Tuneable Laser and Detector Integration for Real-Time 3D OCT Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems are unable to generate fast and high-accuracy two-dimensional scans or three-dimensional images in real time, and are often large and cumbersome, making them unsuitable for in-vivo examinations and applications requiring high resolution, such as surgery and cancer diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A compact and synchronized system using a rapidly tuneable monolithic laser and a fast broadband detector, capable of generating high-frequency sweeps and producing real-time 3D images, with the laser and detector integrated on a common chip module for enhanced synchronization and miniaturization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a microscope is used to generate high-resolution images, then image resolution is improved, but the ability to perform in-vivo examination is lost because tissue must be brought to the microscope

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidin-vivo examination capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical microscope system with an optical coherence tomography system that uses light waves to achieve high-resolution imaging inside living tissues without mechanical manipulation of the tissue sample

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces Optical Coherence Tomography as an intermediary technology that enables non-contact, in-vivo imaging by using low-coherence light sources and interferometric detection to penetrate and image living tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If ultra-sound techniques are used to examine tissues in-vivo, then in-vivo examination capability is improved, but image resolution becomes coarse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvein-vivo examination capabilityVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces acoustic ultra-sound waves with optical coherence tomography using light waves, achieving superior resolution through optical interferometry while maintaining the ability to image living tissues non-invasively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If existing OCT systems are used to generate 3D images by overlaying multiple 2D images, then image resolution is improved, but real-time generation capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidreal-time image generation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous wavelength sweeping of the laser source combined with rapid A-scan acquisition, enabling uninterrupted 3D volume rendering at high frame rates for real-time surgical guidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic wavelength tuning of the laser source synchronized with the detection system, allowing flexible and rapid acquisition of volumetric data for real-time image reconstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If opto-mechanical components are used in OCT systems, then image generation capability is improved, but system size becomes large (more than 10 dm³)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage generation capabilityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky opto-mechanical components with compact semiconductor-based lasers and photodetectors, reducing the overall system volume while maintaining high-resolution OCT imaging capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple functional components including the laser source, wavelength modulation, and detection electronics into a compact modular system, reducing the number of separate optical components and overall system size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the generation of high-resolution, real-time 3D images, facilitating applications like surgery and cancer diagnosis, while being small enough to be used inside the body, with the potential for high-speed image processing and integration with other diagnostic tools.

Implementation Method 1

a laser being tuneable at a rapid frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS7847950B2Method and a system for generating three- or two-dimensional images

Publication Date: 2010.12.07 THORLABS SWEDEN

AI summary

In a method and a system for generating images a laser being tuneable at a rapid frequency and a corresponding synchronized detector are provided. In a preferred embodiment the tuneable laser and the detector are synchronized in time so that the wavelength from the tuneable laser is known when the detector is given its detected signal value. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the tuneable laser is a monolithic laser, and in yet another preferred embodiment the laser and the detector are located on a common chip module. The system can be used to generate OCT images.