Having A Short Coherence Length Source Patents (Class 356/479)
  • Patent number: 8885171
    Abstract: A calibration jig allowing simple and repeatable calibration of a probe optical tomographic apparatus is disclosed. The jig includes a holding member removably attachable to an attachment section of the apparatus and a reflective surface held by the holding member. The reflective surface reflects measurement light emitted from an emitting section of the attachment section and directs reflected light back to the emitting section. If a probe of the apparatus is covered with a sheath, the jig may include a light transmitting member, which generates the same dispersion as dispersion at the sheath, between the emitting section and the reflective surface. The reflective surface may be a single reflective surface disposed within an area corresponding to twice a coherence length of the laser light with a zero path position of the reflective surface being the center of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Watanabe, Yuichi Teramura
  • Patent number: 8885175
    Abstract: A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cadent Ltd.
    Inventor: Noam Babayoff
  • Publication number: 20140327916
    Abstract: Provided is an optical coherence tomography apparatus expected to facilitate observation of reliable analyzed image data to improve inspection efficiency. The tomography apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomographic image of an object to be inspected; an identifying unit configured to identify an image display area corresponding to a part to be inspected of the object to be inspected in the tomographic image; a determination unit configured to determine a significant area and a non-significant area based on a positional relationship between a periphery of the image display area and the tomographic image; and a display control unit configured to control a display unit to display image data based on the tomographic image and data concerning the non-significant area together in a designated display form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20140327918
    Abstract: Provided is an optical tomographic device including a measurement optical system that irradiates light from a light source to inside a subject and guides reflected light therefrom; a reference optical system that guides the light from the light source as reference light; a calibration optical system that irradiates at least one calibration reflecting surface with light from the light source branched from the measurement or reference optical system, and guides the reflected light reflected by the calibration reflecting surface; a light-receiving element that receives the interfering light for measurement formed by synthesizing the reflected light guided by the measurement optical system and the reference light, and the interfering light for calibration formed by synthesizing the reflected light guided by the calibration optical system and the reference light; and an arithmetic logic unit that corrects the received interfering light for measurement by using an analysis result obtained by analyzing the received
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Tomey Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Sugiyama, Yuji Nozawa
  • Publication number: 20140327917
    Abstract: A method for processing polarization data includes steps of acquiring a plurality of sets of polarization data items, converting the set of polarization data items into a representation including parameters of amplitude and phase, and averaging the converted set of polarization data items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Makoto Sato, Mitsuro Sugita, Stefan Zotter, Michael Pircher, Christoph Hitzenberger
  • Patent number: 8879069
    Abstract: An optical image measurement device comprises: a light amount adjustment part that adjusts the light amount of a laser beam generated by a low coherence light source 201; and a photodiode 105 placed outside the light path of the laser beam irradiated on an eye E and capable of measuring the light amount, wherein the laser beam is input to the photodiode 105 by changing the direction of a galvanomirror 170B; the photodiode 105 measures the light amount of the input laser beam; and the light amount adjustment part previously stores a specified range of light amount and adjust the light amount of the laser beam generated by the low coherence light source 201 such that the light amount measured by the photodiode 105 falls within the specified range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Okamura, Yasuhisa Ishikura
  • Patent number: 8873065
    Abstract: A tomographic imaging apparatus includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate with a plurality of measurement light beams, a sensor configured to convert into an electric signal a plurality of combined light beams via an optical imaging system by making return light beams from an inspection target, which are generated due to the plurality of measurement light beams, interfere with reference light beams, an output unit configured to output light beams of a single wavelength based on a wavelength width of the plurality of measurement light beams, and a generation unit configured to generate a tomographic image from an electric signal acquired by the sensor via the imaging optical system, based on a position of the light beam of the single wavelength on the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Yoshida, Nobuhito Suehira
  • Patent number: 8873028
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for improving strength of thin cover glass for electronic devices are disclosed. Optical coherence tomography analysis may reveal fine details of a residual stress profile within chemically strengthened cover glass. One or more parameters of chemical strengthening treatments may be adjusted, based upon the analysis of the residual stress profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eli Sheldon, Edward Byun, Michael Lintz, Jayesh Gorasia, Raphael Cherney
