KR101610837B1 - Photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosis animals of the ophthalmic diseases - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosis of ophthalmic diseases of animals, including: a laser generating a laser beam; a filter regulating the amount of energy of the laser beam and outputting the laser beam; an optical distributor splitting the laser beam output through the filter into two laser beams and emitting the split laser beams; an optical detector detecting the laser beam by receiving an input of any one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and outputting a result of the detection to the outside as a synchronization signal; a scanner receiving an input of the other one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and causing the laser beam to be emitted in order to diagnostic areas determined in advance while an optical path is changed; and a transducer detecting an ultrasonic signal generated from the diagnostic area and outputting the ultrasonic signal as a photoacoustic signal.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing animal diseases,

The present invention relates to a photoacoustic imaging system, and more particularly, to a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing an ophthalmic disease.

Over the past few decades, knowledge of companion animals has increased tremendously, new therapies have been unveiled in years and years, and the latest treatments applied only to humans have been rapidly being attempted by companion animals. Therefore, based on various clinicopathological tests, CT, ultrasound, endoscopic equipment, and a test using a diagnostic kit, it is possible to safely and precisely diagnose and prescribe the disease of the companion animal so that the most suitable treatment can be performed for the animal.

About glaucoma Currently, microscope, ophthalmoscope, tonometer, CT, ultrasound, and endoscope have been used for the ophthalmologic diagnostic device. Recently, optical coherence tomography system has also been proposed.

The equipment such as CT, ultrasound, and endoscope used in the diagnosis of the animal eye and disease has a problem that it is difficult to observe the fine vascular distribution and structure of the cornea and the retina because of low resolution.

In addition, since the optical tomography system was fixedly installed, it was difficult to treat the animal's retina, and in real-time, the procedure of the cornea and the retina could not be confirmed in real time.

For these reasons, glaucoma disease was diagnosed by veterinarians after becoming chronic.

Conventionally, there is no risk of radiation exposure, and it is urgently required to develop a technology capable of providing high-resolution three-dimensional images in real time in comparison with existing ophthalmic diagnostic equipment.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0125918 Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0106965

The present invention provides a high-resolution three-dimensional image in real time, enables easy use of fusion with existing treatment equipment, and provides a high-resolution image, so that the cornea and the retina It is an object of the present invention to provide a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing animal diseases and diseases, which enables real-time confirmation of vascular structure, distribution and state as tomographic images and three-dimensional stereoscopic images.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing an ophthalmic disease in an animal, comprising: a laser for generating a laser beam; A filter for adjusting and outputting an amount of energy of the laser beam; An optical splitter for dividing and outputting a laser beam output through the filter; A photodetector receiving any one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and detecting the laser beam and outputting the detection result as a synchronization signal to the outside; A scanner for receiving another one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and sequentially irradiating a predetermined diagnostic area of the laser beam while changing an optical path; And a transducer for detecting an ultrasound signal generated from the diagnostic region and outputting the ultrasound signal as a photoacoustic signal.

The present invention described above is free from the risk of radioactive exposure, has a small volume, is easy to move, provides high-resolution three-dimensional images in real time, secures the reliability of the medical care, It is possible to increase the efficiency of the medical treatment and provide a high-resolution image, thereby enabling the vascular structure, distribution and state of the cornea and the retina to be confirmed in real time as a tomographic image and a three-dimensional image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing an ophthalmic disease according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing an ophthalmic disease according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
3 is a block diagram of a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing ophthalmic diseases according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram of a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing ophthalmic diseases according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate photographed images of a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing diseases of animals and diseases according to the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing ophthalmic diseases according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
8 is a block diagram of a photoacoustic imaging system combined with an OCT for diagnosis of an ophthalmic disease according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a photoacoustic imaging system combined with a fluorescence imaging apparatus for diagnosis of an ophthalmic disease according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

The photoacoustic imaging system according to the present invention is free from the risk of radiation exposure, has a small volume, is easy to move, provides high-resolution three-dimensional images in real time, secures the reliability of the medical care, Thereby making it possible to increase the efficiency of the medical treatment.

In addition, the photoacoustic imaging system according to the present invention can provide a high-resolution image, enabling the vascular structure, distribution and state of the cornea and the retina to be confirmed in real time as a tomographic image and a three-dimensional image.

