Phase Transforming Unit for Simultaneous Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low coherence optical imaging techniques, such as OCT, face challenges in simultaneously obtaining information from different depths of a sample with high resolution, as they require longitudinal and transverse scanning, which limits the efficiency and accuracy of depth imaging.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a phase transforming unit, such as a microstructure mirror or beam shifting and bending units, to create differential phases in the reference light, allowing it to interfere constructively with information light from various depths, enabling simultaneous depth imaging by forming interference patterns on a photo detector for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional OCT technique with longitudinal and transverse scanning is used, then 3-dimensional high resolution image can be obtained, but imaging efficiency and depth analysis capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference light into multiple sub-beams with different phases using a phase transforming unit (such as a diffractive optical element or microlens array). Each sub-beam interferes with light from different depths of the sample simultaneously, enabling parallel depth information acquisition without requiring mechanical scanning, thus improving imaging efficiency while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a phase dimension to the reference light by creating multiple phase states (0, π/2, π, 3π/2) across different spatial positions. This phase encoding allows the system to multiplex depth information in the phase domain rather than requiring mechanical scanning through the longitudinal dimension, achieving simultaneous multi-depth imaging
2Measurement precision
If phase transforming unit is introduced to create differential phases in reference light, then simultaneous depth imaging is enabled, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a phase transforming unit as an intermediary optical element (such as a diffractive optical element or microlens array) that converts the reference light into multi-phase sub-beams. This intermediary component enables precise phase control and depth differentiation without requiring complex mechanical scanning systems, achieving high longitudinal resolution through optical phase modulation rather than mechanical movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase parameter of the reference light by introducing controlled phase differences (0, π/2, π, 3π/2) across different spatial positions using the phase transforming unit. This parameter modulation enables the system to encode depth information in the phase domain, improving longitudinal resolution through optical parameter control rather than mechanical adjustment
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 approach enhances the ability to obtain high-resolution, 3-dimensional images of samples by improving the longitudinal resolution and enabling the simultaneous analysis of spatial information from different depths, thereby improving the imaging capabilities of low coherence optical imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a phase transforming unit for reflecting the reference light to the photo detector and transforming the reference light to have different phases at different positions of a cross-section
Implementation Method 2
a main beam splitter for splitting the light beam to a sample light and a reference light
Implementation Method 3
the reference light and the information light are superposed to form interference patterns on the photo detector
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for low coherence optical imaging, and more particularly to an apparatus for low coherence optical imaging which can obtain the information of the different depths of a sample simultaneously. The apparatus comprises a phase transformation unit or a beam shift unit. The phase transformation unit or beam shift unit transforms and reflects the reference light, such that the reflected reference light comprises different phases at the different positions of a cross-section. When the reference light and a information light from the sample are superimposed on a photo detector, the information of the different depths of the sample is obtained. By using the apparatus of the present invention, the elements, the volume, and the cost of the apparatus are reduced. Because of only two-dimensional scanning is required, the scanning rate is improved.