Photonic Integrated Receiver for OCT Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems lack integration of critical complex optical functions and tunable optical sources, limiting their performance and versatility in imaging and ranging applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of integrated photonic integrated circuits (PICs) that incorporate swept-source techniques, dual polarization, dual-balanced, in-phase and quadrature detection, and a widely tunable optical source, enabling the generation of interference signals for high-resolution imaging and ranging, with all components integrated onto a single PIC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple fiber optic or miniature optical bench technology is used, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging resolution and sensitivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple critical optical functions (swept-source laser generation, interferometry, dual polarization detection, I/Q demodulation, and photodetection) onto a single photonic integrated circuit. This integration enables high-resolution OCT imaging by combining components that were previously separate, achieving both improved measurement precision and reduced device complexity through consolidation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optical components are used, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: it generates tunable laser light across a broad spectrum, performs swept-source OCT interferometry, handles dual polarization states, executes I/Q demodulation, and detects optical signals. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability and versatility while reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate optical subsystems into a unified photonic integrated circuit, integrating the swept-source laser, interferometer, polarization controllers, detectors, and signal processing functions into one compact device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If integrated photonic circuits are implemented, then manufacturing precision and resolution are improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical assemblies with a photonic integrated circuit fabricated using semiconductor manufacturing processes. This substitution enables precise alignment and integration of optical components through standard fabrication techniques, improving manufacturing precision while making the system more suitable for scalable production despite increased initial fabrication 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
This approach enhances the resolution, sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness of OCT systems by integrating multiple functions onto a single PIC, enabling the generation of 1D, 2D, or 3D images with improved axial and lateral resolution, and facilitating real-time imaging of tissues.
Implementation Method 1
an interferometer that divides a tunable optical signal between a reference path and a sample path and combines optical signals returning from the reference path and the sample path to generate an interference signal
Implementation Method 2
integrated photodetectors and a detection system that detects the interference signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength tunable laser device includes a gain element positioned in an optical cavity that provides optical gain to an optical signal. A frequency shifter that generates a frequency shift as a function of time is positioned in the optical cavity. The optical cavity is configured so that a magnitude of the frequency shift as a function of time generated by the frequency shifter is substantially equal to a frequency separation of a cavity mode of the cavity such that an output of the cavity generates laser light having a wavelength that tunes as a function of time.