  • Patent number: 8874403
    Abstract: An apparatus and method process optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging data from a sample. The method includes using a magnitude spectrum and an estimated phase term of a complex spatial Fourier transform of a complex intermediate function to generate an estimated complex spatial Fourier transform. The method further includes calculating an inverse Fourier transform of the estimated complex spatial Fourier transform and calculating an estimated intermediate function by applying at least one constraint to the inverse Fourier transform. The apparatus includes a partially reflective element configured to reflect a first portion of light and to allow a second portion of light to propagate through the partially reflective element and to reflect from the sample. The apparatus further includes a detector that measures the OCT power spectrum in response to the first and second portions of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Aydogan Ozcan, Michel J. F. Digonnet, Gordon S. Kino
  • Publication number: 20140313515
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for non-invasive analysis, especially suitable for determining attributes of targets, such as measurement of layer thickness of tissue, or the concentration of glucose within human tissue. The invention includes an optical source and an optical processing system that provides probe and reference radiation; applies the probe beam to the target to be analyzed; re-combines the probe and reference beams interferometrically, to generate one or more concurrent interferometric signals that are detected and processed. The location within the target to which an interference signal relate is aligned and registered with respect to the target is by means of a field of light based imaging device. The invention is not limited to human tissue in vivo, nor to in vivo non-invasive analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Compact Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua (Josh) Noel Hogan
  • Patent number: 8868158
    Abstract: An optical analyzer performing analysis excellent in spatial resolution and in invasion depth is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takemi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8868159
    Abstract: An optical imaging diagnostic apparatus including: a designating unit for designating a predetermined circumferential-direction position at the circumference of the transmitting and receiving unit on the cross-sectional image displayed; an extraction unit for extracting, within the plurality of line data used for the generation of the cross-sectional image, line data corresponding to circumferential-direction position designated in the designating unit from the storage unit; a calculation unit for calculating attenuation rate in a predetermined region in a radial direction of a body lumen with respect to the extracted line data; and a display unit for displaying the calculated attenuation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuuji Onimura
  • Patent number: 8868155
    Abstract: A system for the imaging, processing and evaluation of tissues provides prognostic and diagnostic details regarding diseased tissue. A set of quantitative measures were developed and integrated in an image-base analysis software tool designed for OCT images. The system and methods in this invention is significant because it allows assessing the optical properties and structure morphology differences between normal healthy subjects and diabetic patients with retinopathy up to ETDRS level 35 and without retinopathy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: University of Miami
    Inventor: Delia Debuc
  • Patent number: 8860945
    Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Adam Wax, John W. Pyhtila
  • Patent number: 8860948
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) imager comprising: a low coherence light source that provides light; a photosensor for imaging light; optics that directs a first portion of the light along a first optical path so that it is imaged on the photosensor and a second portion of the light along a second optical path so that it is reflected by material in the target to the photosensor where it is imaged to interfere with light from the first portion to form an interference pattern; and a mask through which light from at least one of the first and second portions of light passes that generates a relative phase perturbation between portions of light that passes through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ben Gurion University of the Negev Research and Development Authority Ltd.; Bar Ilan University
    Inventors: Ibrahim Abdulhalim, Zeev Zalevsky
  • Publication number: 20140300901
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe using lead zirconate titanate (PZT). In the OCT probe using PZT, a sine wave is induced from a vibrator made of a piezoelectric element, so that an image in which the scanning range is increased can be captured due to the vibration of the vibrator. A decrease in the vibration of the vibrator can be minimized by optimizing the position where the base fixes the vibrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Hyun Rok Cha, Dae Yeong Im, Jae Young Ahn, Hyoung UK Nam, Tae Won Jeong
  • Publication number: 20140300902
