What types of micro-probes are available

Micro-probes are primarily categorized into four major groups: medical, industrial, scientific research, and environmental monitoring. Each category encompasses various technical sub-divisions.

I. Types of Micro-probes Classified by Application Field

1. Medical Diagnostic Probes

Used for internal human imaging and physiological parameter monitoring, emphasizing biocompatibility and high resolution.

Endoscopic Ultrasound Probes (EUS)

With a diameter of only 1.7–3.4 mm and an operating frequency of 7.5–30 MHz, these probes enable 360° scanning and imaging of the digestive tract and adjacent organs.

Intravascular Ultrasound Probes (IVUS)

With diameters as small as 1 mm, these probes are introduced into coronary arteries via a catheter to assist in assessing plaque characteristics and the degree of stenosis.

Three-Photon Microscopy Probes (SUPERNOVA-3000)

Weighing only 2.2 g, these probes are designed specifically for *in vivo* neuroscience research on small animals; they offer an imaging depth of up to 1.2 mm, allowing for deep-tissue observation of the hippocampus by penetrating the corpus callosum.

2. Industrial Inspection Probes

Used for examining the internal structures of equipment, identifying material defects, and similar tasks, emphasizing durability and environmental adaptability.

Industrial Endoscope Probes

Ranging in diameter from 1.2 to 6 mm, these probes feature wide-angle or 360° fields of view, making them suitable for inspections within confined spaces such as engines and pipelines.

Embedded Electrode-Type Detectors

Approximately 10 mm in diameter, these detectors are embedded in concrete to monitor the corrosion status of steel reinforcement bars, enabling long-term structural health monitoring by measuring natural potential and polarization resistance.

Fiber-Optic Micro-Detectors

With a thickness equivalent to just one-thousandth of a human hair, these detectors can be used for cell-level chemical analysis, such as measuring blood glucose levels or pH values.

3. Specialized Scientific Research Probes

Designed for extreme physics experiments and cutting-edge scientific exploration, prioritizing ultra-high sensitivity and miniaturization.

Neutrino Detectors

Utilizing pure germanium modules and coherent scattering technology, these detectors record neutrino collision events within nuclear reactor environments, serving as specialized instrumentation for extreme physics experiments. MEMS Piezoelectric Probes

With dimensions smaller than 1 mm³, these probes are integrated into microfluidic chips for the high-precision detection of acoustic pressure or vibration signals.

4. Environmental and Gas Monitoring Probes

Used for the real-time sensing of environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and gas concentration.

Michell Instruments (UK) Miniature Humidity Probe: PCMINI52-X-4-H-X-CA-F03

Features a humidity accuracy of ±0.8% RH, a temperature measurement range of -40 to 125°C, digital output capabilities, and an IP65/IP67 ingress protection rating.

Wireless Pinhole Camera Probes

Capable of transmitting signals over distances of up to several tens of meters, these probes are commonly used for covert surveillance; their internal components include a lens, an image sensor, and a wireless transmission module.

II. Common Probe Types Classified by Technical Principle

Development Trends: Miniature probes are evolving toward smaller form factors, higher levels of integration, and intelligent self-diagnostic capabilities. For instance, the 1 mm-diameter intravascular ultrasound probe developed by the Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology (CAS) integrates a seven-layer precision structure to achieve 360-degree high-definition imaging.