Confocal MEMS Scanning for Clear Ophthalmic Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic visualization systems face challenges such as reflections from the cornea and lens, scattered light from conditions like cataracts and intraocular lenses, and ocular conditions that hinder accurate visualization of the eye's anatomy.
Innovation Solution
An automated visualization system using a narrow bandwidth light source and MEMS-based confocal spot scanning, combined with a 4F correlator optical system and avalanche photodiode detector, to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and reduce scattered light, providing clearer and more accurate views of the eye's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional broad-spectrum light sources are used in ophthalmic visualization systems, then sufficient illumination is achieved, but scattered light and reflections from cornea, lens, and ocular media increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from broad-spectrum light sources to narrow bandwidth laser light sources. This fundamental parameter change in the illumination source eliminates scattered light and reflections while maintaining sufficient illumination intensity for retinal visualization, directly resolving the technical contradiction between adequate lighting and harmful scattered light.
2Measurement precision
If confocal spot scanning with narrow bandwidth light source is implemented, then signal-to-noise ratio increases by 15 dB or more, but device complexity increases due to MEMS scanner and 4F correlator optical system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical scanning systems with a MEMS-based confocal spot scanning system. This substitution achieves high signal-to-noise ratio (15 dB or more improvement) while using micro-electromechanical systems instead of larger, more complex mechanical optical components, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
3Loss of information
If analog slit lamp biomicroscopes or indirect ophthalmoscopes are used, then visualization of retinal anatomy is achieved, but reflections from intraocular lenses, cataracts, and posterior capsule opacification hinder accurate visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of reflections and scattered light from intraocular lenses, cataracts, and ocular media into a beneficial confocal signal. By using narrow bandwidth laser light with confocal spot scanning, the system eliminates these harmful reflections while maintaining visualization capability, thereby improving visualization accuracy and eliminating the information loss caused by traditional broad-spectrum lighting.
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
The system improves visualization by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio by about 15 decibels, eliminating reflections, and offering improved spatial awareness and clarity of the eye's anatomy, particularly in the presence of conditions like cataracts and intraocular lenses.
Implementation Method 1
The laser module outputs a primary laser beam along a beam axis
Implementation Method 2
The MEMS scanner for its part is arranged on the beam axis and configured, in response to the first beam portion of the primary laser beam, to output a scanning laser toward the eye along a visualization path
Implementation Method 3
The APD detector receives the second beam portion of the primary laser beam
Implementation Method 4
a 4F correlator optical system having a spatial filter arranged along the visualization path
Data Source
AI summary
A visualization system for dynamically visualizing an eye includes a laser module operable for outputting a primary laser beam along a beam axis, a beam splitter positioned in the beam axis and configured to direct a first beam portion along the beam axis and a second beam portion along a detection axis that is orthogonal to the beam axis. A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanner is arranged on the beam axis and configured, in response to the first beam portion, to output a scanning laser along a visualization path. An avalanche photodiode (APD) detector receives the second beam portion. A 4F correlator optical system has a spatial filter arranged along the visualization path. An optional optical flat may be disposed between the eye and the 4F correlator optical system to achieve stereo parallax.