Compact Optical Relay for Ophthalmic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems, particularly in ophthalmic imaging using OCT, face challenges with motion artifacts and limited mechanical range, making it difficult to visualize peripheral retinal structures, especially in uncooperative or pediatric patients, and require compact imaging relays that maintain access to the intermediate Fourier plane.
Innovation Solution
An optical relay system comprising a first scan mirror, a telecentric mirror, and a second scan mirror, with a lens system disposed between the telecentric mirror and the scan mirrors, allowing the intermediate optical beams to pass through, forming a compact and efficient configuration that balances aberrations and maintains access to the intermediate Fourier plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single lens imaging relay is used to minimize system length, then the overall length is reduced, but access to the intermediate Fourier plane is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging relay into multiple optical components (first lens, second lens, and mirror) rather than using a single lens. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a compact form factor while preserving the intermediate Fourier plane for access by additional optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror to fold the optical path, effectively using spatial dimensionality to reduce the physical length of the system while maintaining the functional requirements of the imaging relay and preserving access to the Fourier plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a 4-f imaging relay is used to maintain access to the intermediate Fourier plane, then access to Fourier plane is preserved, but the system length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 4-f relay into two separate lenses with a mirror positioned between them, allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining the overall functionality and reducing total system length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a mirror that can be positioned at different locations along the optical path, providing flexibility in system configuration and allowing optimization of both length and Fourier plane access.
3Manufacturing precision
If a 4-f imaging relay is used to achieve desired magnification, then magnification is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and longer
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the relay into two lenses and a mirror, the patent reduces the complexity of each individual component while maintaining the overall magnification precision through careful design of the segmented system.
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 configuration minimizes the overall length and complexity of the optical system, reduces motion artifacts, and enables accurate quantitative imaging by achieving diffraction-limited performance and improved resolution, especially in handheld imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first scan mirror configured to receive an input optical beam, and to reflect the input optical beam as a first intermediate optical beam; a telecentric mirror configured to receive the first intermediate optical beam, and to reflect the first intermediate optical beam as a second intermediate optical beam; a second scan mirror configured to receive the second intermediate optical beam, and to reflect the second intermediate optical beam as an output optical beam
Implementation Method 2
a lens system disposed between the telecentric mirror and the first and second scan mirrors, such that the first intermediate optical beam and the second intermediate optical beam pass through the lens system
Data Source
AI summary
An optical relay comprises a first scan mirror configured to receive an input optical beam, and to reflect the input optical beam as a first intermediate optical beam; a telecentric mirror configured to receive the first intermediate optical beam, and to reflect the first intermediate optical beam as a second intermediate optical beam; a second scan mirror configured to receive the second intermediate optical beam, and to reflect the second intermediate optical beam as an output optical beam; and a lens system disposed between the telecentric mirror and the first and second scan mirrors, such that the first intermediate optical beam and the second intermediate optical beam pass through the lens system. The optical relay may be a component of an optical system which further includes an optical engine.