OCT Reference Attachment Waveguide Path Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OCT systems face challenges in effectively changing the imaging range due to limitations in correcting optical path length differences caused by the attachment or detachment of reference attachments, which restricts the ability to image various regions of the subject eye.
Innovation Solution
The OCT system incorporates a reference attachment with a third waveguide that can be attached and detached to change the optical path length of the reference optical path, allowing for the expansion or change of the imaging range by using connectors to connect and disconnect the waveguides, and includes a device to control the optical path length of the third waveguide, enabling simultaneous or selective guidance of reference light through different optical paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed optical path length correction device is incorporated in the OCT apparatus, then individual difference correction is achieved, but the ability to change imaging range by attaching reference attachment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reference attachment is divided into separate modules: a reference attachment main body with connectors and a reference attachment optical system with adjustable optical path length. This segmentation allows the correction function and the range-change function to operate independently and be combined as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference attachment optical system incorporates an adjustable optical path length mechanism that can dynamically change the optical path length based on the imaging requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between fixed correction and variable range by allowing the system to adapt to different imaging scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical path length of reference light is changed by attaching reference attachment, then imaging range is expanded, but optical path length difference correction becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The correction optical system is configured to correct the optical path length difference between the measurement optical system and the reference attachment main body before the reference light enters the reference attachment optical system. This preliminary correction ensures that the base optical path length difference is compensated, allowing the subsequent adjustable optical path length in the reference attachment to expand the imaging range without sacrificing correction accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a correction device for optical path length difference is built into the OCT apparatus, then correction accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase for users who do not need reference attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The correction optical system is designed with dual functionality: it can operate independently as a standalone correction device for users who only need optical path length correction, and it can be combined with the reference attachment optical system to provide both correction and imaging range expansion. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity and cost for users who do not require reference attachment capabilities.
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 solution allows for a significant change in the optical path length, enabling the OCT system to image a wider range of the subject eye, including both central and peripheral regions, and compensates for changes in the measurement optical path length, improving the imaging capabilities and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter for splitting light from an OCT light source into a measurement optical path and a reference optical path
Implementation Method 2
a first waveguide forming a part of the reference optical path, and a second waveguide forming a part of the reference optical path
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector for detecting a spectral interference signal between measurement light guided onto tissue of a subject eye via the measurement optical path and reference light from the reference optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An OCT system includes an OCT optical system and a reference attachment. The OCT optical system has a beam splitter for splitting light into a measurement optical path and a reference optical path, a photodetector, a first waveguide, a second waveguide, and first connectors provided at end portions of the first waveguide and the second waveguide respectively for indirectly or directly connecting the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The reference attachment has a third waveguide, and second connectors formed at both ends of the third wave guide and configured to be attachable to and detachable from the first connector, and is attached to and detached from the OCT optical system h attaching and detaching each of the second connectors to and from the first connector to change an optical path length of the reference optical path.