Multi-Core Optical Fiber for Combined OCT and Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combined OCT/FFR systems face challenges with low signal-to-noise ratio and high manufacturing costs due to the use of single-mode fibers, which require meticulous alignment and have limited light collection capabilities for pressure measurements.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-core optical fiber cable with a single-mode core for OCT imaging and a multi-mode core for pressure sensing, optically isolated to prevent cross-talk, allowing for improved light collection and alignment efficiency, and using a beam splitter to direct light to both sensors effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-mode fiber is used for combined OCT/FFR imaging, then the imaging quality is maintained, but the signal-to-noise ratio in pressure channels deteriorates and alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented into multiple independent cores: a first core for OCT imaging and a second core for pressure sensing. This segmentation allows each core to be optimized for its specific function - the first core maintains imaging quality while the second core with its larger core diameter collects more light from the pressure transducer, improving the signal-to-noise ratio without requiring complex alignment between the two functions.
2Measurement precision
If a single-mode fiber with small core diameter is used, then imaging resolution is improved, but light collection capability for pressure measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber is divided into separate cores with different diameter characteristics. The first core maintains small diameter for high-resolution imaging, while the second core has a larger diameter that enables effective light collection from the pressure transducer. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each function to have the optimal fiber diameter for its purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fiber (different cores) are given different local qualities - the first core has small diameter optimized for imaging resolution, while the second core has large diameter optimized for light collection. This local differentiation allows each function to operate at its optimal performance point without compromising the other.
3Reliability
If multiple separate fibers are used for OCT and pressure sensing, then functional optimization is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional fibers are merged into a single multi-core optical fiber cable. The first core handles OCT imaging while the second core handles pressure sensing, combining what would traditionally be separate devices into one integrated unit. This merging reduces device complexity, manufacturing costs, and the number of alignment procedures required while maintaining the functional benefits of separate optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-core optical fiber cable serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both an imaging fiber for OCT and a pressure sensing fiber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate separate devices, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing costs while preserving the reliability of independently optimized performance for each function.
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 achieves high signal-to-noise ratios in pressure channels without the need for expensive alignment processes, facilitating better imaging and pressure measurement performance while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A single-mode optical fiber acts as a light conductor between the OCT probe and an OCT engine disposed outside a patient's body. The single-mode optical fiber provides light to illuminate the inside of the blood vessel, and the single-mode optical fiber carries an image signal back to the OCT engine.
Implementation Method 2
A typical optical pressure transducer reflects light and modulates the reflected light in relation to ambient pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined optical coherent tomography (OCT) pressure sensor system includes an optical cable comprising a single-mode core and a multi-mode core. An OCT optical imaging sensor near a distal end of the optical cable can be inserted into a lumen of a living being. First light exiting a distal end of the single-mode core illuminates an interior of the lumen. The OCT optical imaging sensor acquires image information about the interior of the lumen and transmits an optical signal carrying the image information into the distal end of the single-mode core, toward a proximal end of the single-mode core. An optical pressure sensor attached near the OCT optical imaging sensor receives second light from the distal end of the optical cable, senses ambient pressure within the lumen and transmits an optical signal indicative of the ambient pressure into a distal end of the multi-mode core, toward a proximal end of the multi-mode core.