Endoscopes are instruments to visualize the inner surfaces of a hollow object via a small entrance hole. The objects can be the human body, animal body or mechanical bodies. Therefore, the markets are divided in medical, veterinary and industrial endoscopes.

The type of endoscope depends on the focus of the examination through natural and artificial openings. Medical endoscopes are divided into categories such as gastro-intestinal instruments (Gastroscope; colonoscope; sigmoidoscope), airway instruments (bronchoscope; nasopharyngoscope), urological instruments and miscellaneous instruments. Veterinary instruments accomplish similar tasks.

Industrial endoscopes are used for machine inspection in the market areas of aviation (e.g. turbines), law enforcement (e.g. customs) and machinery and equipment inspection.

The state of the art imaging transfer method is video technology. A lens system with video chip is positioned in the distal (looking at the object to examination) side of the endoscope and transfers an electrical signal to the video processor and monitor.

An alternative technology for image transfer is via an ordered array of glass fibers from the distal (looking at the object to examination) side of the endoscope. This has advantages in applications such as electromagnetic and temperature neutral imaging devices.

SCHOTT Fiber Optics (SFO) is an independent producer of image bundles , which provides product to several endoscope producers or endoscope repair stations. SFO supplies image bundles within its capabilities to customers worldwide.