    Abstract: Systems for extended depth frequency domain optical coherence tomography are provided including including a detection system configured to sample spectral elements at substantially equal frequency intervals, wherein a spectral width associated with the sampled spectral elements is not greater than one-half of the frequency interval. Related methods are also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Bradley A. Bower
  • Publication number: 20140293290
    Abstract: The tunable filter placed in front of the detector to make the interferometer more sensitive and accurate for reading various samples for diagnosis. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system and apparatus of this instant application is very useful for diagnosis and management of ophthalmic diseases such as retinal diseases and glaucoma etc. Instant innovative OCT diagnostic system leverages advancements in cross technological platforms. Both the Michelson interferometric system and Mach-Zehnder interferometric system presented in this application could be used for the OCT imaging, which includes biological OCT imaging, medical OCT imaging, ophthalmic OCT imaging, corneal OCT imaging, retinal OCT imaging, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: NETRA SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: MANISH KULKARNI
  • Publication number: 20140293289
    Abstract: Methods for generating optical coherence tomography intensity maps are provided. A beam of light is generated and divided along a sample path and a reference path. The sample path beam of light is directed to locations in an X-Y plane. Light returned from each of the sample path and the reference path is received. Sets of outputs are generated, each corresponding to light intensities received at different wavelengths of the light source when the beam of light is directed at a particular X-Y plane location, the light intensities including information about a light reflectance distribution within an object in a depth direction Z at the particular X-Y plane location. A set of outputs generated from directing the beam of light at a particular X-Y plane location is high-pass filtered to generate a set of filtered outputs suitable for generating a two-dimensional image intensity map of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
  • Publication number: 20140293224
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems for integration with a microscope. The OCT system includes a sample arm coupled to the imaging path of a microscope. The sample arm includes an input beam zoom assembly including at least two movable lenses configured to provide shape control for an OCT signal beam; a scan assembly including at least one scanning mirror and configured for telecentric scanning of the OCT signal beam; and a beam expander configured to set the OCT signal beam diameter incident on the microscope objective. The shape control includes separable controls for numerical aperture and focal position of the imaged OCT beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Nestor O. Farmiga, Robert H. Hart, Andrew Murnan, Christopher Saxer
  • Publication number: 20140285812
    Abstract: A multi-modal imaging and optical property measurement device that is integrated into an interferometer. Data acquired by the multiple imaging modalities in parallel include measurements of single-scattered, multiple-scattered, and diffuse light that enable characterization of different ranges within different depth regions in the sample. The system includes different interferometer configurations and different imaging modalities, and has a signal-processing unit that associates and co-registers interferometric, multi-spectral, and polarization sensitive measurements to derive and analyze optical properties of a sample and enhance an image display of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: David Levitz
  • Publication number: 20140285811
    Abstract: A multiplexed OCT imaging system includes a plurality of sample arms, an imaging engine, and an optical controller. The sample arms are optically coupled to the imaging engine via the optical controller; the optical controller multiplexes optical signals from the sample arms to permit some of the sample arms to operate sequentially or simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Brennan, Mark S. Humayun, Sean Caffey
  • Publication number: 20140285810
    Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a sample(s) can be provided. For example, a first arrangement can transmit a first electro-magnetic radiation and a second electro-magnetic radiation; the first and second electro-magnetic radiations can have different wavelengths from one another. The first arrangement can transmit the first and second electro-magnetic radiations to different spatial locations on the sample(s). A second arrangement(s) can be configured to receive a third radiation(s) provided from the sample(s), the third radiation(s) can be associated with an interaction of the first and second electro-magnetic radiations in the sample(s). A processing third arrangement can be configured to receive, from the second arrangement, at least one fourth radiation that can be based on the third radiation(s), and generate information regarding a sub-surface portion(s) of the sample(s) based on the fourth radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: PAULINO VACAS JACQUES, JOSEPH A. GARDECKI, GUILLERMO J. TEARNEY
  • Patent number: 8842287
    Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system having a light source configured to emit light. The OCT imaging system further includes a beam splitter configured to receive the light from the light source, split the light into a first light portion directed along a sample arm comprising a sample and a second light portion directed along a reference arm comprising a reference mirror, receive a first reflected light portion from the sample arm and a second reflected light portion from the reference arm, combine the first and second reflected light portions to obtain an interference signal at a detector. Further, the OCT imaging system includes a controller having logic configured to perform an auto-focusing process to determine the optimal position for a lens in the sample arm in order to bring the sample into focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Siavash Yazdanfar, Sora Kim, Chulmin Joo
