Optical Tomography System Wavelength Resolution Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical tomography systems, the need to adjust the optical path length of measuring and reference lights to match each other limits the measurable range and resolution, particularly in SD-OCT systems, where a large optical path length difference degrades the signal-to-noise ratio and requires lengthy adjustments for high-resolution imaging.
Innovation Solution
An optical tomography system that allows switching between different wavelength resolutions by adjusting the wavelength bandwidth or spectral angular width of the interference light detected, using mechanisms like zoom lenses, diffraction gratings, or optical path shifting to enhance the measurable range and resolution according to application needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the optical path length difference between measuring light and reference light becomes large in SD-OCT measurement, then the measurable range increases, but the spatial frequency of the interference signal is enlarged and the S/N ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical path length adjustable rather than fixed. The optical path length adjusting means allows dynamic modification of the reference light's optical path length to match the measuring light's optical path length, enabling the system to adapt to different measurement depths and maintain optimal S/N ratio across varying measurable ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path length parameter of the reference light to conform to the measuring light's optical path length. This parameter adjustment is achieved through the optical path length adjusting means, which modifies the reference light path to match the measuring light path, thereby optimizing the interference signal quality for different measurement scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If the optical path length is adjusted to conform the measuring light and reference light for high-resolution imaging, then the resolution improves, but the time required for positioning adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the optical path length of the reference light to conform to the measuring light before measurement begins. The optical path length adjusting means is configured to automatically or pre-set the optimal optical path length, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during actual measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service through automatic optical path length adjustment. The optical path length adjusting means automatically conforms the reference light path to the measuring light path without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby reducing positioning adjustment time while maintaining high-resolution imaging capability.
3Ease of repair
If a probe is made demountable for cleaning and disinfection, then the ease of maintenance improves, but the optical path length varies with each probe change requiring re-adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the optical path length adjusting means to work with multiple different probes. The system can automatically or manually adjust the reference light optical path length to match any connected measuring probe, making the adjustment mechanism universal across different probe configurations and eliminating the need for probe-specific calibration.
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 system improves convenience by allowing flexible adjustment of the measurable range and resolution, enabling larger depth imaging without compromising resolution, and reduces the time required for positioning adjustments, particularly useful for applications like observing the stomach wall.
Implementation Method 1
an optical tomographic image is obtained on the basis of an interference of light by low coherence light... the reflected light and the reference light are superposed one on another, and interference light due to the superposition is detected
Implementation Method 2
a spectral means (42) which divides the interference light beam (L4) into a plurality of wavelength bands
Implementation Method 3
a zoom lens (43) which changes a wavelength bandwidth of the interference light beam (L4) entering the optical sensor (47)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical tomography system for obtaining a tomographic image of an object to be measured includes a light source unit which emits low coherence light. The low coherence light emitted from the light source unit is divided into measuring light and reference light. The reflected light from the object when the measuring light is projected onto the object and the reference light are multiplexed. The interference light of the reflected light and the reference light which have been multiplexed is detected, and a tomographic image information of the object is obtained by carrying out frequency-analysis on the detected interference light. A first detecting mode in which the interference light is detected at a first wavelength resolution and the interference light is detected at a second wavelength resolution higher than the first wavelength resolution are switched.