Tunable Liquid Crystal Lens Assembly for In Vivo Biological Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems for biological tissue imaging, especially those using mechanical actuators, face limitations in vivo applications due to mechanical drawbacks and limited focal point adjustment, which restricts imaging depth and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A tunable optical device incorporating a tunable liquid crystal lens (TLCL) assembly optically connected to a gradient-index (GRIN) lens assembly, allowing adjustable focal points without mechanical parts, enabling precise imaging at varying depths by tuning the TLCL assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical actuator is used to move optical components to vary the focal point, then imaging at varying focal depths is enabled, but the system suffers from mechanical drawbacks including increased complexity, potential tissue damage, and limited reliability in in vivo applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system with a tunable liquid crystal lens (TLCL) assembly that uses electro-optic effects to adjust the focal point. The TLCL assembly includes liquid crystal layers with electrode segments that can be independently controlled to change the lens curvature and focal length without any moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining focal adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens system by using voltage-controlled liquid crystal layers to dynamically adjust the refractive index distribution. By applying different voltages to the electrode segments, the lens curvature and focal length are tuned electronically, replacing mechanical position changes with optical parameter modifications
2Device complexity
If a fixed focal point imaging system is used, then the device structure is simple, but imaging is limited to a single depth within biological tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed focal point system into a dynamic imaging system by incorporating a tunable liquid crystal lens assembly that can continuously adjust its focal length. The TLCL assembly allows real-time switching between different focal depths by changing the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layers, enabling the same device structure to adapt to multiple imaging depths without mechanical reconfiguration
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical actuators are used for focal adjustment, then focal point variation is achieved, but tissue damage risk increases due to mechanical deformation and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical actuators and moving parts that cause tissue deformation and damage. Instead, it uses a tunable liquid crystal lens assembly that adjusts focal length through electro-optic effects in a stationary configuration, ensuring the probe tip remains stable and does not mechanically interact with or damage the biological tissue during focal point adjustment
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 provides flexible and accurate imaging capabilities within biological tissues by adjusting the focal point without mechanical deformation, enhancing imaging depth and reducing tissue damage, particularly suitable for in vivo applications.
Implementation Method 1
a tunable liquid crystal lens (TLCL) assembly... the working distance is adjustable by tuning the TLCL assembly
Implementation Method 2
a gradient-index (GRIN) lens assembly having a base optically connected to the TLCL assembly
Implementation Method 3
the at least one segmented TLCL having an annularly segmented electrode... independently drivable to compensate for aberrations
Implementation Method 4
the probe being configured to, during use, direct light from the light source to a focal point to illuminate the sample, and from the focal point to the light detector
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an imaging system for use in imaging a sample. The imaging system comprising a light source and a light detector. A probe optically coupled to the imaging assembly. The probe being configured to, during use, direct light from the light source to a focal point to illuminate the sample, and from the focal point to the light detector. The probe having a tunable liquid crystal lens (TLCL) assembly comprising at least one pair of TLCLs, the TLCLs of the pair being superposed to one another, a gradient-index (GRIN) lens assembly having a base being optically connected to the TLCL assembly, and a tip opposite to the base. The focal point being at a working distance from the tip. The working distance being adjustable relative to the tip by tuning each TLCL of the TLCL assembly during use.