Swept Laser System for Deep Retinal Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) techniques are unable to effectively image posterior eye segments due to the lack of a wide-tuning rapidly-swept light source in a low water absorption window, limiting their clinical viability for retinal imaging.
Innovation Solution
A high-performance swept laser system operating at 1050 nm with an A-line rate of 19 kHz and sensitivity of >92 dB over a depth range of 2.5 mm, enabling deep penetration into the choroid and comprehensive imaging of the retina, optic disk, and choroid without exogenous fluorescence contrasts, along with a swept laser in the 815-870 nm range for clinical ophthalmic and molecular contrast-based imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If OFDI techniques use conventional light sources at 1300 nm, then imaging speed and sensitivity are improved, but optical absorption in the human eye becomes too large for retinal imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating wavelength parameter from 1300 nm to 1040 nm, which falls in a low water absorption window. This parameter change allows the light to penetrate the eye's humors with reduced absorption while still enabling rapid sweeping for high-speed imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a swept laser source that rapidly tunes through a wavelength range rather than using a continuous broadband source. This approach uses a tunable laser that sweeps through wavelengths quickly, effectively using a 'short-living' wavelength state at each point to achieve both deep penetration and high imaging speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If OFDI techniques use broadband light sources at 800 nm with arrayed spectrometers, then three-dimensional retinal imaging is facilitated, but imaging speed and sensitivity are reduced compared to swept source approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral detection into a sequential process rather than simultaneous detection. The swept laser source divides the imaging process into successive wavelength sweeps, and the single detector processes each wavelength sequentially, achieving 3D imaging capability through time-sequential spectral sampling rather than spatial-spectral array detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical arrayed spectrometer system with a swept laser source and single detector configuration. Instead of using a complex optical routing system with arrays, the invention uses temporal sweeping of a single wavelength source combined with Fourier domain detection to achieve equivalent 3D imaging functionality with higher speed.
3Length of stationary object
If a wide-tuning rapidly-swept light source is used at 1050 nm, then deep penetration into the choroid is achieved, but the lack of such sources previously made clinical-viable OFDI systems unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to 1050 nm, which is in a low water absorption window that allows deeper penetration into the choroid. This specific parameter choice enables the system to achieve both deep ranging depth and clinical viability by matching the optical properties of ocular tissues at this wavelength.
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 solution allows for detailed in vivo imaging of the human retina and choroid with enhanced penetration and contrast, overcoming the limitations of conventional OFDI systems and achieving higher image acquisition speed compared to spectral domain OCT systems.
Implementation Method 1
rapidly tunable lasers in the 1300-nm range
Implementation Method 2
interference signal can be effectively integrated through a Fourier transform
Implementation Method 3
detecting interference between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation
Implementation Method 4
the interference signal can be effectively integrated through a Fourier transform
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2(b)
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5F
AI summary
Apparatus, arrangement and method are provided for obtaining information associated with an anatomical structure or a sample using optical microscopy. For example, a radiation can be provided which includes at least one first electro-magnetic radiation directed to be provided to an anatomical sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation directed to a reference. A wavelength of the radiation can vary over time, and the wavelength is shorter than approximately 1150 nm. An interference can be detected between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation. At least one image corresponding to at least one portion of the sample can be generated using data associated with the interference. In addition, at least one source arrangement can be provided which is configured to provide an electro-magnetic radiation which has a wavelength that varies over time. A period of a variation of the wavelength of the first electro-magnetic radiation can be shorter than 1 millisecond, and the wavelength is shorter than approximately 1150 nm.