Eye Fluorescence Lifetime Microscopy with OCT-Based Lens Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence lifetime microscopy techniques for the eye face challenges in obtaining high-quality data due to interference from structures like the lens, which complicates accurate measurement of structures such as the retina.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that corrects fluorescence lifetime data by estimating the lens's fluorescence contribution and using this estimate to improve the accuracy of measurements on structures like the retina, utilizing a combined OCT and fluorescence lifetime microscopy system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence measurements are performed on the retina, then retinal characterization is achieved, but lens fluorescence interferes with measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluorescence signal into two distinct components: lens fluorescence and retinal fluorescence. By performing separate measurements with the probe beam focused on the lens and on the retina, the total fluorescence signal is divided into I_lens and I_retina, allowing independent characterization and subsequent mathematical separation of their contributions to the raw measurement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mathematical model that relates the measured fluorescence intensities to the actual fluorophore concentrations and lifetimes. By using the measured lens fluorescence as an intermediate reference, the system can subtract or correct the lens contribution from the retinal measurement, effectively using the lens signal as a mediator to isolate the retinal signal.
2Manufacturing precision
If the probe beam is focused on the retina for high spatial resolution, then retinal imaging quality improves, but lens fluorescence contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the lens fluorescence signal before or during the retinal measurement process. By obtaining the lens fluorescence characteristics in advance (when the probe is focused on the lens), this information can be used to pre-correct or real-time correct the retinal measurements, removing the harmful lens contribution before final image reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the measured lens fluorescence signal is continuously used to correct the retinal fluorescence measurements. The corrected retinal signal is obtained by subtracting a scaled version of the lens fluorescence from the raw retinal measurement, creating a feedback loop that continuously removes lens interference based on actual measured conditions.
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
Enhances the spatial resolution and accuracy of fluorescence lifetime microscopy by accounting for the lens's influence, allowing for precise characterization of retinal structures.
Implementation Method 1
Sending, by means of a probe light source, a probe beam into the eye: This is the light beam that will give rise to the fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
Measuring, by means of a fluorescence detector, time-resolved 'raw fluorescence data' returning from the eye
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A device for carrying out fluorescence lifetime microscopy of an eye comprises a probe light source (42) for sending a probe beam (44) into the eye as well as a fluorescence detector (48) for measuring time-resolved fluorescence data using fluorescent light returning from the eye. The device further comprises an interferometer (8) for sending a measurement beam (28) into the eye and carrying out optical coherence tomography on light reflected from structures within the eye. A beam splitter (46) is provided to collinearly combine the probe beam (44) and a measurement beam (28). This device can be used to combine OCT and fluorescence lifetime data for obtaining more descriptive results. The device is also equipped for correcting fluorescence lifetime data of a first structure of the eye by compensating for fluorescence contributions from a second structure of the eye.