ABSTRACT
Spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) is an ultra-miniature endoscopy technology that encodes each spatial location on the sample with a different wavelength. One challenge in SEE is achieving color imaging with a small probe. We present a novel SEE probe that is capable of conducting real-time RGB imaging using three diffraction orders (6th order diffraction of the blue spectrum, 5th of green, and 4th of red). The probe was comprised of rotating 0.5 mm-diameter illumination optics inside a static, 1.2 mm-diameter flexible sheath with a rigid distal length of 5 mm containing detection fibers. A color chart, resolution target, and swine tissue were imaged. The device achieved 44k/59k/23k effective pixels per R/G/B channels over a 58° angular field and differentiated a wide gamut of colors.
ABSTRACT
In this work, we report on the development of slit-surface electrospinning--a process that co-localizes two solutions along a slit surface to spontaneously emit multiple core-sheath cone-jets at rates of up to 1 L/h. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that production of electrospun core-sheath fibers has been scaled to this magnitude. Fibers produced in this study were defect-free (i.e. non-beaded) and core-sheath geometry was visually confirmed under scanning electron microscopy. The versatility of our system was demonstrated by fabrication of (1) fibers encapsulating a drug, (2) bicomponent fibers, (3) hollow fibers, and (4) fibers from a polymer that is not normally electrospinnable. Additionally, we demonstrate control of the process by modulating parameters such as flow rate, solution viscosity, and fixture design. The technological achievements demonstrated in this work significantly advance core-sheath electrospinning towards commercial and manufacturing viability.
