Interferometric Imaging Device Field of View Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopy methods using spectrally-encoded endoscopy (SEE) face limitations in imaging depth range and loss of color information due to the encoding of spatial location with wavelength, leading to restricted field of view and image curvature.
Innovation Solution
An interferometric imaging device that splits coherent light into two portions, with one portion spectrally dispersed towards the object and the other towards a reference element, allowing for phase deviation adjustment to optimize the image plane and curvature, thereby expanding the field of view without mechanical scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wavelength information is used to encode spatial location in SEE imaging, then spatial resolution is improved, but color information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into two separate detection channels: one dedicated to spatial encoding via wavelength (interferometric path) and another dedicated to color information capture (direct spectral detection). This segmentation allows each channel to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other, thereby preserving color information while maintaining spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary optical system is introduced that separates the light path into different channels before detection. The intermediary includes wavelength-selective elements for spatial encoding and color-preserving elements for spectral detection, allowing both functions to coexist without interference.
2Length of stationary object
If the imaging depth range is increased in interferometric SEE systems, then more subsurface structures are visible, but the resolution of interferometric spectral measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the interferometric path difference and spectral encoding parameters based on the imaging depth. By adapting the optical path length and dispersion elements in real-time, the system maintains optimal resolution across varying depths while extending the maximum imaging range beyond the conventional few millimeters.
3Length of moving object
If a single optical fiber is used in ultra-miniature SEE probes, then the probe size is reduced, but the field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from lateral scanning in the transverse plane to axial scanning through probe rotation. By encoding spatial information along the longitudinal axis of the probe and using spectral dispersion to map different depths to different wavelengths, the system effectively adds a dimensional transformation that expands the usable field of view within the constraints of a single optical fiber.
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 enables high-quality imaging with adjustable field of view and image curvature, enhancing the imaging depth range and maintaining image quality without mechanical adjustments, suitable for ultra-miniature endoscopic probes.
Implementation Method 1
splitting electro-magnetic radiation to first and second portions
Implementation Method 2
spectrally dispersing the first portion toward the part and the second portion toward a reference element
Implementation Method 3
combining between reflections of the spectrally dispersed first and second portions to produce an interference signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of imaging at least a part of an object. The method comprises splitting electro-magnetic radiation to first and second portions, propagating the first and second portions, spectrally dispersing the first portion toward the part and the second portion toward a reference element, combining between reflections of the spectrally dispersed first and second portions to produce an interference signal, capturing an image of the part from the interference, and adjusting at least one of a tilt of said image plane and a curvature of the image by changing a deviation between the phase of at least one spectral component of the first portion and the phase of at least one spectral component of the second portion.