Mirau Objective OCT-OPSI Dual Mode Skin Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) technologies face challenges in achieving sub-micron spatial resolution for imaging skin tissue, particularly in measuring layer parameters of the stratum corneum and visualizing the morphology of 3-D epidermal cells, which is crucial for early detection of normal and abnormal cells in pre-cancer diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
The system combines a light source module, a Mirau type objective module with an interference objective immersed in a media matching the tissue's optical characteristics, and a data processing unit, allowing toggling between OCT and orthogonal polarization spectral imaging (OPSI) modes, utilizing a Ce3+:YAG crystal fiber light source and a quarter-wave plate optical switch, along with a tissue translation module and a CCD/CMOS camera for enhanced imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional OCT technology is used, then imaging capability is provided, but spatial resolution is insufficient for sub-micron imaging of skin tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines OCT technology with a Mirau interference objective module into a unified imaging system. The Mirau interferometer is integrated directly into the objective, allowing simultaneous achievement of sub-micron spatial resolution through interference microscopy and functional imaging through OCT, resolving the contradiction between resolution and imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a quarter-wave plate as an optical intermediary in the light path. This intermediary component enables the system to switch between different imaging modes (OCT and OPSI) by altering the polarization state of light, thereby maintaining reliable imaging capability while achieving enhanced spatial resolution in specific modes.
2Measurement precision
If imaging depth and contrast are improved, then tissue structure visualization is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in multiple modes (OCT mode and OPSI mode) using the same hardware platform. The optical switch and polarization optics enable a single device to perform both depth-resolved imaging and high-contrast transverse imaging, enhancing tissue structure visualization without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If imaging speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through the optical switch that alternates between OCT mode and OPSI mode at controlled intervals. This periodic switching allows the system to capture depth information and transverse contrast information in alternating frames, achieving high imaging speed while maintaining image quality through temporal multiplexing of different imaging modalities.
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 configuration achieves axial and transversal resolutions better than 1 μm, enabling detailed 3-D imaging of skin tissue, improving detection sensitivity and providing contrast images of absorption, dispersion, and scattering, aiding in early cancer diagnosis and Mohs surgery.
Implementation Method 1
said Mirau type objective module comprises an interference objective immersed in a media with optical characteristics close to the tissue sample
Implementation Method 2
optical coherence tomography (OCT) mode
Implementation Method 3
orthogonal polarization spectral imaging (OPSI) mode
Implementation Method 4
utilizing a Ce3+:YAG crystal fiber light source
Implementation Method 5
tissue translation module holding the tissue sample
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are devices and systems that apply full-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology to three-dimensional skin tissue imaging. A special designed Mirau type objective and an optical microscope module allowing both OCT mode and orthogonal polarization spectral imaging (OPSI) mode are disclosed.