Optical RF Antenna Element for Resonance-Free Signal Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF antenna arrangements for magnetic resonance examination systems require complex electrical connections, which can lead to unwanted RF resonances and are impractical for use in interventional instruments like catheters due to the need for electrical connections at the distal end.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency (RF) antenna arrangement with an optical back-end that employs a photo-electrical conversion element for both optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversions, reducing the need for electrical connections and using optical links instead, thereby minimizing the risk of RF resonances and enabling use in instruments without distal electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connections are used in RF antenna arrangements, then power and data transmission can be achieved, but unwanted RF resonances occur and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical connections with optical connections. The RF antenna element uses an optical interface circuitry with laser diodes and photodetectors to transmit power and data signals optically through optical fibers, eliminating the need for electrical connections at the distal end and thereby minimizing RF resonances while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediary elements between the RF antenna element and the external system. The optical fibers serve as mediators to transmit both power and data signals without requiring electrical connections, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable signal transmission and minimizing RF resonances
2Ease of operation
If electrical connections are provided at the distal end of interventional instruments, then RF antenna elements can be powered and controlled, but the instrument design becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the requirement for distal electrical connections with optical connections. By using laser diodes to generate light signals and photodetectors to convert them back to electrical signals, the system can power and control the RF antenna element without any electrical connections at the distal end, making interventional instruments practical and easier to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interface circuitry serves multiple functions: it provides power transmission to the preamplifier, data transmission for control and reception, and signal conversion between electrical and optical domains. This multi-functionality through a single optical interface eliminates the need for separate electrical connections, simplifying the instrument design
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 simplifies the circuit arrangement, reduces the need for intricate electrical connections, and minimizes RF resonances, making it suitable for use in interventional instruments and arrays of RF antenna elements by utilizing optical links for power and data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the photo-electrical conversion element is configured to generate upon incidence of optical power from the optical power source an electrical power signal to the pre-amplifier
Implementation Method 2
the photo-electrical conversion element is configured to convert the pre-amplifier's amplified voltage into an optical data signal
Implementation Method 3
an optical back-end comprising an optical power source and a photodetector... the photo-electrical conversion element is configured to apply the optical data signal to the photodetector
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) antenna arrangement comprising an RF antenna element and an optical back-end. The RF antenna element comprises an electrically conductive loop, an electronic pre-amplifier and a photo-electrical conversion element. The optical back-end comprising an optical power source and a photodetector. The RF antenna element and the optical back-end being optically coupled, and wherein the optical power source is optically coupled to the photo-electrical conversion element. The photo-electrical conversion element generates upon incidence of optical power from the optical power source an electrical power signal to the pre-amplifier. The photo-electrical conversion element generates optical data signals from electrical data signals picked-up by the electrically conductive loop. The photo-electrical conversion element applies the optical data signals to the photodetector.