Optical Tomographic Imaging Wavelength Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical tomographic imaging systems face challenges in obtaining high-resolution images due to limitations in detector arrays and the mixing of interference information from multiple light sources with different wavelengths, which reduces measuring rate and requires costly and complex synchronization control.
Innovation Solution
An optical tomographic imaging apparatus using a light source unit with two wavelength-swept light sources, where the beams are split, combined, and detected separately to avoid interference mixing, allowing for simultaneous irradiation of multiple wavelengths without synchronization control, and using a wavelength dividing mechanism to direct interference signals to specific detectors based on wavelength ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used to improve image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but interference signals from different wavelengths mix together causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection of interference signals by wavelength ranges using a wavelength dividing means. The interference beam detection unit detects signals within specific wavelength ranges (e.g., first wavelength range for first light source, second wavelength range for second light source), separating the detection of interference signals from different light sources. This segmentation prevents signal mixing and maintains measurement reliability while enabling multi-wavelength operation for high-resolution imaging.
2Measurement precision
If a detector array with more elements is used to increase data points for high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single interference beam detection unit that serves multiple wavelength ranges through the wavelength dividing means. Instead of requiring separate detector arrays for each light source or wavelength range, the system uses one detection unit that sequentially or selectively detects interference signals across different wavelength ranges, reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to generate high-resolution images with sufficient data points.
3Productivity
If multiple light sources operate simultaneously to improve measuring rate, then productivity is improved, but synchronization control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interference signal detection by wavelength ranges using the wavelength dividing means. This segmentation allows the system to process interference signals from multiple simultaneously operating light sources without requiring complex synchronization control, as each detected signal is identified and processed according to its wavelength range rather than requiring temporal coordination between sources.
4Measurement precision
If wavelength dividing means is introduced to separate interference signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength dividing means acts as an intermediary component between the interference beam generation and detection processes. It selectively directs interference signals based on their wavelength ranges to the appropriate detection paths, enabling precise signal separation while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture. The wavelength dividing means mediates between the multi-wavelength light sources and the single interference beam detection unit, resolving the contradiction between signal separation precision and system complexity.
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 approach enables rapid acquisition of high-resolution images by preventing interference signal mixing and simplifying the system architecture, reducing costs, and improving detection accuracy without the need for complex synchronization, while allowing the use of general-purpose components.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength dividing means 5 for dividing the interference beam into a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
an interference beam detection means 40 for detecting the interference beam as an interference signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical tomographic imaging apparatus capable of obtaining a high resolution tomographic image rapidly. Light beams swept in wavelength intermittently and repeatedly within first and second wavelength ranges respectively are outputted simultaneously from a light source unit. If the wavelength of either one of the light beams is within a fifth wavelength range, the other light beam is not outputted. The first or second wavelength range includes at least a portion of the fifth wavelength range. Each light beam is split into measuring and reference beams by a coupler. Wavelengths of reflected beams from a measuring object when the measuring beams are irradiated on the object and the reference beams are divided by a WDM coupler. The reflected beams and reference beams are combined by an optical coupler, and each interference beam produced thereby is detected with respect to each light beam as an interference signal.