Focusing and Scanning through Flexible Multimode Fibers without Access to the Distal End

Abstract

Multimode fibers (MMFs) are attractive ultra-thin replacements for state-of-the-art endoscopes, but the phase randomization in propagation through MMFs poses a major hurdle for imaging and focusing of light. Recently, this challenge has been addressed by pre-measuring the compensation for the fiber's complex input-output modes relations. Unfortunately, the sensitivity of this approach to fiber bending and temperature variations renders it inappropriate for many applications. Here, we demonstrate a truly endoscopic robust method for controlled in-situ focusing and scanning through a flexible uncharacterized MMF, whereby all the instrumentation is situated at the proximal end. We show that in graded-index (GRIN) fibers, light patterns at the proximal end allow retrieving information about the distal light distribution. We utilize these properties and two-photon fluorescence for robust controlled focusing through bended GRIN fibers. Our results carry potential for lensless two-photon micro-endoscopy.