Automatic alignment of a high-performance interferometric medical imaging device

摘要

For optimal performance of a high-precision optical system, careful and stable alignment is necessary. To achieve robust alignment in a commercial system, performance tradeoffs or significant redesigns are often made. We have developed subsystems that allow us to automatically monitor and control the optical system alignment, allowing us to minimize the changes necessary between high-performance research systems and practical commercial designs. In addition, this can allow ruggedization of systems that would be too unstable otherwise.rnWe have implemented such an alignment system in a high-performance medical interferometric imaging device with a focus on maintaining high throughput and allowing for significant system customization. The system is able to maintain near-optimal alignment without any user interaction over a large thermal range and can compensate for misalignments during initial system construction or resulting from shock events. With careful planning, the cost of such a system can be kept reasonably low and it requires minimal interruption to a normal user's workflow.rnWe will discuss the basic principles and necessary considerations for the implementation of such a system, using the developed system as a case study. Similar technology can be used in many optical devices and is especially relevant if access by a trained technician is difficult or costly.