Common Optical Path OCDR System for Phase Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence domain reflectometry (OCDR) systems face challenges in maintaining stable relative phase between sample and reference light beams due to environmental fluctuations, leading to inaccuracies in phase-sensitive measurements such as refractive index and birefringence determination, and struggle with direct measurements of optical inhomogeneity and spectral characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a common optical path for both sample and reference light waves, eliminating the need for separate paths and reducing fluctuations, allows for stable phase measurements and direct acquisition of optical inhomogeneity and spectral absorbance features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate optical paths are used for sample and reference beams in OCDR systems, then the system can implement standard Michelson interferometer configuration, but environmental fluctuations cause unstable relative phase between beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sample and reference optical paths into a single common optical path, allowing both beams to propagate through the same waveguide. This eliminates the separate path configuration of traditional Michelson interferometers and ensures that both beams experience identical environmental conditions, thereby maintaining stable relative phase relationships despite environmental fluctuations.
2Device complexity
If separate optical paths are used for sample and reference beams, then standard interferometer design can be implemented, but measurement precision for phase-sensitive parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the sample and reference beams in a common optical path within a single waveguide, the patent eliminates differential environmental effects that plague separate-path interferometers. This merging approach ensures that both beams experience identical temperature, stress, and vibration conditions, thereby maintaining stable phase relationships and enabling precise measurement of phase-sensitive parameters such as refractive index and birefringence.
3Reliability
If common optical path is used for sample and reference beams, then phase stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated waveguide structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical separate-path interferometer structure with an integrated optical waveguide system. Instead of using separate physical paths with mechanical alignment components, the invention uses a single integrated waveguide that guides both sample and reference beams through the same physical medium, eliminating mechanical complexity while achieving superior phase stability.
4Device complexity
If separate optical paths are used, then optical component separation is simplified, but signal stability and noise reduction are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample and reference beams in a common optical path within a single waveguide, ensuring that both beams experience identical environmental conditions and propagation characteristics. This merging approach eliminates the signal instability and noise issues that arise from differential environmental effects in separate-path configurations, while the integrated waveguide structure provides inherent signal stabilization.
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 enhances signal stability, reduces noise, and enables accurate phase-sensitive measurements, improving the reliability and simplicity of OCDR systems while allowing for effective optical probing and treatment of lung cancer.
Implementation Method 1
the optical probe head directs a first portion of the light in the first propagation mode away from the sample without reaching the sample and directs a second portion of the light in the first propagation mode to reach the sample. The optical probe head receives the reflected light from the sample and directs the reflected light in the second propagation mode different from the first propagation mode
Implementation Method 2
A differential delay modulator varies a relative optical path length between the first propagation mode and the second propagation mode
Data Source
AI summary
Designs, implementations, and techniques for optically measuring a sample and integrated systems that provide CT-scan, optical probing and therapy by electromagnetic radiation treatment (e.g. laser, RF, or microwave). Light at different wavelength bands may be used to detect different absorption features in the sample. Multiple light sources may be used including tunable lasers.