Coded Aperture Light Detection for OCT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems face challenges in obtaining high-quality images due to the need for expensive detectors and inefficient light detection methods, which limit the quality and cost-effectiveness of light detection from internal structures within objects.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method involve modulating an input beam of light using a coded aperture, dispersing the modulated beam, and detecting it with a low-cost sensor, such as a charge-coupled device, to convert the light into an electrical output signal, enabling compressed sampling and efficient detection of light from OCT arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive detectors are used to obtain high-quality images in OCT systems, then image quality is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized detectors with low-cost, commercially available sensors such as CMOS or CCD cameras. These inexpensive detectors capture the dispersed light spectrum, and through computational processing, high-quality OCT images are reconstructed without requiring costly specialized detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the detection approach by changing from direct spatial detection to spectral detection. The light is dispersed into its spectrum before detection, and computational algorithms process the spectral data to reconstruct images. This parameter change in the detection domain enables the use of cheaper sensors while maintaining or improving image quality.
2Productivity
If traditional light detection methods are used in OCT arrangements, then detection simplicity is maintained, but detection efficiency and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dispersing element (prism or grating) as an intermediary between the light source and detector. This intermediary disperses the broadband light into its spectral components, enabling the detector to capture wavelength-specific information. This intermediate spectral decomposition step dramatically improves detection efficiency and enables depth-resolved imaging through computational processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spectral dimension to the detection process. Instead of detecting light intensity only in the spatial domain, the system detects light in both spatial and spectral domains. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous capture of multiple depth information through a single detector array, significantly improving detection efficiency.
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
This approach allows for high-quality imaging by converting three-dimensional signals into two-dimensional signals, enabling efficient detection of different wavelengths and depths within objects, thereby improving image quality and reducing detection costs.
Implementation Method 1
means for modulating an input beam of light wherein the input beam of light is obtained from an optical coherence tomography arrangement
Implementation Method 2
means for dispersing the modulated beam of light
Implementation Method 3
means for detecting the dispersed beam of light and converting the detected beam of light into an electrical output signal
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are an apparatus, system, and method for detecting light. An apparatus can include means for modulating an input beam of light wherein the input beam of light is obtained from an optical coherence tomography arrangement; means for dispersing the modulated beam of light; and means for detecting the dispersed beam of light and converting the detected beam of light into an electrical output signal. An apparatus can include a modulator configured to spatially modulate light; a dispersing element configured to disperse modulated light, and a detector configured to detect dispersed light and convert the detected light into electrical output signals. A method can include spatially modulating a beam of light, dispersing the modulated beam of light, detecting the dispersed beam of light, converting the detecting beam of light into electrical output signals, and providing a three-dimensional image of at least a part of an object.