SS-OCT Jitter Reduction via Internal Reference Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) systems face challenges in reducing jitter-induced noise, which affects image quality and makes them unsuitable for phase information-based imaging, unlike Spectral Domain OCT (SD-OCT).
Innovation Solution
A data processing method and apparatus that generates a clock with a reference signal in a predetermined wavelength position within the wavelength sweeping range, allowing for sampling and phase correction of collected data to reduce jitter influence, using a clock generator, detector, and image forming part in the OCT apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trigger signals are generated by fiber Bragg grating and phases of interference signals are adjusted with reference to the trigger signals, then the influence of jitter is reduced, but the configuration and control of the apparatus becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference signal generation function from the complex FBG-based trigger signal system and integrates it directly into the wavelength sweeping light source. By generating the reference signal within the light source itself using the wavelength sweeping mechanism, the system eliminates the need for separate FBG components and complex phase adjustment circuits, thereby reducing apparatus complexity while maintaining jitter reduction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reference signal generation function with the wavelength sweeping light source. The reference signal is generated by detecting light at a specific wavelength during the sweeping process, combining what were previously separate functions (light generation and reference signal generation) into a single integrated system, simplifying both configuration and control
2Reliability
If phases of interference signals are adjusted in response to wavenumber clocks for sampling the interference signals, then the influence of jitter is reduced, but the configuration and control of the apparatus becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength sweeping light source generates its own reference signal internally by detecting light at a predetermined wavelength during the sweeping process. This self-generated reference signal is then used by the same light source for phase adjustment of interference signals, eliminating the need for external clock synchronization systems and making the apparatus easier to control while effectively reducing jitter
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 simplifies the structure and effectively reduces jitter in SS-OCT systems, improving image quality and enabling phase information-based imaging without the need for complex configuration and control.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength sweeping light source having a predetermined wavelength sweeping range
Implementation Method 2
a clock, which includes a reference signal in a predetermined wavelength position within a predetermined wavelength sweeping range
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect the reference signal in the clock generated by the clock generator
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a data processing method is used for processing collected data acquired with respect to each A-line by swept-source OCT using a wavelength sweeping light source having a predetermined wavelength sweeping range. The data processing method detects a reference signal assigned in advance to a clock, the wavenumber of which linearly varies along the time axis, in a predetermined wavelength position within the predetermined wavelength sweeping range. Then, the data processing method sequentially performs sampling of the collected data based on the clock with reference to the predetermined wavelength position where the reference signal detected is assigned. Further, the data processing method forms an image of a corresponding A-line based on the sampled collected data.