These diagnostic devices ensure the efficacy and reliability of the treatment, simplify the procedure, and facilitate the convenience of the treatment and the acquisition of patient data.

The first to seventh embodiments according to the photoacoustic imaging system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

≪ Embodiment 1 >

The construction and operation of a first animal eye and a photoacoustic imaging system 100 for diagnosing a disease according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The photoacoustic imaging system 100 for diagnosing disease in the first animal animal includes a first laser 102, a first filter 104, a first optical splitter 106, first mirrors 108 and 110, A first beam and ultrasonic coupler 114, a first photodetector 116, a first transducer 118, and a first amplifier 120. The first and second amplifiers 120,

The first laser 102 generates a nanosecond pulse laser beam and irradiates it to the first filter 104. The first filter 104 adjusts the amount of energy of the nanosecond pulse laser beam and provides it to the first optical splitter 106. The first optical splitter 106 splits the nanosecond pulsed laser beams emitted from the first filter 104 into two beams to provide one to the first optical detector 116 and the other to the first mirrors 108 and 110 to the first two-axis galvo scanner 112. The first optical detector 116 detects a nanosecond pulse laser beam distributed by the first optical splitter 106 to generate a synchronization signal and provides the synchronization signal to the user terminal 200. The synchronization signal is used when an image is generated by the user terminal 200.

The first two-axis galvo scanner 112 receives the nanosecond pulse laser beam distributed by the first optical splitter 106 through the first mirrors 108 and 110 to change the optical path, A nano-second pulse laser beam is irradiated to a predetermined diagnostic region existing in the animal eye 300 through the ultrasonic coupler 114. [

The first beam and the ultrasonic coupler 114 are formed by joining two prisms and applying oil to the joint surface, passing the optical beam through a straight line, and reflecting the ultrasonic signal at 90 degrees. The nano-second pulse laser beam passes through the eye lens 302 of the eyeball 300 to irradiate the nano-second pulse laser beam to the retina layer 304, The ultrasound signal generated by the retinal layer 304 is reflected at 90 degrees and transmitted to the first transducer 118.

The first transducer 118 receives the ultrasound signal and generates a photoacoustic signal.

Here, the non-focussing beam, which is a nanosecond pulse laser beam scanned by the first two-axis galvo scanner 112, scans the eye 300, and the ultrasonic signal generated in accordance with the scan is the first Is detected by the transducer (118).

In particular, the unfocused beam passes through the eye lens 302 located in the animal's eye 300 and reaches the retina layer 304, so that the retina layer 304 absorbs the non-focussed beam, Thereby generating an ultrasound signal having blood vessel information located in the retina layer 304. The ultrasonic signal is detected by the first transducer 118 and output as a photoacoustic signal.

The photoacoustic signal is provided to the first amplifier 120.

The first amplifier 120 amplifies the photoacoustic signal and provides the amplified photoacoustic signal to the user terminal 200.

The user terminal 200 receives the synchronization signal and the photoacoustic signal provided by the photoacoustic imaging system 100 for diagnosis of diseases and disease in the first animal, generates high-quality three-dimensional image information, and displays the three- Guide the surgeon or surgeon.

The photoacoustic imaging system 100 for diagnosing diseases of the animal eye according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention employs a first beam and an ultrasonic coupler 114 produced by coupling two prisms, The focusing of the ultrasonic wave and the optical beam is aligned in the Z-axis direction to increase the sensitivity of the image.

≪ Embodiment 2 >

The configuration and operation of a second animal eye and a photoacoustic imaging system 400 for diagnosing a disease according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The photoacoustic imaging system 400 for diagnosing disease in the second animal animal includes a second laser 402 and a second filter 404, a second optical splitter 406, second mirrors 408 and 410, A second galvanometer scanner 412, a second photodetector 416, a second transducer 418, and a second amplifier 420.

The second laser 402 generates a nanosecond pulse laser beam and illuminates the second filter 404. The second filter 404 adjusts the amount of energy of the nanosecond pulse laser beam and provides it to the second optical splitter 406. The second optical splitter 406 distributes the nanosecond pulse laser beams emitted from the second filter 404 to two and provides one to the second optical detector 416 and the other to the second mirrors 408, 410 to the second two-axis galvo scanner 412. The second photodetector 416 detects a nanosecond pulse laser beam distributed by the second optical splitter 406 to generate a synchronization signal and provides the synchronization signal to the user terminal 200. The synchronization signal is used when an image is generated by the user terminal 200.

