Re: re: fiber pinhole

Mike Vande Bunt wrote:
>
> If the effect were totally random, fibers would
> not be able to transmit an image even with a lens system. Since
> they clearly can, I believe that the image transmitted by a single
> fiber is coherent enough to form a pinhole style image...
>

Mike,
I think you're jumping to conclusions when you say that single fibers
are capable of transmitting a coherent image. It's my impression that
flexible fiberoptic laparoscopes rely on aligned arrays of fibers to
transmit images formed by a lens system in a "one-strand-per-image
point" fashion, much like the previously mentioned 35mm Polaroid backs.
As far as I can tell, this (and not image amplification) is the reason
for the use of multiple strands in these instruments.
On a side note, I've seen illustrations of light paths through optical
fibers, in which a light ray skims the interior surface of the fiber in
a helical fashion, continuously changing its radial angle. In fact, it
seems to me that very few light rays would reflect directly thorough the
centerline of the fiber (therefore preserving their radial angle), and
even that's assuming that the fiber would lie precisely in a straight line.
Mind you, I'm not making this argument to discourage anyone from
experimenting. I just don't see anything wrong with discussing the
theory before somebody does actually come up with empirical proof either
way.
Simon
Received on Thu Apr 12 04:45:36 2001