Increasing the imaging capabilities of multimode fibers by exploiting the properties of highly scattering media

We present a design that exploits the focusing properties of scattering media to increase the resolution and the working distance of multimode fiber (MMF)-based imaging devices. Placing a highly scattering medium in front of the distal tip of the MMF enables the formation of smaller sized foci at increased working distances away from the fiber tip. We perform a parametric study of the effect of the working distance and the separation between the fiber and the scattering medium on the focus size. We experimentally demonstrate submicrometer focused spots as far away as 800 mu m with 532 nm light. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America