Mid-IR OCT System Upconversion Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems face limitations in penetration depth due to strong light scattering at visible and near-IR wavelengths, restricting their ability to image deeper into turbid media effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mid-infrared (mid-IR) OCT system employing an upconversion module that frequency upconverts light from the mid-IR range to near-IR wavelengths, allowing for deeper penetration and utilization of low-noise, highly sensitive detectors for signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible or near-IR wavelengths are used for OCT imaging, then detection sensitivity and component maturity are improved, but penetration depth into turbid media deteriorates due to strong light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter from visible/near-IR to mid-IR range (2.8 μm or larger center wavelength), which fundamentally alters the light-tissue interaction properties. This parameter change reduces scattering in turbid media while enabling the use of upconversion technology to maintain detection sensitivity at the detector level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an upconversion module as an intermediary component that converts mid-IR light (which penetrates deeper) to near-IR wavelengths (which can be detected with high sensitivity). This mediator resolves the contradiction by decoupling the penetration function (performed at mid-IR wavelength) from the detection function (performed at near-IR wavelength).
2Length of stationary object
If mid-IR wavelengths are used to increase penetration depth, then scattering is reduced and penetration depth is improved, but detection sensitivity deteriorates due to lack of mature detectors and higher noise
Solution Approach 1:
The upconversion module serves as a wavelength-converting intermediary that transforms mid-IR photons (carrying deep penetration information) into near-IR photons (detectable by mature, low-noise detectors). This enables the system to simultaneously achieve deep penetration depth and high detection sensitivity by performing measurement at one wavelength and detection at another.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes direct mid-IR detection (which would require immature, noisy detectors) with an indirect detection method using upconversion to near-IR wavelengths. This replacement leverages mature near-IR detector technology while maintaining the penetration depth advantages of mid-IR illumination.
3Length of stationary object
If longer wavelengths (mid-IR) are used for imaging, then penetration depth is improved, but light source efficiency and component maturity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The upconversion module acts as a bridge that allows the system to use mid-IR light sources (providing deep penetration) while converting the light to near-IR for detection with mature, commercially available detectors. This intermediary approach enables the system to bypass the component maturity limitations at mid-IR wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection wavelength parameter from mid-IR to near-IR through upconversion, allowing the use of mature near-IR detector technology and components while maintaining the penetration depth benefits of mid-IR illumination. This parameter transformation resolves the component maturity issue.
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 mid-IR OCT system achieves enhanced penetration depth and sensitive measurements by converting mid-IR light to near-IR wavelengths, enabling real-time, high-resolution imaging with improved signal detection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an upconversion module configured to frequency upconvert light received or receivable by the upconversion module and which is in a wavelength range between a first wavelength and a higher second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an OCT system, in particular a mid-IR OCT system, comprising:an upconversion module configured to frequency upconvert light received or receivable by the upconversion module and which is in a wavelength range between a first wavelength and a higher second wavelength,the difference between the second wavelength and the first wavelength being at least 300 nm or larger, andthe wavelength range having a center wavelength at 2.8 μm or larger, the center wavelength being defined by the average value between the first wavelength and the second wavelength.