Image Mapped Optical Coherence Tomography Single Shot 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems require multiple passes of a sample to generate an image, which is inefficient and can lead to artifacts due to sample motion and reduced signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a system with an image mapper, dispersing re-imager, and detector that receives and redirects depth-encoded electromagnetic fields from multiple points on a sample during a single acquisition event, spectrally dispersing and re-imaging them onto a detector to produce a three-dimensional image in a single snapshot, utilizing an image mapping spectrometer to convert depth-encoded fields into a 3D dataset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional OCT systems use multiple passes to generate an image, then image quality can be improved through signal averaging, but acquisition time increases and sample motion artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the spectral information by spatially dispersing different wavelengths to different locations on the detector array, allowing simultaneous acquisition of depth-encoded EM fields from multiple sample points in a single shot rather than requiring sequential scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the detection process by using an image mapping spectrometer that maps wavelength information to spatial positions on the detector, enabling parallel acquisition of multiple depth profiles across the sample in a single acquisition event
2Measurement precision
If traditional OCT systems use multiple passes with scanning, then depth resolution can be improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical scanning components with a static image mapping spectrometer that uses optical dispersion to achieve depth encoding, eliminating the need for moving parts while maintaining depth resolution through spectral analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The image mapping spectrometer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it disperses wavelengths, encodes depth information, and directs signals to appropriate detector locations, replacing what would traditionally require separate scanning and detection systems
3Measurement precision
If traditional OCT systems use sequential scanning, then signal-to-noise ratio can be improved through integration, but acquisition speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous depth-encoded detection across the entire sample in a single uninterrupted acquisition event, capturing all spectral information simultaneously rather than sequentially, thereby maintaining signal integrity while maximizing acquisition speed
Solution Approach 2:
By transforming the detection approach from temporal scanning to spatial-spectral mapping, the system captures all depth information in parallel across the spectral dimension, achieving both high signal-to-noise ratio through simultaneous detection and high speed through elimination of sequential scanning
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 a full 3D image acquisition in a single event without scanning or wavelength tuning, reducing artifacts and increasing signal-to-noise ratio, enabling high-speed imaging and compact, cost-effective systems suitable for applications like endoscopy.
Implementation Method 1
spectrally dispersing the first depth-encoded EM field to obtain a first spectrum, re-imaging the first spectrum onto a first location on a detector, spectrally dispersing the second depth-encoded EM field to obtain a second spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A method for imaging a sample. The method includes, during a single acquisition event, receiving depth-encoded electromagnetic (EM) fields from points on a sample that includes a first depth-encoded EM field for a first point and a second depth-encoded EM field for a second point, and redirecting the first depth-encoded EM field along a first predetermined direction to a first location on a dispersing re-imager and the second depthencoded EM field along a second pre-determined direction to a second location on the dispersing re-imager. The method further includes spectrally dispersing the first depthencoded EM field to obtain a first spectrum, re-imaging the first spectrum onto a first location on a detector, spectrally dispersing the second depth-encoded EM field to obtain a second spectrum, re-imaging the second spectrum onto a second location on the detector, and detecting the first re-imaged spectrum and the second re-imaged spectrum.