OCT Dispersion Correction via Polynomial Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems face challenges in maintaining axial resolution due to chromatic dispersion and nonlinear wavenumber sampling, which lead to degraded image quality and limited imaging depth, particularly in commercial applications where precise adjustments and hardware modifications are impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses polynomial optimization processes to correct k-delay bias and system dispersion without additional hardware or precise mirror alignment, utilizing internal sampling rates and calibration data from multiple mirror positions to enhance wavenumber linearization, dispersion correction, and spectral flattening, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio and imaging depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external k-clocks are used to linearize wavenumber sampling, then wavenumber linearization precision is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The OCT system uses its own internal sampling clock to perform wavenumber linearization, eliminating the need for external k-clocks. The system self-calibrates by acquiring mirror measurements at multiple depths and computing correction factors from its existing hardware, thereby achieving high precision without additional external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal sampling clock is made to serve dual purposes: its original function for data acquisition and the additional function of providing timing reference for wavenumber linearization. This eliminates the need for dedicated external k-clock hardware while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise mirror alignment is performed to adjust k-delay, then axial resolution is improved, but ease of operation and calibration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mirror alignment with an automated computational approach. Mirror measurements are acquired at multiple predefined depths, and k-delay correction factors are computed algorithmically from these measurements, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment while achieving precise axial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
Mirror measurements are acquired in advance at multiple depths during a calibration phase, and correction factors are pre-computed before actual imaging. This preliminary computational preparation automates what would otherwise require manual adjustment during operation.
3Measurement precision
If iterative algorithms are used to optimize dispersion coefficients, then dispersion correction precision is improved, but productivity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Dispersion correction factors are computed once during an initial calibration phase using mirror measurements, and then these pre-computed factors are applied to all subsequent imaging data. This preliminary computation avoids iterative processing during real-time imaging, maintaining precision while enabling fast productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent computes dispersion correction factors at selected calibration depths rather than performing iterative optimization for every imaging depth. This partial computation approach provides sufficient precision for the entire imaging range without the excessive processing time of full iterative optimization at each depth.
4Reliability
If additional hardware components are added to correct chromatic dispersion, then dispersion management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical dispersion compensation hardware with computational dispersion correction. By acquiring mirror measurements at multiple depths and computing dispersion factors from the phase information, the system achieves reliable dispersion management through software rather than additional optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The OCT system uses its existing hardware components to perform dispersion characterization and correction. The same interferometer and detector used for imaging are utilized to acquire mirror measurements and compute dispersion factors, eliminating the need for dedicated dispersion compensation hardware.
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 extended imaging depths of up to 6 mm with improved resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, eliminating the need for external k-clocks and reducing computational costs, making it suitable for real-time applications in commercial OCT systems.
Implementation Method 1
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique which uses light to capture cross-sectional images of tissue on the micron scale
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to systems, methods, and algorithms to perform wavenumber linearization and dispersion correction in optical systems without the need for hardware modifications, empirical adjustments, precise mirror alignment, and which can be conducted at low computational costs and in real-time. A one-time calibration process can generate spectra or calibration criteria, including wavenumber-linearization criteria, dispersion correction, and spectral flattening spectra, which can be used to correct an optical coherence tomogram in real time.