Apparatus for restoring the light transmittance of an image-transmitting optical fiber bundle used in fiberoptic endoscope

摘要

When a fiberoptic endoscope is exposed to X-ray or y-ray irradiation, the fiber bundle becomes discolored and there is thus a reduction in light transmittance. This makes observation or examination difficult or impossible. The irradiation-induced reduction in light transmittance of the image-transmitting fiber bundle is restored by visible light radiation. The image-transmitting fiber bundle at either end is exposed to visible light radiation which is conducted from a light source by a light transmitting means using an attachment which is fitted when restoration is required.