FDOCT System Rapid Mode Switching for Extended Ocular Imaging Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequency domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) systems face limitations in imaging depth and sensitivity due to complex conjugate artifacts and sensitivity falloff, which restrict their application in ophthalmology, particularly in imaging deeper ocular structures without confounding mirror image artifacts or signal degradation.
Innovation Solution
The system rapidly switches between scanning modes to adjust focal optics and reference delays, incorporating techniques like phase modulation and comb filters to enhance imaging depth and reduce artifacts, allowing for deeper and more comprehensive ocular imaging without the need for external adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If FDOCT systems use standard imaging depth settings, then imaging speed and resolution are maintained, but imaging depth is limited due to complex conjugate artifacts and sensitivity falloff
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different scanning modes (anterior segment mode and retinal mode) and adjusts reference delays in real-time. The focal optics are rapidly switched between modes in less than 1.0 second, and the reference arm is configured to adapt to the focal optics of at least two scanning modes, enabling the system to overcome the static limitations of standard FDOCT imaging depth settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging process is divided into distinct scanning modes: anterior segment scanning mode for imaging structures like the cornea and lens, and retinal scanning mode for imaging the retina. Each mode has optimized reference delays and focal optics configurations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve extended imaging depth by treating different ocular regions with mode-specific parameters, thereby reducing complex conjugate artifacts in each segment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system switches between multiple scanning modes, then comprehensive ocular imaging is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference arm is designed with multi-functionality to adapt to focal optics of at least two scanning modes. A single reference arm configuration can serve both anterior segment and retinal imaging modes by rapidly adjusting reference delays, eliminating the need for separate reference arms for each mode. This universal design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with rapid electronic control of focal optics switching. The focal optics are switched between scanning modes in less than 1.0 second using electronically controlled mechanisms rather than complex mechanical adapters, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining mode-switching capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external adapters are used to switch scanning modes, then mode switching is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically switching between scanning modes based on the imaging target. The control system automatically selects the appropriate scanning mode (anterior segment or retinal) and adjusts reference delays without requiring manual intervention or external adapters. This automated mode switching significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining full adaptability.
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 extended depth imaging, quadrupling the available imaging depth while maintaining axial resolution, facilitating comprehensive volumetric imaging of the entire eye and improving diagnostic capabilities in ophthalmology by reducing complex conjugate artifacts and sensitivity falloff.
Implementation Method 1
The longitudinal ranging capability of OCT is generally based on low-coherence interferometry, in which light from a broadband source is split between illuminating the sample of interest and a reference path. The interference pattern of light reflected or backscattered from the sample and light from the reference delay contains information about the location and scattering amplitude of the scatterers in the sample.
Implementation Method 2
incorporating techniques like phase modulation and comb filters to enhance imaging depth and reduce artifacts
Data Source
AI summary
Optical coherence tomography systems for imaging a whole eye are provided including a sample arm including focal optics that are configured to rapidly switch between at least two scanning modes in less than about 1.0 second.