OCT Apparatus Parallel Spectroscopy Scan Time Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) apparatuses, particularly Spectrum Domain OCT, face limitations in image acquisition rate due to the use of a single spectroscope and limited camera line scan rate, which restricts the ability to achieve a higher image acquisition rate.
Innovation Solution
An OCT apparatus utilizing a plurality of array detectors and a single reference end, splitting light into multiple measurement lights with different frequencies, allowing for simultaneous scanning and generation of a single image with multiple channels, thereby improving image acquisition rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single spectroscope is used in Spectrum Domain OCT, then device complexity is reduced, but image acquisition rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single spectroscope is segmented into multiple spectroscopes, with each spectroscope dedicated to processing a specific measurement light channel. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple wavelengths or spectral ranges simultaneously, thereby increasing the image acquisition rate without requiring proportional increases in mechanical scanning speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple spectroscopes are introduced to handle different measurement lights with different frequencies simultaneously. Each spectroscope performs the same spectral analysis function but operates on different input channels, enabling multi-functional processing that increases overall system throughput and image acquisition rate.
2Productivity
If camera line scan rate is increased to improve image acquisition rate, then productivity increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera scanning function is segmented across multiple spectroscopes, where each spectroscope processes a portion of the spectral information independently. This distributes the scanning burden and allows parallel acquisition, effectively increasing the image acquisition rate without requiring a single ultra-high-speed camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential scanning in time domain to parallel processing in spectral domain by introducing multiple spectroscopes. This dimensional change from temporal sequencing to spectral parallelism achieves higher acquisition rates without proportionally increasing camera scan rates.
3Productivity
If multiple measurement lights with different frequencies are used, then image acquisition rate improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system segments different frequency measurement lights into separate channels, with each channel processed by a dedicated spectroscope. This segmentation manages the complexity of multiple frequencies by providing independent processing paths, making the system more manageable while maintaining high acquisition rates.
Solution Approach 2:
Each spectroscope is optimized for specific frequency ranges or measurement light characteristics, allowing local optimization of spectral processing. This local quality approach handles the complexity of multiple frequencies more efficiently than a single general-purpose spectroscope.
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 the OCT image acquisition rate by distributing scan time across multiple split lights, enabling faster and more efficient imaging of multiple objects on a single image.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit to generate light
Implementation Method 2
a coupler unit to generate coupled light using reference light and measurement light generated by splitting the light from the light source unit
Implementation Method 3
a detection unit to irradiate the incident n coupled and split lights to n spectroscopes respectively, and sequentially scan each light separated from each of the spectroscopes by wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus includes a light source unit to generate light, a coupler unit to generate coupled light using reference light and measurement light generated by splitting the light, split the coupled light into n coupled and split lights and irradiate the n coupled and split lights, wherein n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, a detection unit to irradiate the incident n coupled and split lights to n spectroscopes respectively and sequentially scan each light separated from each of the spectroscopes by wavelength range, and an image generation unit to generate a 2-dimensional single image using a result of the scanning by the detection unit. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the OCT image acquisition rate by distributing the scan time for a plurality of split lights using a plurality of array detectors.