Mode-Locked Light Source Device for OCT Depth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OCT imaging devices using wavelength-variable lasers have limitations in depth measurement range due to coherence length, leading to increased manufacturing costs and time restrictions, and require additional signal processing for depth information acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A light source device and measuring device that utilize a change in the cycle of an electrical signal corresponding to a change in output light intensity, with an optical gain unit controlled by a periodic electrical signal, to measure light paths and reflector shapes, allowing for mode locking and depth information acquisition without additional signal processing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If wavelength-variable laser is used to expand depth measurement range, then measurement range is improved, but coherence length limitation restricts depth measurement to several mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the laser by dynamically adjusting the cycle of the periodic electrical signal that controls mode locking. By varying the electrical signal cycle to match different round-trip times for different light paths, the system enables depth measurements beyond the traditional coherence length limitation while maintaining reliable operation through parameter optimization
2Measurement precision
If additional signal processing units are added to acquire depth information, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the light source device self-sufficient by embedding the depth measurement functionality directly in the optical resonator structure. The resonator naturally provides depth information through its interference patterns when operated with varying electrical signal cycles, eliminating the need for external signal processing units and reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If additional optical interferometer is used for OCT imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the OCT imaging functionality with the wavelength-variable laser by integrating the optical resonator structure that performs both wavelength tuning and depth measurement functions. This combination eliminates the need for separate additional optical interferometers, reducing manufacturing costs and device complexity while preserving OCT imaging capability through the resonator's inherent interference measurements
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 approach enhances optical efficiency, expands depth measurement range, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies image acquisition by controlling optical signal intensity and identifying mode locking sections, thereby improving the efficiency and applicability of OCT imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical gain unit configured to be controlled by a periodic electrical signal having a cycle time calculated by dividing a round-trip time of a photon corresponding to each of different light paths in a resonator by an integer multiple
Implementation Method 2
a mode locking condition that a cycle of an electrical signal should correspond to an integer multiple of a round-trip time of a photon is satisfied
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light source device and a measuring device which use a change in mode-locked resonated output light over time using a change in a cycle of an electrical signal corresponding to a change in the intensity of the output light according to a mode locking condition for each of different light paths in a resonator. The light source device includes an electrical signal generator configured to control the intensity of an optical signal from the light source device, and an optical gain unit controlled by periodic electrical signals having cycles calculated by dividing a round-trip time of photons corresponding to each of different light paths by an integer multiple. The intensity of the optical signal is controlled by the optical gain unit.