Optical Coherence Tomography Apparatus Using Spatial Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems face limitations in achieving real-time imaging due to complex optical and mechanical designs required for rapid scanning, which hinder the speed of image acquisition and resolution, especially in transverse scanning.
Innovation Solution
The OCT system incorporates a splitter, a delay module, and a spatial filter system to generate and analyze interferograms with multiple optical delays, allowing for simultaneous spatial and spectral analysis using a detector array, enabling instantaneous path delay introduction and improved imaging speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If rapid transverse scanning is implemented in conventional OCT systems, then real-time imaging capability is achieved, but mechanical complexity and device size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the reference beam into multiple sub-beams with different optical path lengths using a diffraction grating, creating parallel interferometric channels. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple depth points without mechanical scanning, resolving the contradiction between imaging speed and mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with optical diffraction-based parallel processing. By using a diffraction grating to create angularly separated sub-beams with distinct optical delays, the system achieves rapid imaging without moving mechanical components, directly substituting mechanical complexity with optical processing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical delays are introduced using conventional methods, then depth resolution is improved, but the number of mechanical components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffraction grating serves multiple functions simultaneously: it spatially separates sub-beams, introduces multiple optical delays, and directs them to different detector elements. This multi-functionality achieves improved depth resolution without requiring separate mechanical components for each delay line.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical delay lines with optical path differences created by diffraction. The grating equation naturally provides distinct optical delays for different diffraction orders, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining precise depth resolution.
3Measurement precision
If transverse scanning is performed to obtain cross-sectional images, then spatial resolution is improved, but imaging time increases due to sequential scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The reference beam is segmented into multiple sub-beams that simultaneously probe different depth locations. This parallel segmentation allows cross-sectional imaging to be acquired in a single shot rather than through sequential scanning, reducing imaging time while maintaining spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the spectral/frequency dimension to the traditional spatial imaging. By measuring interference patterns at multiple optical delays simultaneously through spectral analysis, the system retrieves depth information without temporal sequencing, effectively adding a dimension to the measurement space.
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 imaging speed and resolution by allowing real-time imaging with reduced mechanical complexity, improving axial and lateral resolution through simultaneous spatial and spectral information extraction.
Implementation Method 1
a splitter configured to receive and split an optical source beam generating a reference beam and a sample beam
Implementation Method 2
a delay module configured to receive and introduce an optical delay in the reference beam
Implementation Method 3
the delayed reflected beam... configured to interfere with the return beam to generate an interferogram
Implementation Method 4
a spatial filter system capable of filtering randomly scattered light from at least one of the return beam or the interferogram
Implementation Method 5
a detector array to receive the interferogram for spatial and spectral analysis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system comprising: a splitter configured to receive and split an optical source beam generating a reference beam and a sample beam, the sample beam directed at a sample and interacting with the sample to generate a return beam; a delay module configured to receive and introduce an optical delay in the reference beam, to generate a delayed reflected beam configured to interfere with the return beam to generate an interferogram; a spatial filter system capable of filtering randomly scattered light from at least one of the return beam or the interferogram; and a detector array to receive the interferogram for spatial and spectral analysis.