Fiber-Optic Sensor Array for Compact Omnidirectional Acoustic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic imaging technologies face challenges in achieving a small form factor with high sensitivity for medical applications due to limitations in AEG transducers, such as piezoelectric materials, which result in low signal output and directional dependence, making it difficult to visualize and track objects accurately, especially in procedures requiring a compact design.
Innovation Solution
The use of fiber optical sensors with optical waveguides and acoustic energy generating transducers, including optical resonators and interferometers, to detect acoustic signals and provide high sensitivity and broad bandwidth, allowing for compact and multi-dimensional sensing of physical parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If AEG transducers (piezoelectric materials) are used for acoustic imaging, then acoustic signal generation is achieved, but signal output is low and form factor is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional piezoelectric AEG transducers with optical fiber-based sensing systems that use optical waves instead of mechanical/electrical signals. The optical fiber sensors detect acoustic signals through optical modulation (e.g., Brillouin scattering, acoustic-optic interaction) without requiring piezoelectric materials, thereby eliminating the form factor and signal output limitations of conventional AEG transducers while maintaining acoustic imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from electrical/mechanical (piezoelectric) to optical. By using optical fibers with specific core/cladding refractive index differences and leveraging optical waveguide modes, the system achieves both compact form factor and high signal output through optical detection methods such as phase-shift detection and optical frequency modulation
2Measurement precision
If AEG transducers are used for acoustic imaging, then imaging capability is provided, but directional dependence limits visualization accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber sensor array provides omnidirectional acoustic signal detection capability, making the sensing system universal for signals from any direction. Multiple optical fibers arranged in an array can detect acoustic waves regardless of their propagation direction, eliminating the directional dependence inherent in conventional AEG transducers and enabling accurate visualization of objects and tissue structures from multiple angles
3Measurement precision
If fiber optical sensors are used, then compact form factor and high sensitivity are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated optical fiber sensor array. The optical fibers themselves serve as both the waveguide and the sensing element, combining signal transmission and detection functions. The array configuration integrates multiple sensors into a single compact unit that maintains high sensitivity while reducing overall device complexity compared to separate AEG transducer assemblies
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
Fiber optical sensors offer high sensitivity, broad bandwidth, and wide acceptance angles, enabling accurate visualization and tracking of medical objects with reduced electromagnetic interference, suitable for medical procedures requiring a small form factor.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor structure configured for: detecting an acoustic signal, and providing an optical signal corresponding to the acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical waveguide configured to transmit the optical signal from the optical sensor structure to the optical detector
Implementation Method 3
resonant structures like Fabry-Perot resonators and interferometers
Data Source
AI summary
Mixed sensor array devices are provided herein. Mixed sensor arrays as described herein include acoustic energy generating elements and optical fiber based acoustic sensors. Optical fiber based sensors may optical structures responsive to physical parameters including acoustic signals, pressure, and temperature, and are configured to detect and receive acoustic signals and other physical parameters and provide associated optical signals to a system for processing and interpretation to implement tracking, location, imaging, and other sensing capabilities. Optical fiber based sensors provided herein may be disposed at ends of or along the length of optic fibers. Optical fiber based sensors may be included within various devices, including, for example, medical devices.