Polarization Scrambler for Intravascular Fiber Optic Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber transducers used in intravascular imaging and sensing applications suffer from polarization-related distortion due to birefringence, leading to unwanted variations in the time-domain intensity profile of reflected optical energy, which affects the accuracy of physiologic parameter measurement and imaging.
Innovation Solution
A polarization scrambler is integrated with a tunable optical source and an intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer to vary the polarization state of optical energy, reducing or eliminating distortion by averaging over different polarization states during measurement durations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical energy is coupled through an optical fiber transducer for intravascular imaging, then imaging capability is achieved, but polarization-related distortion occurs due to birefringence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the polarization state variable rather than fixed. A polarization scrambler is introduced to dynamically vary the polarization state of optical energy propagating through the fiber, allowing the system to adapt to changing polarization conditions caused by fiber manipulation and birefringence, thereby reducing polarization-induced distortion in measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization state parameter of the optical energy. By using a polarization scrambler to vary the polarization state over time and averaging measurements across multiple polarization states, the system eliminates the harmful effects of polarization-dependent distortion while maintaining imaging capability
2Length of moving object
If the fiber diameter is reduced to enable over-the-wire access, then device miniaturization is achieved, but polarization distortion is magnified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a polarization scrambler that actively varies the polarization state in response to the small fiber diameter conditions. This dynamic adjustment compensates for the magnified polarization effects inherent in thin fibers, allowing the miniaturized device to maintain measurement accuracy despite the exacerbated polarization sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful polarization distortion into a beneficial measurement approach by deliberately varying the polarization state and averaging results. The polarization scrambler transforms the problematic polarization sensitivity into a controlled variable, allowing the system to eliminate distortion through statistical averaging while maintaining the advantages of small fiber diameter
3Ease of operation
If the guidewire is manipulated during use, then positioning flexibility is improved, but polarization state shifts cause measurement variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a polarization scrambler that actively varies the polarization state in response to guidewire manipulation. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain measurement consistency despite physical manipulation, as the scrambling and averaging process eliminates polarization-dependent variations caused by twisting, rotating, or bending the guidewire
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the polarization scrambler to continuously vary the polarization state based on detected signal characteristics. The system monitors for polarization-induced distortion and actively compensates by adjusting the polarization state and re-averaging measurements, creating a feedback loop that maintains measurement precision during manipulation
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 significantly reduces polarization-induced phase shifts and variations, enhancing the dynamic range, contrast, and stability of imaging or sensing information, allowing for more accurate measurement of physiologic parameters and improved imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
optical materials, including optical fibers, generally possess some degree of birefringence. Such birefringence can cause unwanted distortion of optical energy coupled through the optical fiber transducer
Implementation Method 2
A polarization scrambler is integrated with a tunable optical source and an intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer to vary the polarization state of optical energy
Implementation Method 3
A pressure or vibration coupled to a sensing region of the optical fiber transducer can induce a change in the refractive index of the optical fiber transducer, or can physically modulate an optical path length of optical energy within the interferometer
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, an optical system can include a polarization scrambler coupleable to a tunable first optical source configured to generate a coherent optical output. The system can include an intra-body optical sensor such as a an intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer, configured to be coupled to the tunable first optical source through the polarization scrambler, the polarization scrambler configured to vary a polarization state of the optical energy provided by the tunable first optical source, the intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer configured to reflect a portion of the optical energy modulated in response to a vibration, pressure, or strain. The system can include a processor circuit configured to obtain information indicative of the optical energy reflected from the intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer, and to process information from the vibration, pressure, or strain modulating the optical energy from the intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer using different polarization states established by the polarization scrambler.