The second two-axis galvo scanner 412 receives the nanosecond pulse laser beam distributed by the second optical splitter 406 through the second mirrors 408 and 410 to obtain a three- And irradiates the nano-second pulse laser beam to a predetermined diagnostic region existing in the animal's eyeball 300 while changing the nano-second pulse laser beam. In particular, the non-focussing beam, which is a nanosecond pulsed laser beam irradiated by the second two-axis galvo scanner 412, is irradiated to the eyeball 302 existing in the animal eye 300.

The unfocused beam passes through the eye lens 302 located in the animal's eye 300 and reaches the retina layer 304 so that the animal retina layer 304 absorbs the non-focussed beam, Thereby generating an ultrasonic signal having information. The ultrasonic signal is detected by the second transducer 418 to generate a photoacoustic signal. The photoacoustic signal output from the second transducer 418 is provided to the second amplifier 420.

The second amplifier 420 amplifies the photoacoustic signal and provides the amplified photoacoustic signal to the user terminal 200.

The user terminal 200 receives the synchronization signal and the photoacoustic signal provided by the photoacoustic imaging system 400 for diagnosis of the disease and the second animal, generates high-quality three-dimensional image information, and displays the three- Guide the surgeon or surgeon.

≪ Third Embodiment >

The configuration and operation of the third animal eye and the photoacoustic imaging system 500 for diagnosing diseases according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The photoacoustic imaging system 500 for diagnosing disease in the third animal ophthalmologic system includes a third laser 502, a third filter 504, a third optical splitter 506, third mirrors 508 and 510, A second beam and an ultrasonic coupler 514, a third photodetector 516, a third transducer 518 and a third amplifier 520 .

The third laser 502 generates a nanosecond pulse laser beam and irradiates it to the third filter 504. The third filter 504 adjusts the amount of energy of the nanosecond pulse laser beam and provides it to the third optical splitter 506. The third optical splitter 506 splits the nanosecond pulsed laser beams emitted from the third filter 504 into two beams to provide one to the third optical detector 516 and the other to the third mirrors 505 and 510 to the third two-axis galvo scanner 512. The third optical detector 516 detects a nanosecond pulse laser beam distributed by the third optical splitter 506 to generate a synchronization signal and provides the synchronization signal to the user terminal 200. The synchronization signal is used when an image is generated by the user terminal 200.

The third two-axis galvo scanner 512 receives the nanosecond pulse laser beam distributed by the third optical splitter 506 through the third mirrors 508 and 510 to change the optical path, And irradiates the nanosecond pulse laser beam to a predetermined diagnostic region located in the animal eye 300 through the first beam 513 and the second beam and the ultrasonic coupler 514.

The first objective lens 513 focuses the nanosecond pulse laser beam provided from the third 2-axis galvo scanner 512 and transmits the nanoparticle pulsed laser beam to the peripheral corneal vessels of the eye 300 through the second beam and the ultrasonic coupler 514 308 to change the optical path so that the focused nanosecond pulse laser beam is irradiated.

The second beam and the ultrasonic coupler 514 are formed by joining two prisms and applying oil to the joint surface. The optical beam passes through a straight line, the ultrasonic signal is reflected at 90 degrees, and is output. The second beam and the ultrasonic coupler 514 irradiate the nanosecond pulse laser beam provided from the first objective lens 513 to the blood vessel 308 around the cornea of the eye 300, The ultrasound signal generated by the blood vessel 308 around the cornea of the eye 300 to which the beam is injected is reflected by the 90 degrees and transmitted to the third transducer 518.

The third transducer 518 receives the ultrasound signal and generates a photoacoustic signal.

In other words, when a non-focussed beam, which is a nanosecond pulsed laser beam scanned by the third two-axis galvo scanner 512, scans the blood vessel 308 around the cornea of the eye 300, the ultrasound signal Is detected by the third transducer 518 as a photoacoustic signal.

The photoacoustic signal is provided to the third amplifier 520.

The third amplifier 520 amplifies the photoacoustic signal and provides the amplified photoacoustic signal to the user terminal 200.

The user terminal 200 receives the synchronization signal and the photoacoustic signal provided by the photoacoustic imaging system 500 for diagnosis of diseases and disease in the third animal, generates high quality three-dimensional image information, and displays the three-dimensional image information through display Guide the surgeon or surgeon.

