Light Measurement Device Phase Adjustment Unit Optical Coherence Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems require complex mechanical adjustments and have low light use efficiency due to the need for moving reference light mirrors and the use of beam splitters, which complicates the configuration and reduces the effectiveness of light interference for deriving refractive indices and light intensity distributions.
Innovation Solution
A light measurement device with a phase adjustment unit that adjusts the phase difference between signal and reference light, allowing for the detection of interference light to derive transmission or reflection light intensity distributions and refractive indices, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustments and beam splitters, and optimizing light use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam splitter and reference light mirror are used in OCT system, then light interference can be obtained for measurement, but the device configuration becomes complex and mechanical adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the beam splitter and reference light mirror from the OCT system. By using a single mirror to reflect light directly back through the same optical path, the complex beam splitter configuration is eliminated while still achieving the necessary light interference for measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reference light path and measurement light path into a single optical path by using a single mirror for reflection. This combination eliminates the need for separate beam splitter and reference mirror components, simplifying the overall device configuration while maintaining interference measurement capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If reference light mirror is moved for adjustment, then different reflection points can be measured, but the system requires mechanical adjustment and reduces light use efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static mechanical adjustment of the reference light mirror with a dynamic optical path configuration using a single mirror. The system achieves adaptability for measuring different reflection points through optical path design rather than mechanical movement, eliminating the need for manual adjustment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical adjustment system (movable reference light mirror) with an optical path-based solution using a single fixed mirror. This replacement eliminates mechanical components and operations while maintaining the ability to measure different reflection points through optical configuration
3Measurement precision
If only half of reference light and reflection light are used for interference, then beam splitter configuration is maintained, but light use efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the entire reference light and reflection light beams useful for interference by using a single mirror configuration. Unlike the beam splitter approach where only half the light is used, this configuration ensures that all light components contribute to the interference pattern, maximizing light use efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action of all light beams by directing the entire reference light and reflection light through the single mirror to produce interference. This eliminates the discontinuous utilization of light that occurs in beam splitter systems where portions of light are not used for measurement
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 simplifies the configuration, enhances light interference brightness, and improves measurement accuracy by utilizing a spatial light modulator to control phase differences, allowing for efficient derivation of refractive indices and light intensity distributions without mechanical adjustments or beam splitters.
Implementation Method 1
a phase adjustment unit for adjusting a phase difference between signal light and reference light
Implementation Method 2
interference light between signal light to be obtained by transmission or reflection of light from a light source with respect to the measured object, and reference light
Data Source
AI summary
[Object]To obtain interference light having a stronger light intensity, and to more accurately measure a refractive index of a measured object, with a simplified configuration.[Solution Means]A light measurement device 100 includes a phase adjustment unit 120 and a detector 140. The phase adjustment unit 120 outputs reference light E(R) based on object light E1 being light to be obtained by transmission or reflection of light E from a light source with respect to a measured object 200, and signal light E(S) whose phase is adjusted to be different from a phase of signal light. The detector 140 derives a transmission or reflection light intensity distribution or a refractive index of the measured object 200, based on interference light E2 between signal light E(S) and reference light E(R) to be output by the phase adjustment unit 120. An optical axis of light E from a light source is linearly disposed. The phase adjustment unit 120 and the detector 140 are disposed on the optical axis of light E from a light source.