Optical Timing Distribution for PET Detectors in MR RF Cabins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for distributing timing signals to PET imaging components within an MR RF cabin face challenges due to RF noise and require extensive shielding, while optical connections introduce jitter, making them inadequate for high-precision time-of-flight PET imaging.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical paths with jitter cleaners to transmit and process clock and sync signals, eliminating the need for galvanic connections and providing low-jitter signals even in harsh magnetic environments, thereby ensuring precise timing for PET imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If galvanic connections (coaxial or twisted-pair) are used to distribute timing signals, then timing precision is maintained, but extensive shielding and filtering are required to prevent RF noise disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces galvanic (electrical) connections with optical connections for distributing timing signals. Optical fibers transmit clock and sync signals without conducting RF noise, eliminating the need for extensive shielding and filtering while maintaining timing precision. The optical interface acts as an isolator, blocking RF interference from entering the MR RF cabin.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical connections are used to distribute timing signals, then RF noise interference is reduced, but signal jitter increases making timing inadequate for TOF PET imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (optical isolator or buffer) at the optical interface that cleans the optical signal from jitter while maintaining the benefits of optical transmission. This intermediary component removes high-frequency noise and stabilizes the optical signal, enabling both RF noise reduction and timing precision to be achieved simultaneously.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical paths are used to transmit clock and sync signals into MR RF cabin, then galvanic isolation is achieved and RF interference is eliminated, but signal stability must be maintained in harsh magnetic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission through optical fibers. Optical signals are immune to magnetic field interference and RF noise, providing inherent stability in the harsh MR environment. The optical interface provides galvanic isolation, preventing ground loops and electrical interference while maintaining signal integrity.
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 allows for efficient, high-precision timing signal distribution to PET imaging components within MR RF cabins, reducing RF interference and maintaining signal integrity, thus enhancing the accuracy of time-of-flight PET imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmitter to convert the clock signal to an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver to convert the optical clock signal to a clock signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include generation of a source optical signal outside of a radiofrequency-shielded cabin based on a reference electrical clock signal, transmission of the source optical signal into the radiofrequency-shielded cabin via optical media, generation of an electrical clock signal based on the source optical signal within the radiofrequency-shielded cabin, jitter cleaning of the electrical clock signal within the radiofrequency-shielded cabin to generate a jitter-cleaned electrical clock signal based on an average frequency of the electrical clock signal and a jitter of a magnetically-compatible jitter cleaner oscillator, and transmission of the jitter-cleaned electrical clock signal to a plurality of positron emission tomography scanner detectors disposed within the radiofrequency-shielded cabin.