The photoacoustic imaging system 500 for diagnosing diseases of the animal eye according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention employs a second beam and an ultrasonic coupler 514 produced by coupling two prisms, The focusing of the ultrasonic wave and the optical beam can be made to coincide with each other in the Z axis direction, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the image.

<Fourth Embodiment>

A configuration and operation of a fourth animal eye and a photoacoustic imaging system 600 for diagnosing disease according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The photoacoustic imaging system 600 for diagnosis of diseases and diseases of the fourth animal includes a fourth laser 602, a fourth filter 604, a fourth optical distributor 606, fourth mirrors 608 and 610, A second galvanometer scanner 612, a second objective lens 613, a fourth photodetector 616, a fourth transducer 618, and a fourth amplifier 620.

The fourth laser 602 generates a nanosecond pulse laser beam and irradiates it to the fourth filter 604. The fourth filter 604 adjusts the amount of energy of the nanosecond pulse laser beam and provides it to the fourth optical splitter 606. The fourth optical splitter 606 splits the nanosecond pulse laser beams emitted from the fourth filter 604 into two beams and provides one to the fourth optical detector 616 and the other to the fourth mirrors 608, 610 to the fourth two-axis galvo scanner 612. The fourth optical detector 616 detects a nanosecond pulse laser beam distributed by the fourth optical splitter 606 to generate a synchronization signal and provides the synchronization signal to the user terminal 200. The synchronization signal is used when an image is generated by the user terminal 200.

The fourth two-axis galvo scanner 612 receives the nanosecond pulse laser beam distributed by the fourth optical splitter 606 through the fourth mirrors 608 and 610, changes the optical path, And irradiates the animal eyeball 300 with a nanosecond pulse laser beam through the second lens 613.

The second objective lens 613 focuses the nanosecond pulse laser beam provided from the fourth two-axis galvo scanner 612 and changes the optical path so that it is irradiated on the cornea peripheral blood vessel 308 of the eye 300.

The nanosecond pulse laser beam provided from the second objective lens 613 is irradiated to the blood vessel 308 around the cornea of the eye 300 and is irradiated to the cornea of the eye 300 injected with the nanosecond pulse laser beam. The ultrasound signal generated by the blood vessel 308 is provided to the fourth transducer 618.

The fourth transducer 618 receives the ultrasound signal and generates a photoacoustic signal.

In more detail, the nonsecond pulse laser beam, the non-focussing beam, reaches the blood vessel 308 around the cornea of the eye 300 of the animal, thereby generating an ultrasound signal having information on the corneal blood vessel. The ultrasonic signal is detected by the fourth transducer 618 to generate a photoacoustic signal. The photoacoustic signal output from the fourth transducer 618 is provided to the fourth amplifier 620.

The fourth amplifier 620 amplifies the photoacoustic signal and provides the amplified photoacoustic signal to the user terminal 200.

The user terminal 200 receives the synchronization signal and the photoacoustic signal provided by the photoacoustic imaging system 600 for diagnosis of diseases and disease in the fourth animal, generates high-quality three-dimensional image information, and displays the three-dimensional image information through display Guide the surgeon or surgeon.

5 and 6 show the captured images captured using the photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosis of disease in the animal eye according to the present invention described above.

FIG. 5 is an image of a retinal vascular distribution of a living rat (Rat) using a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosis of diseases in an animal eye according to the present invention, wherein (a) shows a 3D retinal vascular distribution (B) is a 2-dimensional tomographic retinal vasculature (YZ plane), (c) is a 2-dimensional tomographic retinal vascular distribution (ZX plane), and BV is a blood vessel.

And FIG. 6 is an image of a peripheral blood vessel distribution (XY plane) of a living rat (Rat) using a photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosis of an animal eye disease according to the present invention, and BV is a blood vessel.

<Fifth Embodiment>

A configuration and operation of a fifth animal eye and a photoacoustic imaging system 700 for diagnosing diseases according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The photoacoustic imaging system 700 for diagnosing disease in the fifth animal is provided with a fifth laser 702, an optical fiber 704, a first collimator 706, a fifth two-axis galvo scanner 708, A fourth transducer 710, a fifth transducer 712, and a fifth amplifier 714.

