Optical Safety Interlock for Wavelength-Swept OCT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravascular OCT imaging faces challenges with limited light penetration due to high attenuation coefficients in lipid-rich atherosclerotic plaques, and increasing optical power poses safety hazards, particularly at shorter wavelengths, necessitating a solution to mitigate laser classification and ocular hazards.
Innovation Solution
A safety device is implemented to monitor the sweeping status of a wavelength swept light source, stopping the light source when it operates outside predetermined frequency or wavelength ranges to maintain safe optical power levels, using interlocks to prevent unsafe conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If optical power is increased to improve light penetration in lipid-rich atherosclerotic plaques, then imaging penetration depth is improved, but optical safety hazards and laser classification risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary safety actions by establishing an interlock system that monitors laser wavelength and power levels before unsafe conditions can develop. The system proactively prevents hazardous situations by detecting wavelength drift toward shorter wavelengths and automatically adjusting or shutting down the laser source before excessive optical power can be delivered to the patient, thus maintaining both penetration depth capability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control through the interlock system that continuously monitors laser operating parameters including wavelength and power level. The system receives feedback from wavelength sensors and power monitors, compares readings against safe operating ranges, and automatically responds by adjusting the laser source or triggering shutdowns when parameters approach hazardous thresholds, thereby enabling safe operation at higher power levels for improved penetration.
2Measurement precision
If laser wavelength is reduced to improve resolution, then imaging resolution is improved, but Accessible Emission Level decreases rapidly increasing ocular hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system performs preliminary safety checks by monitoring laser wavelength before imaging begins. When the wavelength drifts toward shorter values where ocular hazard increases, the system proactively triggers warnings or shutdowns before hazardous radiation can be delivered, allowing the system to maintain resolution benefits at longer wavelengths where safety margins are larger.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback monitoring of laser wavelength through integrated sensors that continuously report wavelength drift to the control system. The interlock receives this feedback and automatically adjusts operating parameters or shuts down the laser when wavelength approaches hazardous short-wavelength regions, thereby preventing ocular hazards while preserving imaging capability at safer wavelengths.
3Power
If laser power is increased to exceed Class 1 classification, then imaging capability is improved, but laser safety classification increases creating regulatory and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system implements preliminary safety measures by monitoring laser power and wavelength combinations before they can result in excessive classification. The system proactively identifies when operating parameters approach thresholds that would elevate laser classification beyond Class 1, and automatically triggers warnings or shutdowns to maintain compliance with safety regulations while preserving the ability to operate at higher powers when safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where the interlock continuously receives information about laser power output and wavelength, compares these parameters against classification thresholds, and automatically responds by adjusting power levels or shutting down when parameters approach hazardous ranges. This feedback mechanism enables the system to operate at high power levels for improved imaging capability while maintaining Class 1 safety classification through automatic parameter adjustment.
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 safety device effectively prevents unsafe laser operation, maintaining safe optical power levels and reducing the risk of ocular hazards, allowing for safer and more effective imaging with increased penetration depth.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength swept light source to generate a measurement beam
Implementation Method 2
a scanner to move the measurement beam on a sample
Implementation Method 3
The safety device can monitor the light source and determine the sweeping status of the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a wavelength swept light source to generate a measurement beam, a scanner to move the measurement beam on a sample, a measurement device to measure the sample, and a safety device to stop the light source based on sweeping status of the light source.