Reciprocating Scanning Head Layout for Vibration-Free Wide-Stroke Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photoacoustic imaging devices face issues with nonuniform light transmission, mechanical resistance, and narrow scanning ranges due to optical fiber bending and mechanical vibrations during high-speed scanning, limiting their application in wide-area imaging.
Innovation Solution
A vibration-free linear high-speed reciprocating scanning device using a collimator, scanning head, and linear actuator with a fixed and movable part, along with a base frame and stage, to maintain optical fiber stability and eliminate mechanical vibrations, ensuring uniform light delivery and wide-range scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mechanical scanning is performed over a wide stroke while optical fiber is directly connected to the scanning head, then scanning range is improved, but light transmission uniformity deteriorates due to fiber bending
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the optical fiber connection from the scanning head movement. The optical fiber is connected to the stationary scanning head rather than moving with it, dividing the system into stationary (optical fiber, scanning head) and moving (mirror, stage) components. This segmentation prevents fiber bending while enabling wide-range scanning through angular deflection of the laser beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling between optical fiber and scanning head with optical steering using a galvanometer mirror. Instead of physically moving the fiber or scanning head, the system uses angular deflection of the laser beam via the mirror to achieve scanning, eliminating mechanical constraints on the optical fiber.
2Use of energy by moving object
If optical fiber is used for light guidance during mechanical scanning, then light delivery is achieved, but mechanical resistance and fiber breakage occur at high scanning speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical fiber from the moving components and anchors it to the stationary scanning head. By taking out the fiber from the mechanical scanning system, the harmful mechanical resistance and fatigue forces are eliminated, allowing high-speed scanning without compromising fiber durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The galvanometer mirror acts as an intermediary between the stationary optical fiber and the scanning process. It receives the laser beam from the fiber and deflects it angularly to achieve scanning, mediating the interaction without requiring physical movement of the fiber itself.
3Speed
If angular steering of laser beam is used for scanning, then scanning speed is improved, but scanning range is limited to narrow area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the scanning capability from one-dimensional angular deflection to two-dimensional coverage by combining the galvanometer mirror's angular steering with linear movement of the scanning head on a mechanical stage. This adds a spatial dimension to the scanning motion, expanding the scanning range while maintaining high speed through the mirror's rapid angular response.
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 device achieves high-quality, uniform image acquisition over a wide area without mechanical vibrations, enhancing scanning speed and reliability, particularly in functional photoacoustic imaging requiring multiple wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
the bending of the optical fiber near the scanning head changes from moment to moment, and as a result, the intensity of laser pulses transmitted inside the optical fiber by the principle of total internal reflection becomes unstable
Implementation Method 2
a collimator that generates collimated light while being fastened to an optical fiber that delivers light from a light source
Implementation Method 3
a scanning head that scans a target tissue based on the collimated light generated by the collimator
Implementation Method 4
a scanning head that scans a target tissue based on the collimated light generated by the collimator
Implementation Method 5
photoacoustic imaging device that performs scanning by physically moving certain components to acquire a desired image according to the principle of photoacoustic imaging
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
Provided is a wide-range vibration-free high-speed linear reciprocating scanning device capable of solving mechanical vibration problems during transfer of a scanning head.