What are Fiber Scopes?

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Fiber scopes are flexible equipment used to see in tight spaces. Invented in the 1950s by Brian O’Brien and Narinder Kapany, they were initially used to view components in nuclear reactors and jet engines. Later, Dr. Basil Hirschowitz used fiber telescope technology to create the endoscope, which is now commonly used in medical procedures. Fiber scopes are used in various fields, including hospitals, forensic labs, computer repair companies, and locksmith businesses. As technology advances, fiber scopes are increasingly used in the medical field to view internal organs and save lives.

Fiber scopes are equipment that allows the user to see in confined spaces. Typically, fiber scopes contain a long, narrow bundle of extremely flexible fiber-optic cables that allow them to fit into an aperture just a quarter inch (6.4 mm) in diameter. At the beginning of these threads is a single eyepiece, much like one found on a microscope. The end of the fiber optic strands is usually tied with a metal strip to prevent the strands from coming loose.

Brian O’Brien and Narinder Kapany invented fiber scopes in the 1950s. O’Brien worked for the American Optical Company, while Kapany worked closely with colleagues at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London. Using their knowledge of fiber optics, they have created a way to use the technology to see in tight spaces.

In the original fiber scopes, the fiber optic strands were individually sheathed to ensure that no light leaked. The image to be viewed was placed at one end viewed in its magnified form at the other end through a wide angle lens on the eyepiece. These original fiber scopes allowed workers to safely view components inside nuclear reactors and jet engines.

In 1960, Dr. Basil Hirschowitz used fiber telescope technology to create the endoscope. He demonstrated how this useful instrument could be gently slid down the throat and used to examine internal organs. The first evidence of him was on himself. Once this proved effective, endoscopes were used frequently on patients.

Today, fiber scopes have a number of uses, ranging from machinery to human bodies. They are easily found in hospitals, forensic labs, computer repair companies, computer labs, and even locksmith businesses. Fiber scopes can be used to help break safes, to view within confined areas on machinery, and to assist with some medical procedures.

As technology advances, the uses for fiber scopes increase, particularly in the medial field. Instead of having to cut into a person, tiny incisions can be made for the surgeon to view a person’s internal organs, blood vessels, veins, and more. This progress saves thousands of lives every year.




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