  • Patent number: 8842288
    Abstract: Provided is a phase shift interferometer which comprises: a light source; an incident light path; a light circulation unit; a connection path; a light splitting/combining unit; a probe light path; a reference light path; a test sample measurement unit; a light terminal; a light-phase shifting unit which is provided in either the probe light path or the reference light path, and subjects light to phase shifting by a phase shift quantity of ?i/2 (radian units, where ?i is a real number, the range of values taken by ?i is 0??i?3?/2, and i is an integer where 3?i), and periodically changes the phase shift quantity of ?i/2; a light-emission path; a light detector which outputs an interference signal; and a controller for controlling the phase shift quantity in the light-phase shifting unit and the cycle at which the phase shift is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Kensuke Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20140268168
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include a combined catheter-based optical coherence tomography-two-photon luminescence (OCT-TPL) imaging system. Exemplary embodiments further include methods to detect, and further characterize the distribution of cellular components (e.g., macrophage, collagen/elastin fiber, lipid droplet) in thin-cap fibroatheromas with high spatial resolution in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Marc FELDMAN, Thomas MILNER, Tianyi WANG, Jennifer PHIPPS
  • Publication number: 20140268050
    Abstract: A system for swept source optical coherence tomography, the system including a light source emitting multiplexed wavelength-swept radiation over a total wavelength range, the light source including N wavelength-swept vertical cavity lasers (VCL) emitting N tunable VCL outputs having N wavelength trajectories, a combiner for combining the N tunable VCL optical outputs into a common optical path to create the multiplexed wavelength-swept radiation, a splitter for splitting the multiplexed wavelength-swept radiation to a sample and a reference path, an optical detector for detecting an interference signal created by an optical interference between a reflection from the sample and light traversing the reference path, and a signal processing system which uses the interference signal to construct an image of the sample, wherein at least one of the N wavelength trajectories differs from another of the N wavelength trajectories with respect to at least one parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Thorlabs, Inc., Praevium Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijaysekhar Jayaraman, Christopher Burgner, Demis John, Benjamin Michael Potsaid, Alex Ezra Cable
  • Publication number: 20140268167
    Abstract: In part, the invention relates to systems and methods of calibrating a plurality of frames generated with respect to a blood vessel as a result of a pullback of an intravascular imaging probe being pullback through the vessel. A calibration feature disposed in the frames that changes between a subset of the frames can be used to perform calibration. Calibration can be performed post-pullback. Various filters and image processing techniques can be used to identify one or more feature in the frames including, without limitation, a calibration feature, a guidewire, a side branch, a stent strut, a lumen of the blood vessel, and other features. The feature can be displayed using a graphic user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LightLab Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel M. Friedman, Amr Elbasiony
  • Publication number: 20140268166
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system uses an optical source that comprises a series of gain waveguides that generate light at the frequencies at which the interference signal is to be sampled. In this way, the optical source generates a discretely tuned optical signal. This has the advantage that the tuning can be directly controlled by a controller that is also used to synchronize the sampling of the interference signal. This avoids the need for separate frequency clock synchronization. In embodiments, the gain waveguides are fabricated from one or more semiconductor edge emitting bars. In some implementations, the gain waveguides comprise periodic structures that define the frequency of operation of the waveguide. However in other implementations, the combiner comprises a dispersive element, such as a diffractive grating, that provides frequency specific feedback to each waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Dale C. Flanders
  • Publication number: 20140268169
    Abstract: A high-speed, single-mode, high power, reliable and manufacturable wavelength-tunable light source operative to emit wavelength tunable radiation over a wavelength range contained in a wavelength span between about 950 nm and about 1150 nm, including a vertical cavity laser (VCL), the VCL having a gain region with at least one compressively strained quantum well containing Indium, Gallium, and Arsenic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Thorlabs, Inc., Praevium Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijaysekhar Jayaraman, Christopher Burgner, Demis John, Peter Heim, Alex Ezra Cable
  • Patent number: 8838213
