Low-Coherence Interferometry Multiplexing for OCT Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems rely heavily on mechanical elements for lateral scanning, which are costly, complex, and prone to reliability issues, and alternative methods using multiple beams or modulators are structurally complicated and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a low-coherence interferometry system that divides the sample arm into multiple optical paths using multiplexing units, allowing for simultaneous measurement from different directions and reducing noise through spatial diversity, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical elements in lateral scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical displacement of optical elements or moving mirrors is used for lateral scanning, then lateral scanning capability is achieved, but device complexity, manufacturing cost, and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with an optical field-based solution. Multiple beams are generated simultaneously and directed at different lateral positions on the sample without requiring physical movement of optical elements. This substitution of mechanical displacement with optical field distribution resolves the contradiction by achieving lateral scanning capability while eliminating complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single beam into multiple parallel beams, each targeting a different lateral position on the sample. This segmentation of the optical path allows simultaneous illumination of multiple lateral positions, achieving scanning capability without mechanical movement and thereby reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple complete interferometers working in parallel are used, then lateral scanning capability is achieved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple beam paths into a single interferometer system. Instead of using multiple complete interferometers in parallel, the invention uses one interferometer with multiple output beams that are spatially separated. This combining approach achieves lateral scanning while reducing structural complexity by sharing common components like the light source and detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single interferometer system is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates multiple beams simultaneously, directs them to different lateral positions, and collects reflected light from all positions. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized interferometers, reducing overall system complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If modulators and phase delay elements are used to combine multiple beams, then controlled illumination is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beam combination function from complex modulator and phase delay element systems. Instead of using active modulation components to control beam combination, the invention uses passive optical elements and geometric arrangements to achieve controlled illumination. This extraction of the essential function while removing complex components resolves the contradiction.
4Device complexity
If a single optical path is used to collect light, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to distinguish light from different depths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial separation as an additional dimension for light collection. Multiple optical paths are created that are spatially separated and directed at different lateral positions on the sample. Each path collects light from its specific lateral position, enabling depth differentiation while maintaining relative simplicity through spatial rather than temporal multiplexing.
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 enhances scanning speed and accuracy, reduces noise, and provides detailed three-dimensional imaging without the drawbacks of mechanical systems, improving the effectiveness of axial scans and sample anisotropy measurements.
Implementation Method 1
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a technique for the generation of medical images that can provide axial information at a high resolution using a broadband light source and an interferometric detection system
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for lateral scanning of a sample using optical coherence tomography is presented. The low coherence interferometry system includes a first multiplexing unit and a second multiplexing unit. The first multiplexing unit is configured to receive a first beam of radiation and includes a first plurality of optical delay elements configured to introduce a group delay to the first beam of radiation based on an optical path traversed by the first beam of radiation among a first plurality of optical waveguides. The second multiplexing unit is configured to receive a second beam of radiation. The second multiplexing unit includes a second plurality of optical modulating elements configured to differentiate the second beam of radiation among a second plurality of optical waveguides to produce one or more output radiation beams. The second plurality of optical waveguides is configured to guide the one or more output radiation beams towards a sample.