The fifth laser 702 generates a nanosecond pulse laser beam and outputs it to the optical fiber 704 and provides a laser trigger signal to the user terminal 200 as a synchronization signal.

The optical fiber 704 inputs the nanosecond pulse laser beam to the first collimator 706.

The first collimator 706 receives the nanosecond pulsed laser beam and collimates it to provide a fifth two-axis galvo scanner 708.

The fifth two-axis galvo scanner 708 receives the nanosecond pulse laser beam and changes the optical path of the nanosecond pulse laser beam to a predetermined diagnostic region existing in the animal eye 300 through the third objective lens 710, The laser beam is irradiated. The predetermined diagnostic region can be defined as the retinal layer of the eye or the corneal blood vessel.

The third objective lens 710 focuses the nanosecond pulse laser beam provided from the fifth 2-axis galvo scanner 708 and changes the optical path so that it is irradiated on the eyeball 300. [

The nanosecond pulse laser beam provided from the third objective lens 710 is irradiated to the eye 300 and the ultrasonic signal generated by the eye 300 injected with the nanosecond pulse laser beam is transmitted through the fifth transducer 712).

The fifth transducer 712 receives the ultrasound signal and generates a photoacoustic signal.

The photoacoustic signal output from the fifth transducer 712 is provided to a fifth amplifier 714.

The fifth amplifier 714 amplifies the photoacoustic signal and provides the amplified photoacoustic signal to the user terminal 200.

The user terminal 200 receives the synchronization signal and the photoacoustic signal provided by the photoacoustic imaging system 700 for diagnosis of disease in the fifth animal, generates high-quality three-dimensional image information, Guide the surgeon or surgeon.

<Sixth Embodiment>

The configuration and operation of a photoacoustic imaging system combined with an OCT for diagnosis of disease in an animal eye according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The photoacoustic imaging system combined with the OCT comprises a photoacoustic imaging unit 800 and an OCT 900. This is an example applied to a spectroscope domain OCT.

The photoacoustic image portion 800 includes a first light source 802, a fifth filter 804, a fifth optical splitter 806, a fifth optical detector 808, fifth mirrors 810 and 812, A sixth mirror 814, a sixth two-axis galvo scanner 816, a fourth objective lens 818, a sixth transducer 820, and a sixth amplifier 822.

The first light source 802 generates a nanosecond pulse laser beam and irradiates it to the fifth filter 804. The fifth filter 804 adjusts the amount of energy of the nanosecond pulse laser beam and provides it to the fifth optical splitter 806. The fifth optical splitter 806 distributes the nanosecond pulsed laser beams emitted from the fifth filter 804 to two and provides one to the fifth optical detector 808, 810 and 808 and the first color separating mirror 814 to the sixth two-axis galvo scanner 816. The fifth optical detector 808 detects a nanosecond pulse laser beam distributed by the fifth optical splitter 806 to generate a synchronization signal and provides the synchronization signal to the user terminal 200. The synchronization signal is used when an image is generated by the user terminal 200.

The fifth mirrors 810 and 812 reflect the nanosecond pulsed laser beam provided by the fifth optical splitter 806 and provide the reflected nanosecond pulsed laser beam to the first color separating mirror 814.

The first color-separating mirror 814 combines the nanosecond pulse laser beam transmitted by the fifth mirrors 810 and 812 and the OCT laser beam provided by the OCT 900 to form a sixth two-axis galvo scanner 816 And extracts only the laser beam for OCT from the laser beam incident from the sixth two-axis galvo scanner 816, and transmits the extracted laser beam to the OCT 900. [ At this time, the present invention uses different wavelengths of the laser beams for the OCT laser beam and the photoacoustic image, and causes the two laser beams to be simultaneously transmitted to the sixth two-axis galvo scanner 816 to be simultaneously scanned. And the laser beam for the OCT laser beam and the photoacoustic image can be set to have, for example, yellow and red wavelengths.

The sixth two-axis galvo scanner 816 receives the laser beam for the OCT laser beam and the laser beam for the photoacoustic image through the first color-separating mirror 814, changes the optical path, And irradiates the animal's eyeball 300 through the eye 818.

The fourth objective lens 818 focuses the laser beam combined with the laser beam for OCT and the photoacoustic image provided from the sixth two-axis galvo scanner 816, Or the retina layer.

