Space-Division Multiplexing Optical Coherence Tomography for High-Speed Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems are limited by slow imaging speeds due to the lack of commercially available wavelength-tunable lasers and high-speed line-scan cameras, restricting their ability to achieve faster imaging and reduce motion artifacts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a space-division multiplexing (SDM) OCT system that utilizes wavelength-tunable light sources and parallel detection of spatially distributed optical beams to improve imaging speed, achieving an order of magnitude increase in effective A-line rate while maintaining resolution and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single detection channel is used to obtain sample images, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the imaging process by dividing a single wide-field image into multiple smaller sub-images captured simultaneously by multiple detection channels. Each channel captures a portion of the sample, and the images are later stitched together. This segmentation allows parallel detection without requiring a single ultra-high-speed camera, thus maintaining manageable device complexity while achieving high imaging speed through parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-channel sequential detection approach to a multi-channel parallel detection approach by adding the dimension of spatial distribution of detection channels. Multiple detection channels are positioned at different locations to simultaneously capture different regions of the sample, effectively increasing imaging speed without proportionally increasing overall system complexity through intelligent channel arrangement and signal processing.
2Productivity
If multiple sampling beams are used to improve imaging speed, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the detection channels universal by designing them to perform the same function (detecting optical signals) but at different spatial locations. Each detection channel is identical in function and can detect from any position, allowing flexible arrangement and parallel operation. This multi-functionality approach enables multiple sampling beams to be used simultaneously without requiring complex specialized components for each beam, thus increasing productivity while controlling device complexity.
3Productivity
If parallel detection of spatially distributed optical beams is implemented, then imaging speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple detection channels into a unified detection system that processes signals from all channels simultaneously. The detection channels are combined at the signal processing stage, where their outputs are integrated to form a complete high-speed image. This merging approach allows parallel detection to achieve high imaging speed while avoiding the complexity of completely independent detection systems, as the channels share common processing infrastructure and can be coordinated through centralized control.
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 SDM-OCT system significantly enhances imaging speed, allowing for simultaneous imaging at multiple sample locations with preserved resolution and sensitivity, enabling faster and more efficient biomedical applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical delay element configured to introduce an optical delay between the multiple sampling beams
Implementation Method 2
a scanner configured to simultaneously scan the multiple sampling beams onto different locations of a surface of a sample
Implementation Method 3
OCT functions as a type of 'optical biopsy,' imaging tissue microstructure with resolutions approaching that of standard histopathology
Data Source
AI summary
A space-division multiplexing optical coherence tomography apparatus and system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a light source, a reference arm, and a sample arm. The sample arm splits the sampling light into a plurality of sampling beams which may be scanned simultaneously onto a surface of a sample. An optical delay may be introduced into the sampling beams before scanning. A plurality of reflected light signals returned from the sample is collected. In one arrangement, the signals may be combined to produce a single reflected light signal. The reflected light signal(s) and a reference signal are combined to produce an interference signal comprising data representative of digitized images captured of the actual object. In one embodiment, a single sample arm may be used for scanning and collecting image data. A related method is also provided.