Nowadays, modern endoscopes are often equipped with high-quality miniature cameras that have a built-in micro lens for imaging purposes. A micro lens of spherical or aspheric shape, as part of the optical system, allows the visual representation of the tissue structure to be examined in real time. As precision optics, the micro lens meets the highest requirements for the best possible imaging quality and the lowest possible roughness.
In addition to a high-resolution micro lens and various miniature devices for surgical procedures, an endoscope consists of an integrated illumination system. Prisms with special coatings are required to ensure loss-free transmission of the incoming light from the lighting system. Machine inspections or surgical procedures can thus be optimally illuminated and displayed on the examiner's monitor. The following graphic shows the general structure of an endoscope.