Double Path Interferometer for Single-Shot 3D OCT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems face challenges in obtaining high-quality images due to limitations in detecting light from internal structures, particularly in providing three-dimensional imaging without the need for spatial or spectral scanning.
Innovation Solution
The use of a double path interferometer with a spatially coded aperture and a prism for modulating and dispersing light, allowing for compressed sampling and simultaneous detection of different wavelengths, enabling a low-cost detector to produce a three-dimensional image in a single shot without scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spatial or spectral scanning is used in existing OCT systems, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to the need for sequential scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms spectral information (wavelength domain) into spatial information (position domain) by dispersing different wavelengths to different spatial locations using a diffraction grating. This allows simultaneous detection of all spectral components across the field of view, eliminating the need for sequential spectral scanning while preserving full spectral resolution for high-quality imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical scanning system (moving mirrors or acousto-optic modulators used in traditional spectral-domain OCT) with a static optical dispersion system. The diffraction grating passively separates wavelengths spatially without requiring any moving parts, thereby achieving high-speed imaging while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If conventional light detection methods are used in OCT, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture full spectral information simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to spectral detection by using a diffraction grating to disperse light such that different wavelengths arrive at different spatial positions on the detector. This allows a single static detector array to capture complete spectral information for all spatial locations simultaneously, improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If spectral domain scanning is performed to obtain high-quality images, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to sequential wavelength detection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates temporal sequencing by transforming the spectral detection problem into a spatial arrangement problem. The diffraction grating creates a spatial map of wavelengths across the field of view, allowing all spectral information to be captured in a single shot, thereby reducing acquisition time while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves continuous spectral detection across the entire field of view simultaneously, rather than sequentially scanning through wavelengths. The dispersed light pattern allows all spectral components to be detected at once, eliminating dead time between measurements and enabling continuous high-quality imaging.
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 enables the production of high-quality three-dimensional images by converting spectral differences into spatial offsets, allowing for efficient detection and processing of OCT data, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing OCT systems.
Implementation Method 1
the phase plate is configured to convert light that has the first linear polarization and is travelling towards the object to an intermediate elliptical polarization and is configured to convert light that has the intermediate elliptical polarization and is travelling from the object to a linear polarization that has a linear polarization component that is orthogonal to the first linear polarization
Implementation Method 2
means for spatially modulating the beam of light to produce a modulated beam of light
Implementation Method 3
means for dispersing the modulated beam of light to produce a spatially modulated and dispersed beam of light
Implementation Method 4
means for superposing the sample path and reference path to create a beam of light for detection
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: a double path interferometer comprising a sample path for an object and a reference path; a source of linearly polarized light for the double path interferometer, a phase plate positioned in the sample path; means for superposing the sample path and reference path to create a beam of light for detection; means for spatially modulating the beam of light to produce a modulated beam of light; means for dispersing the modulated beam of light to produce a spatially modulated and dispersed beam of light; a first detector; a second detector, and means for splitting the spatially modulated and dispersed beam of light, wherein light of a first linear polarization is directed to the first detector and light of a second linear polarization, orthogonal to the first linear polarization, is directed to the second detector.