THE LIGHT TRANSMITTANCE OF AN IMAGE TRANSMITTING OPTICAL FIBER BUNDLE USED IN A FIBEROPTIC ENDOSCOPE

摘要

Exposure of a fiberoptic endoscope X-ray or gamma -ray irradiation causes discoloration of fiber bundle with a reduction in light transmittance and makes observation or examination difficult. According to the invention the irradiation-induced reduction in light transmittance of the image transmitting fiber bundle 52 is eliminated by visible light radiation thereto through its end using a light source 64 attachable to the exit end of the endoscope. Visible light radiation having short wavelength causes the transmittance to recover to that before irradiation in a short period of time.