Ocular Device Imaging with Scattering Agents for OCT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images in metrology applications face challenges in achieving an adequate signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for accurate measurement of image features, such as the profile of ocular devices like contact lenses, due to low sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
Applying a scattering agent, such as pigments like Green Cr2O3 or Yellow Iron Oxide, to ocular devices, which increases light scattering sites, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio when imaged using OCT, and allowing for high sensitivity imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OCT imaging is performed on ocular devices without scattering agents, then the imaging process is simple, but the signal-to-noise ratio is inadequate for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
A scattering agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the OCT light source and the ocular device. The scattering agent modifies the light interaction with the device surface, enhancing the backscattered signal intensity and improving the signal-to-noise ratio without requiring changes to the OCT system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the imaging system are changed by introducing a scattering agent that alters the light scattering characteristics. This changes the interaction parameters between light and the ocular device surface, resulting in enhanced signal return and improved measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a scattering agent is applied to enhance imaging sensitivity, then measurement accuracy improves, but the device requires additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The scattering agent serves as a temporary intermediary that facilitates accurate imaging during the measurement process. The agent is applied to the device surface, performs its function of enhancing signal return, and then can be removed, allowing the device to return to its original state without permanent modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The scattering agent is applied to the ocular device before imaging to prepare the surface for optimal light scattering. This preliminary action enhances the signal-to-noise ratio during the measurement process, ensuring accurate geometric feature detection before the agent is removed.
3Measurement precision
If scattering agents are used to increase light scattering sites, then imaging sensitivity increases, but the basic geometry of the device may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The scattering agent is applied temporarily before imaging to enhance sensitivity, and then removed afterward. This preliminary and temporary application ensures that the device geometry remains stable and unchanged, as the scattering agent does not permanently alter the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The scattering agent is discarded after serving its purpose of enhancing imaging sensitivity. By removing the scattering agent after imaging, the ocular device returns to its original state with its basic geometry preserved, allowing the device to be reused without permanent modification.
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
The method provides greater sensitivity and clarity in imaging ocular devices, enabling accurate measurement of geometric features like shape and thickness without affecting the device's basic geometry.
Implementation Method 1
Applying a scattering agent, such as pigments like Green Cr2O3 or Yellow Iron Oxide, to ocular devices, which increases light scattering sites, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio when imaged using OCT
Implementation Method 2
OCT, including SS-OCT ('swept source OCT') performs high resolution, cross sectional imaging in semitransparent samples (such as biological tissues, etc.) by measuring the echo time delay of reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods for imaging ocular devices. The methods generally involve (a) applying a scattering agent to the ocular device; and (b) imaging the ocular device using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The methods described herein provide useful structural information about the surface of the device with high sensitivity.