Rotary Optical Junction Multimodal Characterization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical rotary junctions (FORJs) face limitations in high-speed multimodal characterization, particularly in biomedical applications like intravascular imaging, where they struggle to transmit multiple modalities of optical characterization simultaneously at high rotational speeds, leading to reduced image quality and fidelity.
Innovation Solution
The system employs direct detection of electromagnetic radiation within the rotary unit before the FORJ, converting the signal to other forms of energy, such as electrical, and transmitting it wirelessly or through electrical rotary junctions, allowing for high-fidelity multimodal characterization by separating modalities prior to fiber-optic junctions, thereby reducing system complexity and increasing signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical channels are transmitted through a multi-channel FORJ, then multimodal characterization capability is improved, but rotational speed capability deteriorates (rated up to 3000 rpm compared to 20,000 rpm for single-channel)
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the detection function from the rotation function. Optical detectors are placed in the stationary unit rather than on the rotating probe, allowing the FORJ to handle only illumination light transmission. This segmentation enables the use of high-speed single-channel FORJs (rated to 20,000 rpm) while still achieving multimodal characterization through separate detection paths for different modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the stationary unit houses the detection equipment and processes signals from multiple modalities. The rotating probe only carries illumination fibers, and the stationary detectors receive signals through the rotating assembly without being physically attached to the rotating mass. This intermediary configuration allows high-speed rotation while maintaining multimodal detection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-channel FORJ is used to transmit multiple modalities, then characterization versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the optical characterization system into separate functional modules: a rotating probe with illumination fibers, a stationary detection unit with multiple detectors, and a signal processing system. Each modality has its dedicated detection path in the stationary unit, eliminating the need for complex multi-channel rotating junctions while maintaining the ability to perform multiple characterization modalities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary detection unit is designed to handle multiple characterization modalities (such as OCT, spectroscopy, fluorescence) using a single platform. The universal detector array can process signals from different optical wavelengths and modalities, replacing the need for multiple specialized rotating channels and reducing overall system complexity.
3Speed
If optical beams are transmitted through a FORJ at high speed, then rotational characterization speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to signal loss and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from the rotating probe and placed in the stationary unit. This eliminates the need for detectors to withstand high-speed rotation and associated signal degradation. The optical detectors remain stationary, ensuring stable, high-fidelity signal reception without the noise and loss associated with high-speed optical rotary junctions, while the system can still operate at rotational speeds up to 20,000 rpm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical coupling system (where detectors would be mounted on the rotating probe) with a stationary detection system. The mechanical rotation is separated from the optical detection, allowing the detection system to remain stationary and achieve high measurement precision while the probe rotates at high speeds for rapid characterization.
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 enables high-fidelity, high-speed multimodal characterization with sensitivity exceeding 90 dB and rotational speeds up to 10,000 rpm, overcoming the limitations of current multi-channel FORJs by improving manufacturability, reducing system cost, and enhancing characterization results.
Implementation Method 1
light transmitted to the tissue via a rotary unit... light reflected or scattered from the tissue is detected
Implementation Method 2
detecting light reflected or scattered from the tissue with a light detector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are characterization systems. A characterization system may comprise a stationary unit. The characterization system may comprise a rotary unit. optically connected to the stationary unit (e.g., via a FORJ) if present. The rotary unit may comprise a first optical channel, a second optical channel, and a light detector for detecting light for a first characterization modality. The light detector may be a camera, interferometer, or spectrometer. The first optical channel and/or the second optical channel may comprise a single mode optical fiber, a multimode optical fiber, or multiple waveguides. The first optical channel may be optically connected to the light detector. The stationary unit, if present, may be optically connected to the rotary unit at least in part with the second optical channel. The second optical channel may be used to detect light for a second characterization modality, with a detector in the stationary unit.