Integrated Optoelectronic Circuit for Compact Optical Coherence Tomography
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coherence tomography devices are limited in size and suffer from signal quality due to backscattering issues, making them unsuitable for integration into wearable devices while maintaining effective imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optoelectronic circuit is formed within a layer of silicon dioxide, incorporating an interferometer with low refractive index components to minimize backscattering and enable compact, high-quality imaging, including a detector and optical circulator, and is integrated into a wearable device with a coherent light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing optical coherence tomography devices are made compact, then device size is reduced, but signal quality deteriorates due to backscattering issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the optical waveguide material by using silicon dioxide (refractive index approximately 1.45) instead of conventional high refractive index materials. This parameter change reduces the refractive index contrast at interfaces, thereby minimizing backscattering and maintaining signal quality in compact device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where silicon dioxide waveguides are integrated within a layered architecture comprising silicon dioxide layers and metal contacts. This composite structure enables compact integration while maintaining low backscattering properties through the dominant silicon dioxide material with its low refractive index.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing optical coherence tomography devices are integrated into wearable devices, then adaptability is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical components (optical waveguide, interferometer, detector) into a single integrated optoelectronic circuit fabricated on a common substrate. This consolidation reduces the overall device size and complexity, enabling integration into wearable devices while maintaining full optical coherence tomography functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical optical components with integrated optoelectronic circuit components fabricated using semiconductor manufacturing processes. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and assembly, reducing device complexity and enabling compact wearable integration.
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
The solution allows for a compact optical coherence tomography device with improved signal quality, enabling its use in wearable devices for continuous or extended medical imaging applications without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated optoelectronic circuit comprising at least an interferometer configured for optical coherence tomography
Implementation Method 2
The detector may comprise at least one diode. The detector may comprise a balanced diode pair.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the disclosure relate to an apparatus, an optical coherence tomography device, a wearable electronic device and method of forming an apparatus for optical coherence tomography. The apparatus comprises at least one layer of silicon dioxide and an integrated optoelectronic circuit. The integrated optoelectronic circuit comprises at least an interferometer configured for optical coherence tomography wherein the integrated optoelectronic circuit is formed within the at least one layer of silicon dioxide.