Reference Optical Path Modulation for Faster OCT Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems face challenges with long measurement times, increased device volume, light intensity loss during refraction, non-linear optical path changes, and alignment difficulties due to high tolerance requirements in reference light devices, particularly when using single reflectors or rotating devices.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection device with a reference light optical path modulation element that employs mechanisms like translation, rotation, or scaling to quickly change the optical path, utilizing mirrors, media, and meta-lenses to achieve continuous, linear path changes, allowing for miniaturization and flexible refractive index adjustments without dead zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single reflector is used to achieve long-distance optical path change, then the optical path length is increased, but the moving distance of the reflector needs to be increased, resulting in increased measurement time and device volume
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path modulation function is divided into multiple segments by using multiple reflectors (first reflector, second reflector, third reflector) instead of a single reflector. Each reflector contributes a portion to the total optical path change, allowing the system to achieve long optical path length with limited individual reflector movement distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested optical path structure where light is reflected back and forth between multiple reflectors, effectively nesting the optical path within a compact physical space. This allows the optical path to be folded multiple times, achieving long optical path length without proportionally increasing the device volume or measurement time.
2Speed
If a rotating device is used to change the optical path, then the optical path can be changed rapidly, but light intensity is lost during refraction and the optical path change is not linear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotating device with a linear translation mechanism for the reflectors. Instead of rotating the optical path, the reflectors are translated linearly to achieve optical path modulation. This substitution eliminates refraction losses associated with rotating devices and enables linear relationship between reflector displacement and optical path change.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the optical path to achieve path length change, the patent inverts the approach by using linear translation of reflectors to achieve the same effect. The optical path is modulated by changing the position of reflectors along the optical axis rather than by rotation, thereby avoiding refraction and maintaining light intensity.
3Ease of operation
If a rotating device is used, then the optical path can be modulated, but high tolerance requirements on the rotating shaft center alignment cause unexpected errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotating shaft mechanism with a linear translation mechanism for the reflectors. This substitution eliminates the complex alignment requirements of rotating shafts and their centers, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining optical path modulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the rotating shaft component from the system, replacing it with a simpler linear translation mechanism. This extraction eliminates the alignment tolerance issues associated with rotating shaft centers while preserving the essential function of optical path modulation.
4Device complexity
If a single reflector is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device volume increases to achieve long-distance optical path change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested optical path configuration where light is reflected back and forth between multiple reflectors arranged in a compact manner. This nesting allows the optical path to be folded multiple times within a small physical space, achieving long optical path length without proportionally increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the optical path from a linear one-dimensional arrangement to a multi-dimensional folded path using multiple reflectors. By utilizing spatial folding and multiple reflection angles, the system achieves long optical path length in a compact three-dimensional configuration rather than requiring a long linear arrangement.
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 speeds up sample sampling speed and deepens sampling depth, reduces device size, and lowers production thresholds by enabling rapid optical path adjustments without the need for separate optical paths or alignment, thus addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
the optical coupling element dividing the incident light into a reference light and a detection light
Implementation Method 2
the reference light optical path modulation element reflecting the reference light and rapidly changing the optical path of the reference light
Implementation Method 3
the optical coupling element interfering with the reference light reflected by the reference light optical path modulation element and the detection light reflected by the sample to be tested to generate an optical interference signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detection device and an operation method thereof is disclosed. The optical detection device includes a light source, an optical coupling element, a reference optical path modulation element and a data processing element. The light source provides an incident light. The optical coupling element divides the incident light into a reference light and a detection light and emits them to the reference optical path modulation element and the sample to be tested respectively. The reference optical path modulation element reflects the reference light and rapidly changes the light path of reference light. The optical coupling element interferes the reference light reflected by the reference optical path modulation element and the detection light reflected by the sample to be tested to generate an optical interference signal. The data processing element receives and analyzes the optical interference signal to obtain an optical detection result about the sample to be tested.