Multi-Channel Optical Coherence Tomography Signal Processing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-channel Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems are costly and inefficient, particularly for commercial applications, due to high costs and limitations in imaging depth and resolution, as well as the inability to perform balanced detection, which reduces measurement sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, high-efficiency optical signal processing system that uses a processor, memory, and modules for real-time input processing of interfering optical signals from multiple channels, applying Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to calculate force components and temperature changes, incorporating a bi-directional optical switch and balanced photo detectors to enhance sensitivity and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple photo detectors and fiber circulators are used for multi-channel OCT signal interrogation, then measurement sensitivity is improved through balanced detection, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple channel signals into a single detection path by merging the optical paths of multiple channels through a single photo detector. This is achieved by using optical components to combine the reflected lights from different channels, allowing balanced detection to be performed with fewer components while maintaining measurement sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single photo detector serve multiple functions by detecting signals from multiple channels sequentially or simultaneously through optical switching or combining. This universal approach eliminates the need for dedicated photo detectors for each channel, reducing system complexity while preserving the ability to perform balanced detection for sensitivity enhancement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photo detectors and fiber circulators are used for multi-channel OCT signal interrogation, then measurement sensitivity is improved through balanced detection, but system cost increases to over $30,000
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical channels into a single detection path, allowing the use of fewer expensive components such as photo detectors and fiber circulators. By combining the optical paths and using a single detection system for multiple channels, the overall system cost is significantly reduced while maintaining the capability for balanced detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying or signal routing techniques where the optical signals from multiple channels are replicated or routed to a single detection system. This allows the expensive detection components to be shared across multiple channels, reducing the total system cost while preserving measurement sensitivity through balanced detection.
3Measurement precision
If traditional multi-channel OCT interrogation technique is used, then balanced detection can be performed, but the system becomes bulky and cross-talking occurs between channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple channel signals into a compact single detection path, eliminating the need for separate bulky detection systems for each channel. By combining the optical paths and using integrated optical components, the system size is reduced while maintaining the ability to perform balanced detection for sensitivity enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical switching or routing components as intermediaries to manage the signals from multiple channels. These intermediary components allow the system to maintain channel separation and avoid cross-talking while directing all signals to a single compact detection system, thus reducing overall system size.
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 system achieves cost-effective, high-efficiency multi-channel OCT imaging and real-time force and temperature sensing, significantly reducing costs and improving sensitivity by enabling balanced detection and eliminating the need for multiple photo detectors and fiber circulators.
Implementation Method 1
When lights reflected from samples interfere with a reference beam, the frequencies of the interfering signals reveal the depth where the light is reflected.
Implementation Method 2
A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module to apply FFT on the interfering optical signals in real time to produce Fourier frequencies corresponding to the multiple measured distances
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide multi-channel OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) for imaging biological tissue, and for temperature and/or force sensing, preferably in real time. In one embodiment, an optical signal processing system comprises: a processor; a memory; a receiving module to receive in real time input from multiple channels of OCT producing interfering optical signals representing multiple measured distances for a target imaging object; a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module to apply FFT on the interfering optical signals in real time to produce Fourier frequencies corresponding to the multiple measured distances; and a calculation module to calculate in real time multiple force components of a force applied on the target imaging object to cause at least some of the multiple measured distances for the target imaging object based on the Fourier frequencies from the FFT module.