Optical Zoom Probe Liquid Lens Curvature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT, struggle with early detection of small tumors due to low resolution, while optical coherence tomography (OCT) has limited depth penetration and cannot replace biopsy for cancer diagnosis, necessitating a solution for high-resolution scanning in both near and nearest distance modes.
Innovation Solution
An optical zoom probe with independently controllable liquid lenses and an adjustable aperture system, utilizing electrowetting principles and microfluidics, allows for variable focal lengths and aperture sizes to achieve high-resolution scanning in both near and nearest distance modes, combining the benefits of OCT and confocal microscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an objective lens with high numerical aperture is used to achieve high horizontal resolution, then horizontal resolution is improved, but depth of focus becomes small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs liquid lenses with variable curvature that can be dynamically adjusted between convex and concave shapes. This dynamic adaptability allows the optical system to switch between high numerical aperture (convex) for high horizontal resolution and low numerical aperture (concave) for large depth of focus, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the curvature parameter of the liquid lenses to optimize performance for different scanning modes. By controlling the curvature of the liquid lens surfaces, the system achieves high horizontal resolution when convex curvature is needed and large depth of focus when concave curvature is applied, effectively managing the trade-off between these parameters.
2Length of stationary object
If an optical system with large depth of focus is used to achieve uniform spot sizes, then depth of focus is improved, but horizontal resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid lens system dynamically adjusts its curvature based on the required scanning mode. For near distance scanning requiring large depth of focus, the lenses adopt concave curvature with low numerical aperture. For nearest distance scanning requiring high horizontal resolution, the lenses switch to convex curvature with high numerical aperture, thus resolving the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes variable curvature parameters of liquid lenses to optimize the balance between depth of focus and horizontal resolution. By precisely controlling the curvature of the liquid lens surfaces, the system achieves uniform spot sizes over varying depths when concave curvature is applied and high horizontal resolution when convex curvature is used.
3Device complexity
If fixed focal length lenses are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different scanning distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid lens system provides multi-functionality by enabling the same optical components to serve both near distance scanning and nearest distance scanning modes. The variable curvature liquid lenses allow the system to adapt to different scanning distances without requiring separate fixed focal length lenses for each mode, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the focal length parameter of the lenses by controlling the curvature of liquid lenses. This allows a single optical system to adapt to different scanning distances (near and nearest) by adjusting the liquid lens curvature, eliminating the need for multiple fixed focal length lenses and reducing overall device 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
Enables high-resolution scanning with uniform spot sizes over varying depths, enhancing early cancer detection capabilities without the need for biopsy, by optimizing horizontal resolution and depth of focus through adjustable lens curvatures and aperture sizes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second liquid lenses may be caused to have a convex lens surface or a concave lens surface by controlling a flow direction of the fluid according to an electrowetting principle
Implementation Method 2
a focus adjuster which focuses light that propagates through the aperture and which includes a first liquid lens and a second liquid lens, for each of which respective curvatures are independently controllable so as to adjust a respective focal length
Data Source
AI summary
An optical zoom probe is provided. The optical zoom probe includes: an aperture adjuster which adjusts an aperture through which light which is transmitted by a light transmitter propagates; and a focus adjuster which focuses light that propagates through the aperture and which includes first and second liquid lenses for each of which respective curvatures are independently controlled so as to adjust a respective focal length.