Development of tunable miniature piezoelectric-based scanners validated by the combination of two scanners in a direct image relay technique.

Miniature piezoelectric actuators are commonly used as a compact means to relay images for numerous endoscopic applications. These scanners normally consist of an electrically driven lead zirconate titanate (PZT) tube that oscillates an optical fiber at its resonant frequency. The diameter and length of the PZT and fiber, the attachment of the fiber to the PZT, as well as the driving signal determine the main characteristics of the scan-frequency and amplitude of vibration. We present a new, robust, and repeatable method for producing miniature PZT actuators. The described technology allows for continuous tuning of the scanner mechanical properties during the assembly stage, enabling adjustment of resonant frequency and subsequent amplitude of vibration without a priori knowledge of the fiber's mechanical properties. The method consists of manufacturing high-precision fiber-holding plastic inserts with diamond turning lathes that allow for the fiber length to be quickly varied and locked during operation in order to meet the preferred performance. This concept of tuned PZTs was demonstrated with an imaging technique that combined two scanners oscillating in unison at the ends of a single optical fiber to relay images without the need to correlate the driving signal with a detector.