Variable Optical Probe NA Control for Depth Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies, such as MRI, CT, and OCT, have limitations in detecting early-stage cancer due to low resolution and limited penetration depth, making it difficult to accurately diagnose tumors smaller than 50 μm to 100 μm within human skin tissue.
Innovation Solution
The development of numerical aperture (NA) controlling units that adjust aperture size and focal length simultaneously, integrated into variable optical probes, allowing for precise control of NA to maintain a predetermined value during depth scanning, enhancing both horizontal resolution and depth of focus for improved imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microscope with high NA optical system is used to achieve high horizontal resolution, then horizontal resolution is improved, but depth of focus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the NA controllable unit adjustable rather than fixed. The aperture adjustment unit and focus control unit work together to dynamically change the NA value based on imaging depth, allowing the system to optimize both horizontal resolution and depth of focus at different depths, resolving the traditional trade-off between these two parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the NA parameter dynamically by adjusting aperture size and focal length simultaneously. The NA controllable unit enables continuous variation of NA values, allowing the optical system to adapt to different imaging requirements at different depths, thereby maintaining both high horizontal resolution and extended depth of focus
2Duration of action of stationary object
If an OCT device with low NA optical system is used to achieve uniform spot size and large depth of focus, then depth of focus is improved, but horizontal resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the NA controllable unit adjustable, allowing the optical system to dynamically adapt to different imaging depths. By coordinating aperture adjustment with focus control, the system can maintain uniform spot size for depth information while achieving high horizontal resolution when needed, eliminating the fixed compromise of traditional OCT devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous adjustment of NA values by simultaneously varying aperture size and focal length. This parameter change capability allows the optical system to optimize both depth of focus and horizontal resolution, overcoming the limitation of fixed low NA systems that prioritize depth uniformity over resolution
3Length of stationary object
If existing imaging technologies (MRI, CT, ultrasonography) are used to penetrate deep into tissue, then penetration depth is improved, but resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical imaging systems (MRI, CT, ultrasonography) with an optical coherence tomography system that uses optical fields. By employing the NA controllable unit to optimize optical parameters, the system achieves both deep tissue penetration and high resolution, overcoming the fundamental resolution limitation of conventional mechanical 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 solution enables more accurate detection of early-stage cancer by maintaining a constant NA value, ensuring high horizontal resolution and depth of focus, thereby improving the diagnostic capabilities of imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
an aperture adjustment unit that adjusts an aperture through which light propagates
Implementation Method 2
a focus control unit that has an adjustable focal length and that focuses light which propagates through the aperture
Implementation Method 3
The aperture adjustment unit may include a liquid diaphragm having an aperture size which is adjustable by using hydraulics
Implementation Method 4
The aperture adjustment unit may include a liquid diaphragm having an aperture size which is adjustable by using a microelectrofluidic method
Implementation Method 5
an electrode portion that is disposed inside the chamber and in which at least one electrode to which at least one voltage is applied so as to form an electric field in the chamber is arranged, wherein the aperture through which light propagates is adjustable based on a change of a position of an interface between the first fluid and the second fluid, which change of position is caused by the electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical aperture (NA) controlling unit and a variable optical probe including the same are provided. The NA controlling unit includes: an aperture adjustment unit which controls an aperture through which light is transmitted; and a focus control unit that is disposed in a predetermined position with respect to the aperture adjustment unit, that focuses light transmitted through the aperture, and that has an adjustable focal length. The variable optical probe includes: a light transmission unit; a collimator that collimates light transmitted through the light transmission unit into parallel light; an NA controlling unit that focuses light on a sample to be inspected; and a scanner that varies a path of light transmitted through the light transmission unit such that a predetermined region of the sample is scanned by light that passes through the NA controlling unit.