Portable OCT System Using MEMS Mirrors for Handheld Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic OCT systems are not portable and lack the capability for fast, high-resolution imaging in primary care settings, limiting their accessibility and efficiency for diagnosing ocular diseases.
Innovation Solution
A portable prototype OCT system incorporating a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror, a compact charged coupled device (CCD) camera, and a fiber optic Michelson interferometer configuration, enabling rapid 2D/3D imaging with a handheld probe and software for image processing and tissue thickness measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current ophthalmic OCT systems are used, then high-resolution imaging is achieved, but portability and accessibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The OCT system is divided into modular components including a handheld probe with integrated scanning mirrors and optics, a separate imaging processor, and interchangeable modules for different imaging modes (anterior segment, retina, etc.). This segmentation enables portability while maintaining high-resolution imaging capabilities through specialized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical scanning systems are replaced with micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirrors that provide rapid, precise beam steering with minimal mechanical movement. This substitution enables handheld operation while maintaining imaging resolution through electronic control of the scanning mirrors.
2Measurement precision
If conventional OCT systems are used, then imaging quality is maintained, but imaging speed is insufficient for reducing motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs rapid periodic scanning using resonant-frequency MEMS mirrors that oscillate at their natural frequency, enabling thousands of A-scans per second. This periodic action at optimized frequencies maximizes imaging speed while maintaining quality through consistent, repeatable scan patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The OCT system implements continuous wave light source illumination with uninterrupted signal acquisition, eliminating gaps between scans. This continuity enables rapid data collection that freezes motion artifacts while maintaining image quality through constant optical path sampling.
3Ease of operation
If handheld probe design is implemented, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld probe incorporates universal optical paths and interchangeable imaging modules that can be configured for different imaging applications (anterior segment, retina, optic nerve). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using a common platform rather than separate dedicated devices for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe design nests multiple functional components within a compact handheld form factor, including MEMS mirrors, optical elements, and sensors integrated in a nested arrangement. This nesting enables portability while managing complexity through compact, organized component integration.
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 prototype system achieves high-resolution imaging comparable to commercial systems, with 7 μm vertical and 15 μm lateral resolution, and is capable of fast imaging, reducing motion artifacts and enhancing diagnostic capabilities in various ocular and non-ocular tissue examinations.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter for splitting light reflected from a body part of a patient into first and second portions
Implementation Method 2
a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror that receives one or more wavelengths of light supplied through the collimator
Implementation Method 3
a fiber optic Michelson interferometer configuration, enabling rapid 2D/3D imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method involving capturing spectral interference from an optical coherence tomography imaging probe comprising a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror, and a partial reflector for supplying images to an image sensor. Additional embodiments are disclosed.