Parallel-Path Reflector Layout for Compact OCT Delay Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatuses with optical delay lines are large and heavy due to the use of retroreflective mirrors, which are heavy and increase the weight of the apparatus, making them less portable.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a plurality of reflectors configured to reflect light beams such that their paths are parallel, allowing multiple reflections without overlapping reflection centers, reducing the number of reflectors and weight, and using mirror arrangements like corner cubes or Luneburg lenses to maintain a long light path without increasing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If retroreflective mirrors are used to extend the light path in the optical delay line, then the light path length is increased, but the weight of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses corner cube reflectors which utilize three-dimensional geometric configuration to achieve retroreflection. The light beam traverses a folded path through multiple reflections off three mutually perpendicular surfaces, effectively extending the light path in three dimensions while keeping the physical footprint compact, thereby increasing light path length without proportionally increasing apparatus weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical delay line employs a nested arrangement where the light beam passes through the same physical space multiple times by reflecting off sequentially positioned mirrors. The beam folder configuration allows the light path to be folded back on itself, nesting multiple reflection segments within a compact volume, thus achieving long effective light path length without proportional weight increase.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple retroreflective mirrors are used to extend the light path, then the light path length is increased, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam folder configuration uses three-dimensional spatial arrangement of mirrors to fold the light path. By positioning mirrors at specific angles and locations in three-dimensional space, the light beam traverses an extended path while the apparatus maintains a compact two-dimensional footprint, effectively decoupling light path length from apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system employs adjustable mirror mounts that allow dynamic positioning of the mirrors to optimize the folded beam path. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to achieve the required light path length within a compact size by optimizing the geometric arrangement of reflection surfaces, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different configuration requirements without increasing fixed size.
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 optical system reduces the size and weight of the OCT apparatus, making it more portable while maintaining the required light path length for interference patterns, and improves reflection alignment for better performance.
Implementation Method 1
each of the reflectors is configured to reflect an incident light beam such that the path of the incident light beam and the path of the reflected light beam are parallel to each other
Implementation Method 2
reflectors having retroreflective properties. That is, the light beam incident on a reflector having retroreflective properties and the light beam reflected from the reflector are in parallel
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system, capable to admit a light beam, the optical system comprising: a plurality of reflectors configured to reflect the light beam, wherein each of the reflectors is configured to reflect an incident light beam such that the path of the incident light beam and the path of the reflected light beam are parallel to each other. Each of the reflectors has a reflection center axis positioned centrally between the path of the incident light beam and the path of the reflected light beam. At least two of the reflectors are arranged relative to each other such that their respective reflection center axes do not overlap, thereby enabling the path of the light beam to pass at least one of the at least two of the reflectors multiple times.