The laser beam combined with the OCT laser beam and the photoacoustic image laser beam provided from the fourth objective lens 818 is irradiated to the eyeball 300 and the eyeball 300 injected with the laser beam is generated The ultrasound signal is provided to the sixth transducer 820.

The sixth transducer 820 receives the ultrasound signal to generate a photoacoustic signal, and the photoacoustic signal output from the sixth transducer 820 is provided to the sixth amplifier 822.

The sixth amplifier 822 amplifies the photoacoustic signal and provides the amplified photoacoustic signal to the user terminal 200.

The OCT laser beam is reflected from the eyeball 300 and then transmitted to the sixth two-axis galvo scanner 816. The sixth two-axis galvo scanner 816 provides the reflected OCT laser beam to the OCT unit 900 through the first color-separating mirror 814.

The OCT unit 900 includes a second light source 902, an optical fiber splitter 904, a second collimator 906, a third collimator 908, a fifth objective lens 910, a reference mirror 912, 914).

The second light source 902 generates a laser beam for OCT and provides it to the optical fiber splitter 904. The optical fiber splitter 904 distributes the OCT laser beam and provides a reference beam to a third collimator 908 and a fifth objective lens 910 and a reference mirror 912, And supplies the remaining part of the sample light to the eye 300 of the small animal through the second collimator 906 to return the sample light signal and combine the reference light signal and the sample light signal to provide the combined light to the spectroscope 914. The spectroscope 914 detects tomographic image information from a signal obtained by combining the reference optical signal and the sampled optical signal and provides the tomographic image information to the user terminal 200.

The user terminal 200 combines the photoacoustic detection signal and the tomographic image information to simultaneously combine various information on the eye 300 to guide the examiner or the operator.

<Seventh Embodiment>

The configuration and operation of a photoacoustic imaging system combined with a fluorescence imaging apparatus for diagnosing diseases of an animal eye according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The photoacoustic imaging system combined with the fluorescence imaging apparatus is composed of a photoacoustic image unit a00 and a fluorescent image apparatus b00.

The photoacoustic image portion a00 includes a third light source a02, a sixth filter a04, a sixth optical splitter a06, a sixth optical detector a08, sixth mirrors a10 and a12, A two-color discriminating mirror a14, a seventh two-axis galvo scanner a16, a sixth objective lens a18, a seventh transducer a20 and a seventh amplifier a22.

The third light source a02 generates a nanosecond pulse laser beam and irradiates it with the sixth filter a04. The sixth filter a04 adjusts the amount of energy of the nanosecond pulse laser beam and provides it to the sixth optical splitter a06. The sixth optical splitter a06 splits the nanosecond pulse laser beams emitted from the sixth filter a04 into two beams to provide one to the sixth optical detector a08 and the other to the sixth mirrors a10 and a12 and a second color-separating mirror a14 to the seventh two-axis galvo scanner a16. The sixth photodetector a08 detects a nanosecond pulse laser beam distributed by the sixth optical splitter a06 to generate a synchronization signal and provides the synchronization signal to the user terminal 200. [ The synchronization signal is used when an image is generated by the user terminal 200.

The sixth mirrors a10 and a12 reflect the nanosecond pulsed laser beam provided by the sixth optical splitter a06 and provide it to the second color-separating mirror a14.

The second color-separating mirror a14 combines the nanosecond pulse laser beam transmitted by the sixth mirrors a10 and a12 with the fluorescent image beam provided by the fluorescence imaging apparatus b00, And then extracts only the fluorescent image beam from the beam incident from the seventh two-axis galvo scanner a16 and transmits the extracted beam to the fluorescent image device b00. As described above, the laser beam for the photoacoustic image and the beam for the fluorescence image are simultaneously transmitted to the seventh two-axis galvo scanner a16 so as to be simultaneously scanned.

The seventh two-axis galvo scanner a16 receives the laser beam for the photoacoustic image and the beam for the fluorescence image through the second color-separating mirror a14 to change the optical path, (a18).

The sixth objective lens a18 focuses the laser beam for the acoustic image provided from the seventh two-axis galvo scanner a16 and the beam combined with the beam for the fluorescence image to form a blood vessel around the cornea of the eye 300 Change the light path to illuminate the retinal layer.

The laser beam for the acoustic image and the beam for the fluorescence image provided from the sixth objective lens a18 are irradiated to the eyeball 300 and the ultrasound generated by the eyeball 300, A signal is provided to the seventh transducer (a20).

