Photonic Chip OCT Delay Lines for Faster Depth Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Time Domain OCT systems are limited by slow scanning rates, large system volume, and high costs due to mechanical components, hindering device miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A time domain coherence tomography system based on a photonic integrated chip, utilizing optical delay lines that are continuously adjustable, replacing mechanical movement with optical delay lines to improve scanning rate and reduce system volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mechanical reflector is used to achieve depth scanning in TD-OCT, then the system can obtain depth information, but the scanning rate is limited to a few hundred Hz and the system volume is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reflector system with an optical delay line based on photonic integrated chip. The optical delay line uses optical path length adjustment through waveguide structures instead of mechanical movement, eliminating inertia and mechanical limitations. This substitution enables scanning rates beyond mechanical limits while reducing system volume by integrating components onto a chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamically adjustable optical delay lines that can continuously change optical path length without mechanical movement. The optical delay line uses controllable optical path structures (such as variable optical attenuators or phase shifters) to achieve dynamic scanning through depth, replacing static or mechanically limited systems with dynamically controllable optical paths.
2Speed
If a mechanical reflector is used to achieve depth scanning in TD-OCT, then the system can obtain depth information, but the system cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical components (couplers, delay lines, detectors) onto a single photonic integrated chip. This integration reduces the number of discrete components, simplifies assembly, and lowers overall system cost while enabling high-speed scanning through optimized on-chip optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical scanning components with integrated photonic structures, the patent eliminates costly mechanical assemblies, precision mechanical stages, and associated control systems. The optical delay line implementation using standard photonic fabrication processes significantly reduces manufacturing cost compared to precision mechanical systems.
3Speed
If optical delay lines are used to replace mechanical movement, then the scanning rate is improved, but the optical path control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic integrated chip is designed with self-aligned optical paths where components are pre-positioned and interconnected during fabrication. The optical delay line structures are inherently integrated with coupling mechanisms, eliminating the need for external alignment and complex control systems. The chip itself provides the necessary optical path management through its integrated structure.
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 system achieves enhanced scanning rates while reducing system size and cost, with precise optical delay adjustments enabling high-resolution three-dimensional imaging.
Implementation Method 1
OCT is an optical test method based on low coherence interference, which obtains a plurality of deep-level information of a sample, having achieved a high-resolution in axial by an interference between a reference path signal and a backscattering signal of a sample path
Implementation Method 2
the photoelectric detection module is configured to receive the reference signal and the reflection signal, before generating an electrical signal after an interference
Data Source
AI summary
By arranging light source, optical chip, interferometer, photoelectric detection module, sample acquisition module and data processing module, wherein light source is connected to interferometer by optical chip, while both reference path and sample path of optical chip have optical delay line arranged respectively, and optical delay lines are continuously adjustable; optical chip is configured to divide detection light into reference path signal light and sample path signal light, and transmitting reference path signal light and sample path signal light to interferometer by optical delay line continuously adjustable respectively. Comparing with traditional mechanical style TD-OCT system having problem of scanning rate slow, present solution replaces a mechanical movement of reference path in prior art by optical delay lines continuously adjustable, which not only improves scanning rate, but also has smaller volume.