Scattered Light Measurement Probe with Depth-Controlled Fiber Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing scattered light measurement apparatus for detecting scattered light from a scatterer surface layer at a limited depth is overly complex, requiring control of multiple parameters and precise fiber arrangement, which is not feasible for simpler detection scenarios without scattering angle information.
Innovation Solution
A simplified scattered light measurement apparatus featuring a fiber with a core diameter determined by the detection depth, allowing for detection of scattered light from a scatterer surface layer using a single fiber that both irradiates and receives light, guided by a branching unit and evaluated by a control unit, eliminating the need for complex interference signal measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detection fibers are arranged at different positions to obtain interference patterns, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed for measurement - using a single fiber to both illuminate and detect scattered light at a specific depth. By removing the complex multi-fiber interference pattern arrangement and keeping only the core depth-dependent scattering measurement capability, the device achieves sufficient measurement precision for depth-controlled scattering characterization while dramatically reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical fiber performs multiple functions: it serves as both the illumination source and the detection channel. The same fiber that emits light also collects the backscattered light, eliminating the need for separate detection fibers arranged at different positions. This multi-functionality approach maintains measurement capability while simplifying the overall device structure
2Measurement precision
If precise fiber arrangement is required to control detection depth, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the inherent physical properties of light propagation and scattering in tissue to automatically determine detection depth based on the fiber's own characteristics (core diameter, numerical aperture) and the scattering mean free path of the tissue. The depth information is self-determined through the scattering physics rather than requiring externally imposed geometric constraints, making the system self-calibrating and easy to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from controlling detection depth through geometric parameters (fiber arrangement positions, angles) to controlling it through optical parameters (fiber core diameter, numerical aperture, scattering mean free path). By adjusting the fiber core diameter and relying on the relationship between optical coherence length and scattering mean free path, the detection depth is controlled without requiring precise mechanical fiber arrangement, greatly simplifying manufacturing
3Measurement precision
If multiple parameters are controlled to achieve depth-limited scattering detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination function and detection function into a single optical fiber channel. By combining these functions and utilizing the natural depth discrimination provided by optical coherence gating and scattering physics, the system achieves depth-limited scattering detection without requiring multiple separate components or parameters to be controlled, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
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
Enables detection of scattered light at a controlled depth with a simple structure, reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the need for precise fiber arrangement, while maintaining accurate evaluation of scattering characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber that is connected to the optical measurement apparatus at one end thereof, configured to propagate the light from the light source to irradiate the object to be examined
Implementation Method 2
receive the light that has irradiated the object to be examined, propagated inside the object to be examined, and returned thereto
Data Source
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AI summary
Included are: an optical measurement apparatus (1) including a light source (10) that emits light including at least light of measurement target wavelength, an optical detector (12) that detects, via a branching unit, light received by a scattered light measurement probe (101), a branching unit (11) that guides the light from the light source (10) to the scattered light measurement probe (101) and guides the light from the scattered light measurement probe (101) to the optical detector (12), and a control unit (13) that evaluates scattering characteristics of a surface layer of an object to be examined based on the light detected by the optical detector (12), and the scattered light measurement probe (101) including a fiber (102) that connects to the optical measurement apparatus (1) at one end thereof, propagates the light from the light source to irradiate the object to be examined, comes in contact with the object to be examined at another end thereof, receives light that has irradiated the object to be examined, propagated inside the object to be examined, and returned thereto, and guides the light to the optical detector (12) as an optical signal, the fiber (102) including a core (1020) that propagates light and has an approximately-rod-shaped core having a diameter determined according to the scattering characteristics of the object to be examined.