Optical Waveguide Transmitter for MRI-Compatible Ultrasonic Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic transceiver apparatuses with electrical cabling pose electromagnetic compatibility issues when operated near magnetic resonance tomographs, leading to degraded imaging quality and the need for dedicated screening, making their operation in close proximity challenging.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide-transmitter apparatus with a semiconductor substrate and carrier layer, featuring a transmitter-optical waveguide with a refractive index greater than the carrier layer, is used to generate ultrasonic waves via light beams, eliminating electrical cabling and enhancing compatibility with other imaging devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ultrasonic transceiver apparatus with electrical cabling is used, then ultrasonic wave generation and detection is achieved, but electromagnetic compatibility deteriorates when operated near magnetic resonance tomographs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical cabling and piezoelectric transducer system with an all-optical system using optical waveguides to generate and detect ultrasonic waves. The optical waveguide transmitter converts optical signals to mechanical vibrations without electrical connections, eliminating electromagnetic interference while maintaining ultrasonic imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical waveguides as an intermediary medium to transfer energy and signals between components. The optical waveguide acts as a non-conductive mediator that transmits ultrasonic waves and optical signals without requiring electrical connections, thereby preventing electromagnetic interference with magnetic resonance tomographs.
2Ease of operation
If electrical cabling is used in ultrasonic transceiver apparatus, then power and signal transmission is achieved, but need for dedicated screening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical cabling component from the ultrasonic transceiver apparatus. By eliminating the electrical connections and replacing them with optical waveguides, the system eliminates the need for electromagnetic shielding and screening, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and operation.
3Reliability
If optical waveguide-transmitter apparatus is used, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical waveguide transmitter and receiver components into an integrated apparatus that can be positioned close to the magnetic resonance tomograph. The combination of optical waveguides for both transmission and reception functions, along with the housing and positioning mechanisms, forms a unified system that achieves electromagnetic compatibility while managing structural complexity through integration.
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 solution enables ultrasonic imaging with improved electromagnetic compatibility, allowing the apparatus to be used in close proximity to magnetic resonance tomographs without interfering with their operation and reducing the need for screening, while maintaining high sensitivity and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitter-optical waveguide made of a semiconductor material with a refractive index greater than a refractive index of the carrier layer... configured for guiding the light beams
Implementation Method 2
the at least one transmitter-optical waveguide has, on the end facing toward the examination region, an optical absorption layer for such a conversion of the light beams
Implementation Method 3
decoupling of the light beams into the examination region for generating the ultrasonic waves in the examination region via the decoupled light beams
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide-transmitter apparatus, an ultrasonic transceiver apparatus, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and an associated production method are disclosed. The optical waveguide-transmitter apparatus includes a substrate made of a semiconductor material; a carrier layer arranged on the substrate; and at least one transmitter-optical waveguide made of a semiconductor material with a refractive index greater than a refractive index of the carrier layer. At least one side of the waveguide is at least partially surrounded by the carrier layer. The waveguide is configured at an end facing toward the examination region for a decoupling of the light beams into the examination region for generating the ultrasonic waves in the examination region by way of the decoupled light beams for an optoacoustic imaging and/or has, on the end facing toward the examination region, an optical absorption layer for such a conversion of the light beams.