OCT Imaging Channels Extending Depth of Field via Beam Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OCT systems face limitations in achieving high transverse resolution while maintaining an extended depth of field, leading to reduced contrast and detection efficiency due to the intrinsic compromise between transverse resolution and depth of field, particularly in imaging coronary artery structures.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple imaging channels to illuminate and detect different Bessel and Gaussian beams, allowing for the combination of images to achieve a coherent transfer function that approximates a diffraction-limited case, thereby extending the depth of field and improving spatial frequency content in OCT images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the numerical aperture of the lens is increased to improve transverse resolution, then the transverse resolution is improved, but the depth of field is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination and detection processes into multiple channels, each optimized for different spatial frequencies. Multiple imaging channels capture images at different focal depths and spatial frequency ranges, which are then combined to achieve both high transverse resolution and extended depth of field simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple images captured through different imaging channels (with different numerical apertures and focal depths) into a single composite image. This combining process integrates the strengths of each channel to achieve extended depth of field while maintaining high transverse resolution throughout the entire depth range.
2Length of stationary object
If Bessel beam illumination is used to extend depth of field, then the depth of field is extended, but contrast and detection efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination is segmented into multiple beam types (Bessel beams and Gaussian beams) across different imaging channels. Each channel uses a specific beam type optimized for particular spatial frequency ranges, allowing the system to maintain high contrast and detection efficiency for different features while achieving extended overall depth of field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameters (beam type, numerical aperture, wavelength) across different imaging channels to optimize performance for different spatial frequencies. By varying these parameters, the system maintains high contrast and detection efficiency across the extended depth of field range that would be unachievable with a single fixed parameter set.
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 enables the generation of high-resolution OCT images with extended depth of field, improving the ability to visualize microscopic anatomical structures such as coronary artery plaques and cellular components with enhanced clarity and detail.
Implementation Method 1
a spot diameter of focus less than 10 μm and a depth of focus or focal range greater than a Raleigh range of a full aperture of illumination
Implementation Method 2
Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement and the first radiation and/or the second radiation, the optical arrangement can have a first transfer function
Implementation Method 3
receive at least one second radiation reflected from the sample based on the first radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods can be provided which can generate data associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, at least one first radiation can be forwarded to the portion through at least one optical arrangement. At least one second radiation can be received from the portion which is based on the first radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement and the first radiation and/or the second radiation, the optical arrangement can have a first transfer function. Further, it is possible to forward at least one third radiation to the portion through such optical arrangement (or through another optical arrangement), and receive at least one fourth radiation from the portion which is based on the third radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) and the third radiation and/or the fourth radiation, the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) can have a second transfer function. The first transfer function can be at least partially different from the second transfer function. The data can be generated based on the second and fourth radiations.