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and process can be provided for imaging information associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, (i) at least two first different wavelengths of at least one first electro-magnetic radiation can be provided within a first wavelength range provided on the portion of the sample so as to determine at least one first transverse location of the portion, and (ii) at least two second different wavelengths of at least one second electro-magnetic radiation are provided within a second wavelength range provided on the portion so as to determine at least one second transverse location of the portion. The first and second ranges can east partially overlap on the portion. Further, a relative phase between at least one third electro-magnetic radiation electro-magnetic radiation being returned from the sample and at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation returned from a reference can be obtained to determine a relative depth location of the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin
  • Publication number: 20140253925
    Abstract: A surface emitting laser according to the present invention includes a lower reflector, a first spacer layer, an active layer, a second spacer layer composed of a semiconductor material, a gap section formed of at least one of vacuum and gas, and an upper reflector in the written order, and also includes a control mechanism that changes a distance between an interface between the second spacer layer and the gap section and an interface between the upper reflector and the gap section. An optical path length neff×d extending from an interface between the lower reflector and the first spacer layer to an interface between the second spacer layer and the gap section satisfies a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Sekiguchi
  • Publication number: 20140253926
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography device (OCT) is capable of controlling a distance between an eye to be examined (object) and the OCT and accurately center-aligning the eye. A mire ring optical system emits a measuring mire ring light to an object to be examined. A dichroic mirror separates an optical path of illumination light reflected from the object from the optical path of the signal light originating from the tomographic image formation section and delivers a reflected image to an image formation section and a tomographic image formation section. An objective lens condenses light reflected from the object, and a controller calculates movement distance of the OCT from the difference between a position of the image of the mire ring light and a position of an optical axis of the OCT The OCT is then moved according to the calculated movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: HUVITZ CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weon-Joon LEE, Joong-Jae LEE
  • Publication number: 20140249407
    Abstract: In part, the invention relates to optical caps having at least one lensed surface configured to redirect and focus light outside of the cap. The cap is placed over an optical fiber. Optical radiation travels through the fiber and interacts with the optical surface or optical surfaces of the cap, resulting in a beam that is either focused at a distance outside of the cap or substantially collimated. The optical elements such as the elongate caps described herein can be used with various data collection modalities such optical coherence tomography. In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly that includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film or cover. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. The film can surround a portion of the beam director.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: LIGHTLAB IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Desmond Adler, Stephen McCartin, Christopher Petersen
  • Publication number: 20140247454
    Abstract: A torque transmission assembly comprising: (i) an optical fiber coupled to an optical sensing component and capable of rotating and translating the optical sensing component and of transmitting light to and from the optical sensing component; and (b) an annular structure surrounding the optical fiber, the annular structure in conjunction with said optical fiber transmits torque from a rotating component to the optical sensing component, wherein the annular structure does not include a steel wire torque spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Venkata Adiseshaiah Bhagavatula, Theresa Chang, Klaus Hartkorn, John Himmelreich
  • Publication number: 20140247455
    Abstract: An OCT assembly comprising: (a) a light transmissive rod having a first end, a second end, and a central axis; and a refractive surface adjacent to the second end; (b) a housing surrounding the OCT probe component; the housing having a tubular body with the window situated over the refractive surface, said tubular body having a surface wherein said surface of said tubular body has a coefficient of friction being less than 0.3; (c) an optical fiber connected to the OCT probe component; (d) an annular structure surrounding said optical fiber and capable of translating and rotating the OCT probe component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Venkata Adiseshaiah Bhagavatula, Theresa Chang, Klaus Hartkorn
  • Publication number: 20140240713
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for imaging inside a vessel. In certain aspects, the invention provides an apparatus that includes an imaging device configured to image an inside of a vessel, and a sensing device configured to detect a conformational shape of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nathaniel J. Kemp
  • Publication number: 20140240714
