Ophthalmic Surgical Apparatus Interference Optical System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgical apparatuses face issues with attenuated observation images due to the placement of beam combiners in the observation optical path, requiring additional ports for OCT systems, which disrupts the existing structure and affects image quality.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic surgical apparatus with an interference optical system that includes a deflecting member between the objective lens and the eye, allowing for high-quality observation and OCT image acquisition without altering the existing configuration, using a detachable attachment that leads signal and reference optical paths to detect interference light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam combiner is arranged in the observation optical path between the objective lens and zoom lens system, then OCT image acquisition is enabled, but the observation light is attenuated causing dark observation images
Solution Approach 1:
A deflecting member (beam splitter) is introduced as an intermediary component in the optical path. This beam splitter redirects a portion of the observation light to the OCT optical system while allowing the majority of light to pass through to the observation optical system, enabling OCT imaging without completely blocking the observation path and minimizing attenuation of observation light.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is extended into a third dimension by using a beam splitter that redirects light at an angle. The OCT optical system is positioned in a separate spatial dimension (perpendicular to the main observation axis), allowing simultaneous OCT imaging and observation without direct competition for the same optical path space.
2Measurement precision
If a new port is added to connect the OCT optical system, then OCT imaging is enabled, but the existing structure is disrupted and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a component in the observation optical path, a beam combiner for the OCT optical system, and a light redirector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated ports for OCT imaging, integrating the OCT capability into the existing microscope structure without adding significant complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements are added to the observation optical path, then OCT functionality is integrated, but image quality deteriorates due to light attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter is designed with specific local optical properties that allow it to selectively redirect only the necessary portion of light for OCT imaging while maintaining high transmission for the observation path. The optical characteristics are optimized locally at the beam splitter interface to minimize overall impact on observation image quality.
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 high-quality observation and OCT imaging without affecting the existing structure, preventing attenuation of observation light and allowing for efficient surgery with improved image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a beam combiner for acquiring an OCT image is arranged in the observation optical path between an objective lens and a zoom lens system. The beam combiner deflects, toward the objective lens, signal light for acquiring an OCT image of the eye undergoing surgery using OCT.
Implementation Method 2
an interference optical system having a reference optical path and a signal optical path which leads to the eye through a deflecting member located between the objective lens and the eye, and configured to detect interference light based on light having passed through the signal optical path and returning from the eye, and reference light having passed through the reference optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic surgical apparatus includes an observation optical system, an illumination optical system, an interference optical system, and an image forming unit. The observation optical system is configured to observe an eye through an objective lens. The illumination optical system is configured to illuminate the eye through the objective lens. The interference optical system includes a reference optical path and a signal optical path which leads to the eye through the deflecting member located between the objective lens and the eye, and is configured to detect interference light based on light having passed through the signal optical path and returning from the eye and the reference light having passed through the reference optical path. The image forming unit forms an image of the eye based on a detection result obtained by the interference optical system.