Handheld Optoacoustic Probe Fiber Bundle Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optoacoustic probes face challenges in handling high peak power light pulses without fiber burnout and maintaining flexibility and weight efficiency, while also requiring effective multi-modality imaging capabilities for medical applications.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fused proximal end of the optical fiber bundle to increase peak power capacity, combined with a flexible and lightweight structure, and utilizes a combined optoacoustic and ultrasound system with a light subsystem capable of producing short pulses of different wavelengths for enhanced imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the optical fiber bundle uses higher peak power capacity to handle high peak power light pulses, then the power handling capability is improved, but the fiber becomes more rigid and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber bundle is divided into multiple individual fibers (e.g., 1000-1500 microns total bundle with numerous smaller fibers). Each fiber can be optimized for flexibility while the collective bundle provides sufficient peak power capacity. The segmentation allows the system to handle high peak power through multiple channels rather than requiring a single large-diameter fiber that would be rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe employs a composite structure combining optical fibers with specific mechanical properties. The fiber bundle is integrated with a flexible circuit board and housing materials that maintain overall probe flexibility while supporting the optical components. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both high power handling and flexibility by distributing mechanical and optical functions across different materials.
2Power
If the optical fiber bundle increases peak power capacity, then the power handling capability is improved, but the probe weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical power transmission is segmented across multiple thinner fibers rather than using a single large-diameter fiber. This segmentation reduces the total material mass required while maintaining the aggregate peak power handling capability. The distributed fiber structure achieves the same optical throughput with less overall material, thereby reducing probe weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe utilizes thin-film and flexible structural designs in the housing and mounting components. The optical fiber bundle is integrated into a lightweight flexible circuit board assembly, and the housing employs thin-walled structures that provide mechanical support with minimal mass. This approach allows the system to achieve high power handling capability without proportionally increasing probe weight through efficient material usage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe provides multi-modality imaging capabilities, then the imaging versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe merges multiple imaging modalities (optoacoustic imaging and ultrasound imaging) into a single integrated device. The optical fiber bundle and ultrasound transducer array are co-located and mechanically integrated, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation of both modalities. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing overall system complexity despite the added functionality within the probe itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed with universal multi-functionality, where a single device structure supports multiple imaging techniques. The housing and mounting mechanisms are configured to accommodate both optical and acoustic components, and the control system can switch between or combine different imaging modes. This universal design achieves versatile imaging capabilities without requiring separate specialized devices for each modality.
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 solution enables the optoacoustic probe to handle high peak power light pulses without burnout, while providing improved flexibility and weight efficiency, and enables effective multi-modality imaging for better tissue differentiation and hemoglobin content measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the light path is a fiber optic bundle comprising multiple strands of optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
covered by an acoustic lens
Implementation Method 3
The piezoelectric transducer elements are arranged in an array on the face of the acoustic lens
Implementation Method 4
a light subsystem capable of producing short pulses of light of at least two different wavelengths
Implementation Method 5
The design incorporates a fused proximal end of the optical fiber bundle to increase peak power capacity
Data Source
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AI summary
A handheld optoacoustic probe includes an ultrasound transducer array and optical fibers with a first end formed into a fiber bundle providing an input and a second, distal end providing an output. A light bar guide retains the distal end of the optical fibers on the same plane. One or more optical windows may be associated with, and spaced from the light bar guide so as to prevent contact between a coupling agent and the distal ends of the optical fibers, thus mitigating a potential acoustic effect of the coupling agent in response to light emitting from the fibers. A silicon rubber acoustic lens doped with TiO2 may be provided, with a reflective metal surrounding the outer surface of the acoustic lens. A handheld probe shell houses the light bar guide, the ultrasound transducer array, and the acoustic lens.