Non-coaxial OCT Optical Axis in Ophthalmologic Microscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Galilean ophthalmologic microscopes with integrated OCT systems face limitations in optical design freedom due to the interdependence of the OCT and observation optical systems, which restricts the ability to secure sufficient distance between the microscope and the subject's eye and requires complex optical designs.
Innovation Solution
The optical axis of the OCT system is positioned non-coaxially with respect to the observation system, allowing for independent design and the inclusion of a SLO system to guide light coaxially with the OCT axis, enabling independent control and detachment of the OCT system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the OCT optical system is integrated into the ophthalmologic microscope with coaxial alignment, then the observation and OCT functions can be combined, but the degree of freedom in optical design is reduced and the distance between the microscope and subject's eye cannot be sufficiently secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into independent observation optical system and OCT optical system, each with separate optical paths. The observation optical system uses objective lens 2 and observation optical systems 400L/400R, while the OCT optical system uses objective lens 507 and measuring light path, allowing independent optimization of each subsystem without mutual interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam combiner 340 as an intermediary component that merges the observation light path and OCT measuring light path. This beam combiner allows both optical systems to coexist in the same device while maintaining their independence, enabling the integration of functions without compromising optical design freedom
2Ease of operation
If the OCT optical system is positioned to penetrate through the objective lens with the observation system, then the optical path can be shared, but the distance between the microscope and subject's eye is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the OCT optical system in a non-coaxial arrangement relative to the observation system, with the OCT optical axis O-500 separated from the observation optical axis O-400. This spatial separation in a different dimensional configuration allows sufficient working distance while maintaining optical path efficiency through the use of beam combiner 340 and separate objective lenses (objective lens 2 for observation, objective lens 507 for OCT)
3Device complexity
If the OCT and observation optical systems are made independent with non-coaxial positioning, then the degree of freedom in design increases, but additional systems (SLO) are needed to guide light coaxially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a SLO (Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope) optical system 1500 that serves multiple functions: it guides light ray coaxially with the OCT optical system for accurate imaging, and can also be used for additional diagnostic functions. This multi-functional addition resolves the coordination challenge while enhancing the overall versatility of the device
Solution Approach 2:
The SLO optical system acts as an intermediary that bridges the independent OCT and observation systems. By guiding the light ray coaxially with the OCT optical axis, the SLO system ensures proper alignment and coordination between the separate optical subsystems, enabling them to work together effectively
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 increases the degree of freedom in optical design, allows for accurate observation without image mismatch, and facilitates the addition of OCT functions to ophthalmologic microscopes, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
OCT is a technique that constitutes an interferometer using a low coherence (a short coherence length) light source, thereby obtains tomographic images of a biological body. After converging the measuring light returned to the beam splitter and the reflected light of the reference light, only the reflected or scattered light of the measuring light which went through the same distance as the reference light is detected interfering with the reflected light of the reference light.
Implementation Method 2
it uses the low coherence light source, divides its light in half with a beam splitter, irradiates one of the lights (a measuring light) to the biological tissue to reflect or scatter, and reflects the other of the lights (a reference light) with a mirror.
Implementation Method 3
the ophthalmologic microscope further comprises a SLO optical system that scans a light ray which is a visible ray, a near infrared ray, or an infrared ray and guides the light to the subject's eye so as to become substantially coaxial with the optical axis of the OCT optical system
Implementation Method 4
an objective lens through which the optical axis of the observation optical system for left eye and the optical axis of the observation optical system for right eye of the observation optical system commonly penetrate
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the present invention is to develop an ophthalmologic microscope of a new method that increases the degree of freedom in the optical design in the Galilean ophthalmologic microscope provided with an OCT optical system. The present invention provides an ophthalmologic microscope, wherein an observation optical system, an objective lens, and an OCT optical system are placed in such a way that the optical axis of the OCT optical system does not penetrate through objective lens, and the optical axis of the observation optical system and the optical axis of the OCT optical system are non-coaxial, and wherein the ophthalmologic microscope further comprises a SLO optical system that scans a light ray which is a visible ray, a near infrared ray, or an infrared ray and guides the light to the subject's eye so as to become substantially coaxial with the optical axis of the OCT optical system.