Scan-less optically computed optical coherence tomography using a spatial light modulator
Inventors
Assignees
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Publication Number
US-11998299-B2
Publication Date
2024-06-04
Expiration Date
2041-02-25
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
An optically computed optical coherence tomography (OC-OCT) technology is disclosed. The OC-OCT system performs depth resolved imaging by computing the Fourier transform of the interferometric spectra optically. The OC-OCT system modulates the interferometric spectra with Fourier basis function projected to a spatial light modulator and detects the modulated signal without spectral discrimination. The optical computation strategy enables volumetric OCT imaging without performing mechanical scanning and without the need for Fourier transform in a computer. OC-OCT performs Fourier transform signal processing optically, without the need of mechanical scanning, and before data acquisition unlike traditional OCT methods and systems. The scan-less OCT imaging is achieved through the use of spatial light modulator (SLM) that precisely manipulates light wave to generate output with desired amplitude and phase.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses an optically computed optical coherence tomography (OC-OCT) system that eliminates the need for mechanical scanning and computer-based Fourier transform in tomographic imaging. The OC-OCT system achieves depth-resolved imaging by performing the Fourier transform of the interferometric spectra optically, prior to data acquisition, using a spatial light modulator (SLM) to modulate light with precise amplitude and phase control. This allows direct computation of the image signal in the optical domain.
Conventional OCT systems are limited by their reliance on mechanical scanners for volumetric imaging and by the computational load required for reconstructing tomographic images, restricting imaging speed and increasing system complexity. The current invention addresses these issues by replacing mechanical scanning in the sample arm with an optical approach that enables scan-less three-dimensional OCT imaging, and by performing optical signal processing via a programmable SLM.
The core innovation utilizes the SLM to project programmable Fourier basis functions onto the interferometric spectra, with detection carried out without spectral discrimination. This optical computation strategy allows for rapid volumetric imaging, phase-resolved measurements, and the ability to obtain depth-resolved and en face images or arbitrary 2D planes in a snapshot manner without data transfer or computational tasks in a separate computer.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim encompassing several inventive features related to optically computed optical coherence tomography without mechanical scanning.
Optically computed depth-resolved imaging using a spatial light modulator
A method that performs depth-resolved imaging in 3D space by using optically computed optical coherence tomography (OC-OCT) to observe structure and dynamics of an object noninvasively, employing a programmable spatial light modulator (SLM) to manipulate a light wave for generating output with desired amplitude and phase, thereby producing a scan-less three-dimensional OCT image.
Optical computation of Fourier transform before data acquisition
A process allowing the optical computation of the Fourier transform of interferometric spectra to reconstruct the depth-resolved image prior to data acquisition, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning and post-acquisition computational processing.
Spectrally non-discriminative detection integrated with SLM-based modulation
The method includes modulating the interferometric spectra with a programmable SLM and performing spectrally non-discriminative detection by integrating optical energy from all wavelengths, enabling visualization of neural activity and blood flow dynamics.
Temporal interlacing of cosine and sine patterns for spectral modulation
The SLM is modified so that cosine and sine patterns can be projected and temporally interlaced. Data acquisition is synchronized with the alternation of cosine and sine patterns, acquiring signals from cosine and sine channels and enabling extraction of a magnitude of the OC-OCT signal.
Scan-less imaging and snap-shot imaging capability in various planes
The system allows fast imaging in a snap-shot manner in the en face plane (orthogonal to the direction of light propagation) or in an oblique plane without mechanical scanning, performing computation optically without requiring transfer of image data into a computer.
These inventive features collectively define a novel scan-less, optically computed OCT imaging method and system, centered on the use of a spatial light modulator for optical computation and eliminating mechanical scanning and post-processing.
Stated Advantages
Eliminates the need for mechanical scanning in tomographic imaging, resulting in a less bulky and less complex system configuration.
Performs computation optically without requiring data transfer into a computer for image reconstruction or data analysis.
Enables high-speed, scan-less volumetric OCT imaging with improved spatiotemporal resolution, suitable for observing transient phenomena.
Allows direct extraction of signals from specific depths and enables phase-resolved volumetric OCT imaging without additional signal processing.
Provides flexibility to obtain en face or arbitrary 2D plane images in a snapshot manner, enhancing imaging versatility.
Documented Applications
Noninvasive imaging of structure and dynamics inside a patient or sample using depth-resolved 3D OC-OCT, including visualization of neural activity and blood flow dynamics.
Imaging of biological tissue, including soft and deep tissues such as breast, skin, brain, muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, lung, liver, kidney, intestine, stomach, heart, bladder, pancreas, spleen, and combinations thereof.
In situ 3D imaging of biological tissue.
Phase-resolved imaging for applications such as optical coherence elastography and imaging cell dynamics.
Interested in licensing this patent?