RF Antenna Element with Optical Back-End for Resonance-Free Signal Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF antenna elements with optical back-ends for magnetic resonance examination systems have complex circuit arrangements that require numerous electrical connections, leading to potential RF resonances and complications when integrated into instruments like catheters, where direct electrical connections are impractical.
Innovation Solution
An RF antenna element with a simplified optical back-end using a photo-electrical conversion element for bidirectional conversion of optical and electrical signals, reducing the need for electrical connections and employing a GaN-based semiconductor for high-efficiency conversion, along with an optical separator to manage signal wavelengths and prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connections are used to power pre-amplifiers and transmit signals in RF antenna elements, then reliable electrical power supply and signal transmission are achieved, but device complexity increases and RF resonance risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical connections with optical connections to transmit power and signals. An optical fiber is inserted through the catheter to provide optical power to a photodetector, which converts it to electrical power for the pre-amplifier. Optical modulators modulate this power for data transmission, eliminating the need for complex electrical cabling and connections in the catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fiber as an intermediary medium to transfer energy and information from the external source through the catheter to the RF antenna element. The optical fiber serves as a non-conductive bridge that avoids RF resonance issues while maintaining reliable power and signal transmission.
2Power
If numerous electrical connections are made in RF antenna elements, then power and signal transmission are ensured, but RF resonance risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical power transmission with optical power transmission through an optical fiber. The optical fiber carries optical power to a photodetector that converts it to electrical power, thereby eliminating conductive electrical paths that could resonate at RF frequencies and reduce harmful RF resonance effects.
3Ease of manufacture
If direct electrical connections are made in interventional instruments, then simple integration is achieved, but practical integration becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical connections with optical connections through an optical fiber that can be easily routed through the catheter. This optical approach simplifies integration into interventional instruments by eliminating the need for complex electrical cabling, making the system more practical for medical applications.
4Device complexity
If optical back-ends are implemented in RF antenna elements, then electrical connection complexity is reduced, but conversion efficiency requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a photodetector as an intermediary to convert optical power to electrical power with high efficiency. The optical fiber transmits optical power through the catheter to the photodetector, which efficiently converts it to electrical power for the pre-amplifier, minimizing energy loss in the conversion process.
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 solution reduces the complexity of electrical connections, minimizes RF resonance risks, and enables efficient signal conversion, facilitating the integration of RF antenna elements into interventional instruments without the need for intricate electrical cabling, while maintaining high conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the photo-electrical conversion element generates upon incidence of optical power from the optical power source an electrical power signal to the pre-amplifier
Implementation Method 2
the photo-electrical conversion element generates optical data signals from electrical data signals picked-up by the electrically conductive loop
Implementation Method 3
the photo-electrical conversion element applies the optical data signals to the photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) antenna arrangement comprising an RF antenna element and an optical back-end. The RF antenna element comprises an electrically conductive loop, an electronic pre-amplifier and a photo-electrical conversion element. The optical back-end comprising an optical power source and a photodetector. The RF antenna element and the optical back-end being optically coupled, and wherein the optical power source is optically coupled to the photo-electrical conversion element. The photo-electrical conversion element generates upon incidence of optical power from the optical power source an electrical power signal to the pre-amplifier. The photo-electrical conversion element generates optical data signals from electrical data signals picked-up by the electrically conductive loop. The photo-electrical conversion element applies the optical data signals to the photodetector.