OCT System Splitter for Simultaneous Anterior and Retinal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OCT systems require different optical configurations for anterior chamber and retinal imaging, necessitating adjustments or separate arrangements, which complicates simultaneous imaging in a single integrated device.
Innovation Solution
An OCT system with a tunable laser source, interferometer, and splitter that splits the wavelength-scanned beam into distinct paths for anterior chamber and retinal imaging, allowing for simultaneous imaging using a single device with adjustable apertures and optical path lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single integrated OCT device is used for both anterior chamber and retinal imaging, then device integration and convenience are improved, but optical configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The object beam is divided into two separate optical paths using a beam splitter: a first path for anterior chamber imaging and a second path for retinal imaging. Each path has its own scanning mirror and optical components optimized for the specific imaging target, allowing both imaging modes to coexist without interfering with each other
Solution Approach 2:
A single OCT device integrates multiple imaging functions by incorporating both anterior chamber imaging components and retinal imaging components within the same system. The wavelength-scanned beam from the swept source can be directed through different optical paths to achieve both anterior segment and retinal imaging capabilities
2Manufacturing precision
If different optical configurations are used for anterior chamber and retinal imaging, then imaging quality for each target is improved, but system integration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical path is optimized with specific components for its intended imaging target: the first path uses a scanning mirror configured for anterior chamber imaging with appropriate beam focusing, while the second path uses a different scanning mirror configuration optimized for retinal imaging, allowing each path to maintain high imaging quality for its specific purpose
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitter serves as an intermediary component that divides the object beam from the swept source into two separate paths. This intermediary enables the system to accommodate different optical configurations for anterior chamber and retinal imaging while maintaining a unified laser source and detection system
3Manufacturing precision
If beam scanning is adjusted for anterior chamber imaging (perpendicular scan with shallow focus), then anterior chamber imaging quality is improved, but retinal imaging capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system is segmented into two independent paths: the first path uses a scanning mirror with perpendicular beam scanning and shallow focus optimized for anterior chamber imaging, while the second path uses a different scanning mirror with convergent beam scanning and larger beam size optimized for retinal imaging, allowing each path to maintain optimal scanning parameters for its specific imaging target
4Manufacturing precision
If beam scanning is adjusted for retinal imaging (convergent scan with larger beam size), then retinal imaging quality is improved, but anterior chamber imaging capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into two independent paths with distinct scanning configurations: the first path is optimized for anterior chamber imaging with perpendicular scanning and shallow focus, while the second path is optimized for retinal imaging with convergent scanning and larger beam size, allowing each path to maintain optimal parameters without compromising the other
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
Enables efficient and flexible simultaneous imaging of both anterior chamber and retina with reduced laser exposure, improving imaging capabilities and user convenience by maintaining high coherence and depth range.
Implementation Method 1
The detector is configured to detect a signal caused by interference between the reference beam and at least a portion of the object beam reflected from the eye
Implementation Method 2
Swept source OCT is advantageous in deep imaging ranges because of the narrow line width of the laser, which enables higher coherence during rapid sweep
Data Source
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AI summary
Improved optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging systems are generally described. In an example, an OCT imaging system includes a tunable laser source, an interferometer, a splitter, and a detector. The tunable laser source is configured to provide a wavelength-scanned beam. The interferometer is configured to split the wavelength-scanned beam into a reference beam and an object beam. The splitter is configured to split the object beam into a first path corresponding to an anterior chamber imaging component and a second path corresponding to a retinal imaging component. The detector is configured to detect a signal caused by interference between the reference beam and at least a portion of the object beam reflected from the eye.