Dynamic Reference Beam Attenuation for OCT Signal-to-Noise Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems face limitations in signal-to-noise ratio due to fixed reference beam attenuation, which is inadequate for varying depths and is further compromised by significant noise from partial reflective elements in multiple reference systems, leading to reduced imaging performance.

Innovation Solution

A dynamically variable attenuation system is introduced, where the reference beam's magnitude is adjusted based on depth to optimize signal-to-noise ratios, and unwanted reference radiation components are reduced using stabilizing feedback systems, enabling enhanced sensitivity and performance in both conventional and multiple reference OCT systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed attenuation element is used in the reference beam path, then the signal level can be matched for shallow depths, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates for deeper regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoiddepth adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fixed attenuation elements with dynamically adjustable attenuation mechanisms that can adapt the reference beam magnitude in real-time. The system varies the reference beam attenuation based on the imaging depth, using feedback from depth detection to adjust attenuation levels dynamically, thereby maintaining optimal signal-to-noise ratio across different depths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the attenuation parameter of the reference beam based on imaging conditions. By detecting the imaging depth and corresponding signal characteristics, the system adjusts the reference beam attenuation parameter dynamically, transitioning from fixed to variable attenuation to optimize performance at different depths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reference beams are used to expand imaging depth range, then depth coverage is improved, but noise from partial reflective elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging depth rangeVSAvoidreference beam noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unwanted reference radiation components generated by partial reflective elements. The system identifies noise sources from multiple reference beams and selectively eliminates these harmful components while preserving the useful reference signals needed for deep tissue imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful noise from partial reflective elements into a manageable parameter. By detecting the characteristics of unwanted reference radiation, the system applies targeted attenuation or filtering that transforms the noise problem into a controlled adjustment of reference beam parameters, ultimately improving signal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If reference beam magnitude is increased to improve signal level, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but noise from unwanted reference radiation components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidunwanted reference radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reference beam into multiple components with different magnitudes and characteristics. By creating multiple reference beams with varying attenuation levels, the system can selectively combine useful signals while isolating and removing unwanted noise components, achieving high signal-to-noise ratio without amplifying harmful radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 significantly improves signal-to-noise ratios and sensitivity by dynamically modifying the reference beam's attenuation in response to varying depths, effectively compensating for changes in reflectivity and reducing noise, thereby enhancing the overall performance of non-invasive imaging and analysis systems.

Implementation Method 1

interferometrically combining back scattered probe radiation from the target with reference radiation also derived from the optical source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS7649630B2Optimized transmissive reference level generation

Publication Date: 2010.01.19 COMPACT IMAGING

AI summary

A method, apparatus and system for optimizing the magnitude of reference levels in non-invasive imaging and analysis is disclosed. Optimizing the magnitude of reference levels enables improving signal to noise ratios and thereby improving the sensitivity and performance of the imaging and analysis system. The invention includes dynamically modifying the magnitude of one or more reference beams and significantly reducing the magnitude of undesirable reference radiation components. It may further include one or more stabilizing feedback systems.