CARS-OCT Imaging Device with Shared Optical Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in simultaneously capturing molecule distribution images and tomographic images of test objects, particularly in early disease detection, where detailed spatial information is crucial for identifying functional changes before morphological alterations occur.

Innovation Solution

A test object visualizing device that combines a light irradiating unit generating variable pump and Stokes light on the same optical path, a molecule distribution image generating unit detecting anti-Stokes light, and a tomographic image generating unit detecting reflected light, allowing for simultaneous capture of molecule distribution and tomographic images, with the option to enhance image resolution by merging data at zero wavelength difference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pump light and Stokes light are generated on different optical paths, then the device structure is more flexible for optical path adjustment, but the device size increases and structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical path adjustment flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the generation of pump light and Stokes light onto the same optical path. The light source unit generates both lights on a single optical path, eliminating the need for separate optical paths and their associated adjustment mechanisms. This reduces device complexity while maintaining operational flexibility through wavelength control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single optical path is designed to handle multiple functions: generating both pump light and Stokes light, and enabling both CARS imaging and OCT imaging through wavelength modulation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated paths for each imaging mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate optical paths are used for pump light and Stokes light, then optical path length adjustment is possible, but mirror and adjustment space are required increasing device size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical path length adjustmentVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the optical paths for pump light and Stokes light into a single shared path. This eliminates the need for separate mirrors and adjustment spaces, significantly reducing device size while maintaining the capability for optical path length adjustment through a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate optical paths are used for CARS and OCT imaging, then each imaging mode can be optimized independently, but the device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging mode optimizationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal optical path that supports both CARS and OCT imaging modes. By using a single optical path with wavelength-modulatable light sources, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated paths for each imaging mode, thereby reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic wavelength modulation of the light sources to switch between CARS and OCT imaging modes. This dynamic control allows independent optimization of each imaging mode through software control of light source parameters without requiring separate physical optical paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the downsizing of the device, facilitates three-dimensional imaging, and increases tomographic image resolution, enabling early disease detection by providing detailed spatial information of molecule distribution and morphological changes.

Implementation Method 1

the molecule distribution imaging techniques utilizing CARS (Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering) are being studied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS):

Implementation Method 2

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) has been developing as a noninvasive living body morphological imaging technique

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical Coherence Tomography (OCT):

Data Source

PatentUS10809200B2Test object visualizing device

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 SAITAMA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Provided is a test object visualizing device, including: light irradiating unit configured to make wavelength of at least any one of pump light and Stokes light generated on the same optical path variable per test position of test object, and irradiate test object with pump light and Stokes light; molecule distribution image generating unit configured to detect anti-Stokes light emitted from test object according to wavelength difference between pump light and Stokes light, and generate a molecule distribution image based on anti-Stokes light; tomographic image generating unit configured to detect at least any one of reflected light from test object when irradiated with pump light and reflected light from test object when irradiated with Stokes light, and generate a tomographic image of test object based on the reflected light detected; and image display unit configured to display at least any one of molecule distribution image and tomographic image generated.