OCT Light Source Switching Spectral Bandwidth for Eye Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current OCT systems for retinal and anterior eye imaging are limited by fixed spectral bandwidths, which do not allow for optimal axial resolution across both segments of the eye, as they are designed for specific wavelength ranges that do not accommodate varying tissue penetration and absorption.
Innovation Solution
An OCT system with a light source capable of switching between a posterior segment imaging mode with a narrow spectral bandwidth and an anterior segment imaging mode with a wider spectral bandwidth, allowing for optimized sensitivity and resolution in both imaging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed spectral bandwidth is used for retinal imaging, then axial resolution is optimized for the posterior segment, but imaging performance deteriorates for the anterior segment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two spectral bandwidth modes (first bandwidth for posterior segment, second bandwidth for anterior segment) to adapt the OCT system's resolution characteristics to different imaging targets, resolving the contradiction between optimized posterior imaging and anterior imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spectral bandwidth parameter based on the imaging target: using a narrower first spectral bandwidth for posterior segment imaging to achieve higher axial resolution, and a wider second spectral bandwidth for anterior segment imaging to achieve better penetration and signal strength
2Measurement precision
If a narrow spectral bandwidth is used, then axial resolution is improved for posterior segment imaging, but sensitivity is reduced for anterior segment imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts the spectral bandwidth parameter dynamically: using a narrow first spectral bandwidth when imaging the posterior segment to maximize axial resolution, and switching to a wide second spectral bandwidth when imaging the anterior segment to maximize signal strength and sensitivity
3Reliability
If a wide spectral bandwidth is used, then sensitivity is improved for anterior segment imaging, but axial resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements parameter switching where a wide second spectral bandwidth is used for anterior segment imaging to achieve high sensitivity and signal strength, while a narrow first spectral bandwidth is used for posterior segment imaging to maintain high axial resolution
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
Enables high-resolution imaging of both the posterior and anterior segments of the eye using the same ophthalmic diagnostic device, improving sensitivity and resolution by adapting spectral bandwidth to the specific imaging needs of each segment.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for generating a beam of light, said light source capable of operating in at least two imaging modes
Implementation Method 2
OCT measures the scattering profile of a sample along the OCT beam. Each scattering profile is called an axial scan, or A-scan
Implementation Method 3
OCT measures the scattering profile of a sample along the OCT beam
Data Source
AI summary
An OCT system for generating images of an anterior or posterior segment of an eye is described. The system includes a light source, a controller, optics, a detector, and a processor. The light source generates a beam of light and is capable of operating in a posterior or an anterior segment imaging mode. In the posterior segment imaging mode, light source outputs light with a first spectral bandwidth of less than 120 nm and including wavelengths between about 1060 to 1070 nm. In the anterior segment imaging mode the light source outputs light with a second spectral bandwidth that is larger than 120 nm. The controller enables switching between the posterior or anterior segment imaging mode.