    Abstract: An optical tomographic imaging information acquisition apparatus according to an SD-OCT system including: at least two super luminescent diodes; a sensor and a spectrometer that are for acquiring information on a measurement target; a combiner section for the photoreceptor unit configured to combine emitted beams from the at least two super luminescent diodes (SLDs) and to guide the beams to the photoreceptor unit; a monitor unit configured to monitor a spectrum of the emitted beams from the at least two super luminescent diodes; a driving unit configured to drive the SLDs; and a control unit configured to feed back a monitored result by the monitor unit to the driving unit, the driving unit is further configured to drive only one of each of the at least two super luminescent diodes. With the apparatus, a spectral shape can be easily controlled to be unimodal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Matsuu, Takeshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 8817269
    Abstract: An improved interferometer measurement system is presented. In a preferred embodiment, a chirped fiber Bragg grating is used as a reference surface in a Fizeau interferometer arrangement for optical coherence tomography imaging of the eye. The grating creates a virtual reference surface near the sample and allows for a relatively short reference arm while maintaining close to zero delay interference conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexandre R. Tumlinson
  • Publication number: 20140233035
    Abstract: An optical system for use in an imaging procedure includes one or more semiconductor diodes configured to generate an input signal beam with a wavelength shorter than 2.5 microns that is amplified and communicated through optical fiber(s) to a nonlinear element configured to broaden the spectral width to at least 50 nm through a nonlinear effect. A subsystem includes lenses or mirrors to deliver an output beam having a broadened spectrum to an Optical Coherence Tomography apparatus with a sample and reference arm to perform imaging for characterizing the sample. The delivered output beam has a temporal duration greater than about 30 picoseconds, a repetition rate between continuous wave and Megahertz or higher, and a time averaged intensity of less than approximately 50 MW/cm2. The output beam has a time averaged output power of 20 mW or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Cheetah Omni, LLC
    Inventor: Mohammed N. ISLAM
  • Publication number: 20140233036
    Abstract: A device for the tactile determination of a surface shape of a measuring object includes a micro probe arm having a stylus tip, the micro probe arm being fastened on an optical fiber having a fiber end, which is mounted in a probe housing, a reference mirror is provided in the probe housing, and an optical measuring device is provided for determining the position of the fiber end in relation to the reference mirror. The contactless interferometric determination of the distance between the fiber end of the optical fiber and the reference mirror attached in the probe housing allows precise determination of the surface shape of the measuring object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Ulrich Lessing, Pawel Drabarek, Gerhard Ortner
  • Publication number: 20140233037
    Abstract: An article for use in an OCT method, the article comprising a solid substrate and nanoparticles dispersed in or on the substrate in at least one light transmissive portion of the article such that the nanoparticles result in an increased extinction of the light transmissive portion along a transmission direction of the light transmissive portion compared to the substrate being free of nanoparticles. The extinction of the light transmissive portion along the transmission direction is less than 6, wherein the extinction is defined as a negative decadic logarithm of a ratio of an intensity of light which is transmitted through the light transmissive portion to an intensity of light which is incident on the light transmissive portion, wherein the light is in at least one of a visible and a near infrared wavelength range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
    Inventors: Marco WILZBACH, Martin HACKER, Christoph HAUGER
  • Patent number: 8811702
    Abstract: In order to perform accurate evaluation for enhanced depth imaging (EDI) in which a tomographic image of a retina has a low luminance value in large part, provided is an optical coherence tomographic imaging apparatus for acquiring an image of an object to be inspected by irradiating the object to be inspected with measuring light and causing return light from the object to be inspected to interfere with reference light, the optical coherence tomographic imaging apparatus including: a unit for setting an imaging parameter of the image; a unit for selecting an image quality evaluation index in accordance with the imaging parameter; a unit for acquiring an image characteristic amount from the acquired image in accordance with the set imaging parameter; and a unit for evaluating image quality of the image based on the image characteristic amount and the image quality evaluation index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryoji Kurosaka
  • Patent number: 8804126
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods can be provided which can generate data associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, at least one first radiation can be forwarded to the portion through at least one optical arrangement. At least one second radiation can be received from the portion which is based on the first radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement and the first radiation and/or the second radiation, the optical arrangement can have a first transfer function. Further, it is possible to forward at least one third radiation to the portion through such optical arrangement (or through another optical arrangement), and receive at least one fourth radiation from the portion which is based on the third radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) and the third radiation and/or the fourth radiation, the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) can have a second transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett E. Bouma, Joseph A. Gardecki, Linbo Liu
