OCT Optical Response Correction via Wavelength Pre-emphasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems introduce periodic variations in electromagnetic radiation intensity with wavelength, leading to artifacts and incorrect interpretation of tissue structure in images.
Innovation Solution
Characterizing the optical response of the OCT system by determining wavelength-dependent optical losses and pre-emphasizing the electromagnetic radiation to correct for these losses, ensuring a constant intensity across wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the OCT system uses standard electromagnetic radiation generation without correction, then the system operation is simple, but periodic variations in intensity occur reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by characterizing the optical response of the OCT system beforehand to determine wavelength-dependent optical losses, then using this characterization to pre-emphasize the electromagnetic radiation before it enters the system. This pre-correction approach eliminates periodic intensity variations without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation, thus maintaining operational simplicity while improving image quality
2Manufacturing precision
If pre-emphasizing is applied to correct optical losses, then image quality improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction signal that mediates between the electromagnetic radiation source and the OCT system. This correction signal, derived from optical response characterization, acts as a intermediary element that compensates for optical losses without requiring fundamental changes to the OCT system architecture. The intermediary approach adds minimal complexity while achieving the desired image quality improvement
3Measurement precision
If optical response characterization is performed, then wavelength-dependent losses are determined for correction, but measurement and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the OCT system characterize its own optical response using built-in components and procedures. The system generates electromagnetic radiation, measures its own optical losses through the interferometer, and uses this self-measured data to create correction signals. This self-characterization approach eliminates the need for external measurement equipment and complex external processing, reducing measurement complexity while achieving precise wavelength-dependent loss determination
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
Significantly reduces imaging artifacts by maintaining a constant output signal magnitude across wavelengths, improving image quality by minimizing spurious reflections and enhancing tissue layer contrast interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
In OCT, electromagnetic radiation is split, using an interferometer, into a reference path and an imaging path. The electromagnetic radiation returning from the reference path and imaging path are combined in the interferometer into a response signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for correcting the optical response of an OCT system is presented. The system and method characterize the optical response of the OCT system to determine an optical loss of the OCT system as a function of wavelength. The optical loss corresponds to a reduction in the magnitude of electromagnetic radiation leaving an interferometer of the OCT system compared to the electromagnetic radiation entering the interferometer. The optical loss of the OCT system may be determined by generating output signals using the OCT system when the system does not contain a sample or contains an electromagnetic radiation absorbing material. A controller may control the source to pre-emphasize the electromagnetic radiation to correct for the optical response of the OCT system.