Dispersive Laser Cavity for Rapid OCT Wavelength Sweeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems with wavelength-tunable laser sources are limited by mechanical actuation, which restricts the rate at which the output wavelength can change, hindering rapid wavelength variation.
Innovation Solution
The use of chromatically dispersive elements and arrangements that do not require mechanical actuation, enabling the creation of optical sources with rapidly varying wavelengths by utilizing elements such as optical fibers, dispersion-compensating fibers, and photonic crystal fibers to propagate different wavelengths at distinct times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical actuation is used to change spectral filter or cavity length, then wavelength selection is achieved, but the rate of wavelength change is limited by mechanical forces such as inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuation systems with an optical-based solution using a 4f optical system. The spectral filter is moved in optical space rather than physical space, eliminating mechanical inertia and enabling rapid wavelength changes without mechanical moving parts. This substitution of mechanical system with optical system directly resolves the contradiction between speed of wavelength change and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spectral filter is mechanically actuated to vary spectral filtering properties, then wavelength-tunable output is achieved, but the rate of change is limited by mechanical forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a 4f optical system to move the spectral filter in optical space rather than physical space. This eliminates mechanical constraints and enables rapid wavelength tuning while maintaining full wavelength adaptability. The optical transformation allows the system to achieve both wavelength tunability and high-speed variation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the problem from one-dimensional mechanical movement to two-dimensional optical space manipulation. By using the 4f optical system, the filter position is controlled through optical paths rather than direct mechanical displacement, adding the dimension of optical space to resolve the contradiction between adaptability and speed.
3Measurement precision
If cavity length is modulated mechanically to affect output wavelength, then wavelength control is achieved, but the speed is limited by mechanical actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cavity length modulation with optical path length modulation using a 4f system. The spectral filter position is adjusted through optical transformation rather than mechanical movement, maintaining precise wavelength control while eliminating mechanical speed limitations. This substitution enables both precision and high-speed wavelength modulation.
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 the generation of rapidly changing wavelength sources, enhancing the capability of OCT systems to produce high-resolution images with improved speed and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A source arrangement for use in an optical coherence tomography system can include a laser cavity that can provide an output that varies in wavelength over time. The source arrangement can include a chromatically dispersive element that can provide different propagation times for different wavelengths.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus can be provided which can include a laser arrangement which can be configured to provide a laser radiation, and can include an optical cavity. The optical cavity can include a dispersive optical first arrangement which can be configured to receive and disperse at least one first electro-magnetic radiation so as to provide at least one second electro-magnetic radiation. Such cavity can also include an active optical modulator second arrangement which can be configured to receive and modulate the at least one second radiation so as to provide at least one third electro-magnetic radiation. The optical cavity can further include a dispersive optical third arrangement which can be configured to receive and disperse at least one third electro-magnetic radiation so as to provide at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation. For example, actions by the first, second and third arrangements can cause a spectral filtering of the fourth electro-magnetic radiation(s) relative to the first electro-magnetic radiation(s). The laser radiation can be associated with the fourth radiation(s), and a wavelength of the laser radiation can be controlled by the spectral filtering caused by the actions by the first, second and third arrangements.