Working channels are used in borescopes and fiberscopes to pass working

devices to the distal tip. Working channels are presently used to pass measuring
instruments, retrieval devices, and hooks for aiding the insertion of thin, flexible
fiberscopes. Working channels are used in flexible fiberscopes with diameters as
small as 2.7 mm (0.106 in.). Working channels are also under consideration for the
application and removal of dye penetrants and for the passage of wires and sensors in
eddy current measurements.

Selection

Flexible and rigid borescopes are available in a wide variety of standard and
customized designs, and several factors can influence the selection of a scope for a
particular application. These factors include focusing, illumination, magnification,
working length, direction of view, and environment.
Fig. 8 View through a
measuring fiberscope with Focusing and Resolution. If portions of long objects are at different planes, the
reticles for 20° and 40° field-
scope must have sufficient focus adjustment to achieve an adequate depth of field. If
of-view lenses. Courtesy of
Olympus Corporation
the scope has a fixed focal length, the object will be in focus only at a specific lens-
to-object distance.

To allow the observation of surface detail at a desired size, the optical system of a borescope must also provide adequate
resolution and image contrast. If resolution is adequate but contrast is lacking, detail cannot be observed.

In general, the optical quality of a rigid borescope improves as the size of the lens increases; consequently, a borescope
with the largest possible diameter should be used. For fiberscopes, the resolution is dependent on the accuracy of
alignment and the diameter of the fibers in the image bundle. Smaller-diameter fibers provide more resolution and edge
contrast (Fig. 4), when combined with good geometrical alignment of the fibers. Typical resolutions of videoscopes are
given in Fig. 6.

Illumination. The required intensity of the light source is determined by the reflectivity of the surface, the area of
surface to be illuminated, and the transmission losses over the length of the scope. At working lengths greater than 6 m
(20 ft), rigid borescopes with a lamp at the distal end provide the greatest amount of illumination over the widest area.
However, the heat generated by the light source may deform rubber or plastic materials. Fiber-optic illumination in scopes
with working lengths less than 6 m (20 ft) is always brighter and is suitable for heat-sensitive applications because filters
can remove infrared frequencies. Because the amount of illumination depends on the diameter of the light guide bundle, it
is desirable to use the largest diameter possible.

Magnification and field of view are interrelated; as magnification is increased, the field of view is reduced. The
precise relationship between magnification and field of view is specified by the manufacturer.

The degree of magnification in a particular application is determined by the field of view and the distance from the
objective lens to the object. Specifically, the magnification increases when either the field of view or the lens-to-object
distance decreases.

Working Length. In addition to the obvious need for a scope of sufficient length, the working length can sometimes
dictate the use of a particular type of scope. For example, a rigid borescope with a long working length may be limited by
the need for additional supports. In general, videoscopes allow a longer working length than fiberscopes.

Direction of View. The selection of a viewing direction is influenced by the location of the access port in relation to the
object to be observed. The following sections describe some criteria for choosing the direction of view shown in Fig. 2.
Flexible fiberscopes or videoscopes, because of their articulating tip, are often adequate with either a side or forward
viewing tip.

Circumferential or panoramic heads are designed for the inspection of tubing or other cylindrical structures. A centrally
located mirror permits right-angle viewing of an area just scanned by the panoramic view.

The forward viewing head permits the inspection of the area directly ahead of the viewing head. It is commonly used
when examining facing walls or the bottoms of blind holes and cavities.