Optical Tomograph Discrete Wavelength Light Source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical tomographs require complex light source configurations to achieve high image quality, often involving multiple light sources and stringent control to produce wide band light beams, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An optical tomograph using a light source unit that emits a plurality of light beams with discrete wavelength bands, each having a continuous spectrum, which are divided and combined to produce interference signals for high-quality tomographic images without the need for a wide band light source, employing a simple structure and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wide band light source is used to achieve high spatial resolution, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to the need for multiple light sources and stringent control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide band light source into multiple discrete wavelength bands (first wavelength band and second wavelength band) emitted by separate light sources. This segmentation allows each light source to be simpler and less expensive while collectively providing the spectral coverage needed for high spatial resolution through the interferometer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light beams from multiple discrete wavelength bands in the interferometer to achieve the spectral interference pattern equivalent to what would require a single wide band light source. This merging approach maintains high spatial resolution while using simpler, more cost-effective individual light sources.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources with different spectral bands are used to widen spectral width, then spatial resolution is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral coverage into discrete wavelength bands, with each light source responsible for a specific band. This segmentation simplifies control compared to managing a single wide band light source, as each source can be independently controlled and stabilized without requiring complex coordination between multiple continuously varying wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses discrete wavelength bands rather than continuous spectral sweeping. This parameter change from continuous to discrete spectral representation simplifies the control and detection mechanisms, as the wavelengths are fixed and well-defined rather than requiring continuous monitoring and adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If a single wide band light source is used, then spectral width is sufficient for high resolution, but the light source becomes expensive and structurally complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wide band light source into multiple narrower band light sources. Each light source is simpler to manufacture and less expensive, as they only need to cover a portion of the spectrum rather than the entire wide band. The individual light sources can be manufactured using standard components and assembled into the interferometer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple light sources that are copies or replicas of standard light source designs, each optimized for a specific wavelength band. Rather than manufacturing a single complex wide band light source, the system uses multiple simpler, standardized light sources that can be produced using conventional manufacturing processes.
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 system achieves high-resolution tomographic images with improved detection accuracy and reduced complexity, eliminating the need for expensive wide band light sources and complex control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a reflected light beam, which is the measuring light beam reflected or backscattered by a measurement target when the measuring light beam is irradiated onto the measurement target, is combined with the reference light beam. Tomographic images are obtained, based on the intensity of a coherent light beam obtained by combining the reflected light beam and the reference light beam.
Implementation Method 2
a reflected light beam, which is the measuring light beam reflected or backscattered by a measurement target
Implementation Method 3
The interference light beam formed thereby is spectrally decomposed into each frequency component by a spectrometer
Implementation Method 4
the intensity of each frequency component of the interference light beam is measured by a detector array, in which elements such as photodiodes are provided in an array
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Optical tomographic images having high image quality are obtained by a light source of a simple structure that emits a plurality of discrete light beams. A first light beam (La) and a second light beam (Lb) having discrete wavelength bands (λ1 and λ2) are emitted form a light source unit (10), and enter a light dividing means (3). The light dividing means (3) separates the light beams (La and Lb) into a measuring light beam (L1a, L1b) and a reference light beam (L2a, L2b). The measuring light beams (L1a, L2a) are irradiated on a measurement target (S), and reflected light beams (L3a, L3b), which are reflected at various depth positions of the measurement target (S), are caused to enter a combining means (4). The reference light beams (L2a, L2b) propagate through an optical fiber (FB3) to enter the combining means (4). Interference light beams (L4a, L4b) formed by the reflected light beams (L3a, L3b) and the reference light beams (L2a, L2b) for each of the first and second light beams (La and Lb) are photoelectrically converted into interference signals (ISa, ISb). A tomographic image is obtained employing the interference signals (ISa, ISb) for each of the first and second light beams (La, Lb).