Flexible Waveguides for Radial OCT Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems relying on mechanical movement for scanning are inefficient for applications requiring radial or conical scanning, such as endoscopy, due to the limitations of coplanar waveguides in planar lightwave circuits, which hinder the use of these systems in small probes like endoscopic or catheter probes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flexible substrate with patterned semiconducting waveguides that can be bent into various shapes, allowing for non-coplanar arrangements and enabling efficient radial or conical scanning without mechanical movement by integrating active elements to switch light beams between waveguides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical movement is used for scanning in conventional OCT systems, then scanning functionality is achieved, but the system becomes too complex and large for use in small probes like endoscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with an optical switching system using waveguides and micromirrors. Instead of moving mechanical components to scan the light beam, the system uses optical elements to redirect light through different waveguides, eliminating complex mechanical movement while maintaining scanning functionality. This substitution enables the OCT system to be miniaturized for use in small probes like endoscopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the scanning function into multiple independent waveguides that can be individually controlled. Rather than using a single mechanical scanner, the system segments the light path into multiple discrete optical channels, each with its own waveguide and control mechanism. This segmentation allows for precise control of light distribution while reducing overall mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coplanar waveguides in planar lightwave circuits are used, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but non-coplanar scanning patterns like radial or conical scanning cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional coplanar waveguide arrangements to three-dimensional non-coplanar configurations. By stacking waveguides in multiple layers and using vertical coupling structures, the system achieves spatial arrangements that enable radial and conical scanning patterns. This dimensional transition allows light to be directed in three-dimensional space rather than confined to a single plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements curved and angled waveguide paths to achieve radial and conical scanning patterns. Instead of straight linear waveguides, the optical paths are designed with curved geometries that radiate outward or cone-shaped arrangements, enabling the light beam to scan in circular or conical patterns appropriate for endoscopic imaging applications.
3Measurement precision
If waveguides are densely packed to enable three-dimensional scanning, then scanning resolution is improved, but mechanical scanning components become even more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components with a static waveguide array that achieves dense packing through precise optical alignment rather than mechanical positioning. The high-resolution scanning is accomplished by having multiple fixed waveguides simultaneously capture light from different angles, eliminating the need for complex mechanical scanning mechanisms while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 dense three-dimensional scanning without mechanical components, enhancing the imaging capabilities of OCT systems, particularly in small probes like endoscopes, by efficiently packing waveguides and enabling complex scanning patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate of substantially flexible material bonded to a layer of semiconducting material, the layer of semiconducting material being patterned to form a plurality of waveguides
Implementation Method 2
one or more interferometers configured to combine a reference light with light received by at least a portion of the plurality of waveguides to resolve contributions from a given depth of the sample using optical coherence tomography
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
A system and method for depth-resolved imaging of a sample are presented. The system for depth-resolved imaging of a sample includes a substrate of substantially flexible material, a plurality of waveguides disposed on the substrate, an optical element disposed at a distal end of the plurality of waveguides, and one or more interferometers. Light is collected from the sample through the optical element and plurality of waveguides on the flexible substrate on its path to the one or more interferometers. The interferometers are configured to combine a reference light with the light received by at least a portion of the plurality of waveguides to resolve contributions from one or more depths of the sample. The system further includes a light guiding element coupled between the plurality of waveguides and the one or more interferometers.