  • Patent number: 8804127
    Abstract: An OCT apparatus that photographs with a plurality of measuring beams concurrently, has a mechanism for adjusting the optical path length of a reference beam for each measuring beam. Accordingly, when tomographic images photographed in this manner are displayed side by side, because the depth of photographing varies from one tomographic image to another, it is difficult for an operator to comprehend the positional relation between the photographed images. In displaying tomographic images acquired with a plurality of measuring beams, the display position of each tomographic image is adjusted based on the changed optical path length of a reference beam of the measuring beam used for the image. The tomographic images are thus aligned in height and are presented in a manner that is easy for the operator to comprehend the positional relation between the photographed images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiko Shimoyama, Nobuhito Suehira, Yukio Sakagawa
  • Publication number: 20140218743
    Abstract: A wavelength-tunable light source apparatus that has a wavelength-tunable light source that simultaneously operates a plurality of light sources with different wavelengths to emit light, includes: a plurality of variable-wavelength light generation units forming the wavelength-tunable light source; a multiplexing unit configured to multiplex light of a plurality of wavelengths generated by the variable-wavelength light generation unit so as to be adjusted to one waveguide; and a control unit configured to control the plurality of the variable-wavelength light generation units to emit the light with different wavelength simultaneously in at least part of time, and control optical intensity such that wavelength dependence of the optical intensity generated from the plurality of variable-wavelength light generation units becomes unimodal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi UCHIDA, Eiichi FUJII
  • Publication number: 20140221827
    Abstract: The methods described herein are methods to ascertain motion contrast within optical coherence tomography data based upon intensity. The methods of the invention use logarithm operation to convert the multiplicative amplitude or intensity fluctuations (speckle) into the additive variations and recovers the motion contrasts by removing the speckle free signals (static regions) through statistical analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: S. M. Reza Motaghiannezam, Scott E. Fraser
  • Publication number: 20140218741
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system utilizes an optical swept laser that has cavity length compensator that changes an optical length of the laser cavity for different optical frequencies to increase the length of the laser cavity for lower optical frequencies. Specifically, a spectral separation between longitudinal cavity modes of the laser cavity is shortened or alternatively lengthened as a passband of a cavity tuning element sweeps through a scanband of the swept optical signal. In some examples, the compensator is implemented as two gratings. In others, it is implemented as a chirped grating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Bartley C. Johnson, Dale C. Flanders
  • Publication number: 20140218740
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method as well as a corresponding system (50) for optical coherence tomography in which a first image (60) is acquired in the region of a first plane of an object (1) by means of an optical coherence tomography equipment, and the first image (60) is displayed on a display device (52). To facilitate a reliable and time-saving examination with straightforward handling, provision is made that a second plane of the object (1) is selected on the basis of the first image (60) that is displayed on the display device (52), wherein the second plane of the object (1) is different from the first plane of the object (1), and a second image (61) is acquired in the region of the selected second plane of the object (1) by means of the optical coherence tomography equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: AGFA HEALTHCARE NV
    Inventors: Rainer Nebosis, Geert Wellens
  • Publication number: 20140218744
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus can be provided for generating at least one image of a structure. The apparatus can include at least one first arrangement that has a structural configuration with a first aperture and a second aperture. At least one detector second arrangement can b provided which is configured to detect (i) a first electro-magnetic signal provided to or from the structure via the first aperture, and (ii) a second electromagnetic signal provided to or from the structure via the second aperture. The first and second signals can be associated with data regarding at least one portion of the structure. The exemplary apparatus can further include at least one processing third arrangement which is configured to combine an amplitude and a phase of each of the first and second signals with one another to form a combined amplitude and a combined phase of a combined signal, and then generate the image(s) based on the combined signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: JOHANNES F. DE BOER, JIANHUA MO, MATTIJS DE GROOT