Split Integration Mode OCT Acquisition for Multi-Speed Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems face challenges in maintaining high sensitivity while increasing acquisition speed, leading to added complexity and cost, as existing solutions require adjustments in detector electronics, interferometer design, and laser sweep rates, which are interlinked parameters that cannot be independently optimized without impacting performance.
Innovation Solution
The Split Integration Mode (SIM) acquisition scheme allows FD-OCT systems to operate at multiple acquisition speeds without adjusting the OCT interferometer reference arm attenuation, by digitally combining signals in the digital domain, maintaining optimum sensitivity performance with minimal added complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the acquisition speed of OCT system is increased, then the productivity is improved, but the sensitivity deteriorates due to reduced optical power on sample
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the integration time of the detector based on the desired acquisition speed. At higher scan rates, the integration time is reduced to prevent camera saturation, while at lower scan rates, the integration time is increased to maintain sensitivity. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to operate at multiple speeds without sacrificing sensitivity at lower speeds or causing saturation at higher speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the integration time parameter of the detector to accommodate different acquisition speeds. By varying the integration time according to the scan rate, the system maintains optimal sensitivity across different operating conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the same hardware to perform both high-speed and high-sensitivity imaging modes.
2Measurement precision
If the integration time is increased to improve sensitivity, then the measurement precision is improved, but the acquisition speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the integration time of the detector based on the desired acquisition speed. At higher scan rates, the integration time is reduced to prevent camera saturation, while at lower scan rates, the integration time is increased to maintain sensitivity. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to operate at multiple speeds without sacrificing sensitivity at lower speeds or causing saturation at higher speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the integration time parameter of the detector to accommodate different acquisition speeds. By varying the integration time according to the scan rate, the system maintains optimal sensitivity across different operating conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the same hardware to perform both high-speed and high-sensitivity imaging modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple OCT system configurations are built to operate at different speeds, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal OCT system that can operate at multiple acquisition speeds using the same hardware components. By making the integration time adjustable, a single system configuration can serve multiple functions - high-speed imaging when needed and high-sensitivity imaging at lower speeds. This eliminates the need for multiple separate system configurations and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the integration time of the detector based on the desired acquisition speed. At higher scan rates, the integration time is reduced to prevent camera saturation, while at lower scan rates, the integration time is increased to maintain sensitivity. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to operate at multiple speeds without sacrificing sensitivity at lower speeds or causing saturation at higher speeds.
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
SIM enables OCT systems to maintain high sensitivity across various acquisition speeds, reducing camera saturation and system complexity, while allowing for flexible operation of different scan types at various speeds using the same software, ensuring compatibility with existing and future systems.
Implementation Method 1
interference between light scattered from the sample and the reference beams causes spectral interference fringes, or modulation in the intensity of the combined beam as a function of optical frequency
Implementation Method 2
a grating, a prism, or other means is used to disperse the output of the interferometer into its optical frequency components
Implementation Method 3
In SS-OCT, a laser source is rapidly tuned through a range of wavelengths encoding the spectral information in time
Data Source
AI summary
Split Integration Mode (SIM) acquisition schemes are presented that enable optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging at multiple rates. SIM enables a system and method of operation having a first mode and a second mode, wherein the fundamental acquisition rate of the detector is the same in the two modes, but wherein the generated signals in the second mode are digitally combined prior to signal processing to create a data set with an effective acquisition rate less than the fundamental acquisition rate.