Wavelength Multiplexing in Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy systems face limitations in miniaturization and cost due to complex system topologies and low resonance frequencies of MEMS or galvanometer scanners, which restrict imaging frame rates and bandwidth, making them less suitable for low-cost and small-footprint applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an imaging system that multiplexes and alternates light of different wavelengths using a multiplexer and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope probe, allowing for efficient generation and application of light across a single optical channel, and utilizing a computing device to simulate image information from different wavelengths not directly output by the illumination system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-channel point scanning imaging system employs MEMS or galvanometer scanners, then the system footprint and cost are reduced, but the imaging frame rate is limited due to low resonance frequencies of the scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic alternating of light wavelengths between multiple channels in synchronization with the scanner's periodic motion. By switching wavelengths periodically as the scanner moves, the system effectively multiplies the usable bandwidth and achieves higher frame rates despite the scanner's limited resonance frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system dynamically alternates between multiple wavelengths in sync with the scanner's dynamic motion. This dynamic wavelength switching allows the system to utilize the scanner's motion trajectory more efficiently, extracting higher productivity from the same mechanical components
2Measurement precision
If polychromatic implementations of CSLO are employed, then high resolution and high contrast imaging is achieved, but the system topology becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The polychromatic imaging capability is segmented into discrete wavelength channels that are activated sequentially rather than simultaneously. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, cheaper components for each wavelength channel while maintaining the overall polychromatic imaging capability through time-division multiplexing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex optical components to simultaneously handle multiple wavelengths, the system creates temporal copies of the imaging process at different wavelengths. Each wavelength channel is imaged separately in time, and the results are computationally combined to achieve the final polychromatic image
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
This approach enhances the efficiency and scalability of CSLO systems, enabling higher imaging frame rates and reducing the system footprint while maintaining high-resolution imaging, making it more suitable for low-cost and miniaturized applications.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination system configured to generate and output light that alternates between at least two different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a multiplexer configured to receive the output light and to multiplex the light of different wavelengths onto a single optical channel
Implementation Method 3
a scanning laser ophthalmoscope probe configured to operatively receive the multiplexed light via the optical channel, to apply the multiplexed light to a subject for imaging, and to receive light returning from the subject for generating an image of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for multiplexing and alternating light of different wavelengths in an ophthalmoscope are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, an imaging system includes an illumination system configured to generate and output light that alternates between at least two different wavelengths. The imaging system includes a multiplexer configured to receive the output light and to multiplex the light of different wavelengths onto a single optical channel. Further, the imaging system includes a scanning laser ophthalmoscope probe configured to operatively receive the multiplexed light, to apply the multiplexed light to a subject for imaging, and to receive light returning from the subject for generating an image of the subject.