Optical Coherence Tomograph Coupling Element Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical coherence tomographs experience precision degradation due to manufacturing variances causing differences in branch ratios between the branching and coherence portions.
Innovation Solution
An optical coherence tomograph design where a coupling element functions as both the branching and coherence portions, integrated with a waveguide over a substrate, eliminating the need for separate components and thus potential precision-degrading differences in specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the branching portion and coherence portion are structured separately, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the measurement precision is degraded due to manufacturing variances causing differences in branch ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the branching portion and coherence portion into a single integrated optical component fabricated as one unit on a substrate. This integration eliminates the interface between separate components, ensuring that the branch ratio is determined by a single fabrication process rather than by matching parameters of multiple components. The unified structure guarantees consistent optical path splitting ratios while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard integrated optical fabrication techniques.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate components are used for branching and coherence portions, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need to match specifications across multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design consolidates multiple optical functions into a single component structure that is fabricated in one manufacturing process. This eliminates the need to precisely match specifications across multiple separate components, thereby reducing the cumulative manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard integrated optical fabrication methods.
3Reliability
If a coupling element functions as both branching and coherence portions, then measurement precision is stabilized, but the device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified optical component where the coupling element simultaneously performs both branching and coherence functions. This integration stabilizes the measurement process by eliminating variations that would arise from interfacing separate components, while the underlying integrated optical fabrication techniques keep the manufacturing process relatively simple and scalable.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously - serving as both the branching portion that splits light paths and the coherence portion that maintains optical coherence. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while improving measurement reliability through parameter consistency.
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 integration stabilizes measurement precision by ensuring consistent branch ratios, enhancing the accuracy of tomographic imaging processes.
Implementation Method 1
The reference optical system, the coupling element, and the coherent light output portion are structured with a waveguide formed over a substrate and are integrated over the substrate
Implementation Method 2
a coupling element configured to function as the branching portion and the coherence portion
Implementation Method 3
a coherence portion configured to generate coherent light by causing the reflection light from the irradiation optical system and the reference light from the reference optical system to be coherent
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coherence tomograph includes: a light source configured to output light; a branching portion configured to separate the light from the light source into irradiation light and reference light; a reference optical system configured to transmit the reference light from the branching portion; an irradiation optical system configured to transmit the irradiation light from the branching portion so that an object is irradiated therewith, and transmit reflection light of the irradiation light reflected by the object; a coherence portion configured to generate coherent light by causing the reflection light from the irradiation optical system and the reference light from the reference optical system to be coherent; a coherent light output portion configured to output the coherent light; and a coupling element configured to function as the branching portion and the coherence portion.