The seventh transducer a20 generates a photoacoustic signal by receiving the ultrasonic signal, and the photoacoustic signal output from the seventh transducer a20 is provided to a seventh amplifier a22.

The seventh amplifier (a22) amplifies the photoacoustic signal and provides the amplified photoacoustic signal to the user terminal (200).

The beam for the fluorescence image is reflected from the eyeball 300 and then transmitted to the seventh two-axis galvo scanner a12. The seventh two-axis galvo scanner a12 provides a beam for the reflected fluorescence image to the fluorescence imaging device b00 through the second color-separating mirror a14.

The fluorescence imaging apparatus b00 includes a fourth light source b02, a third color-separating mirror b04, and a fluorescence detector b06. The fourth light source b02 generates a beam for the fluorescent image and provides the beam to the second color-separating mirror a14 via the third color-separating mirror b04. The third color separating mirror b04 supplies the beam from the fourth light source b02 to the second color separating mirror a14 and the light for the fluorescent image provided from the second color separating mirror a14, To the fluorescence detector b06. The fluorescence detector b06 detects a fluorescent portion from the light for the fluorescence image and provides the detection signal to the user terminal 200 as fluorescence image information.

The user terminal 200 combines the photoacoustic detection signal and the fluorescence image information to combine various information about the eyeball 300 at the same time and guide the user to the examiner or the operator.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, only a combination of the photoacoustic imaging apparatus and the OCT or the fluorescent imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is shown. However, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the first, third, It is also possible to combine the device with an OCT or a fluorescent imaging device, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Although the nano-second pulse laser beam is used as a light source in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, intensity-modulated CW light may be used. Do.

100: Photoacoustic imaging system for the diagnosis of the first animal eye disease
102: first laser
104: first filter
106: first optical splitter
108, 110: first mirror
112: First two-axis galvo scanner
114: first beam and ultrasonic coupler
116: first photodetector
118: 1st transducer
120: first amplifier
200: User terminal

Claims (13)

1. A photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing an ophthalmic disease,
A laser for generating a laser beam;
A filter for adjusting and outputting an amount of energy of the laser beam;
An optical splitter for dividing and outputting a laser beam output through the filter;
A photodetector receiving any one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and detecting the laser beam and outputting the detection result as a synchronization signal to the outside;
A scanner for receiving another one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and sequentially irradiating a predetermined diagnostic area of the laser beam while changing an optical path; And
And a transducer for detecting an ultrasound signal generated from the diagnostic region and outputting the ultrasound signal as a photoacoustic signal. 1. A photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing an ophthalmic disease,
A laser for generating a laser beam;
A filter for adjusting and outputting an amount of energy of the laser beam;
An optical splitter for dividing and outputting a laser beam output through the filter;
A photodetector receiving any one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and detecting the laser beam and outputting the detection result as a synchronization signal to the outside;
A scanner for receiving another one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and sequentially irradiating a predetermined diagnostic area of the laser beam while changing an optical path;
A beam and an ultrasonic coupler which are positioned between the diagnostic region and the scanner and transmit the laser beam as it is to the diagnostic region and reflect the ultrasound signal generated from the diagnostic region at a predetermined angle and output it; And
And a transducer for detecting an ultrasound signal output through the beam and the ultrasound result and outputting the ultrasound signal as a photoacoustic signal. 1. A photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing an ophthalmic disease,
A laser for generating a laser beam;
A filter for adjusting and outputting an amount of energy of the laser beam;
An optical splitter for dividing and outputting a laser beam output through the filter;
A photodetector receiving any one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and detecting the laser beam and outputting the detection result as a synchronization signal to the outside;
A scanner for receiving another one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and sequentially irradiating a predetermined diagnostic area of the laser beam while changing an optical path;
A lens positioned between the scanner and the diagnostic region to focus the laser beam from the scanner to a specific location in the diagnostic region; And
And a transducer for detecting an ultrasound signal generated from the diagnostic region and outputting the ultrasound signal as a photoacoustic signal. 1. A photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing an ophthalmic disease,
A laser for generating a laser beam;
A filter for adjusting and outputting an amount of energy of the laser beam;
An optical splitter for dividing and outputting a laser beam output through the filter;
A photodetector receiving any one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and detecting the laser beam and outputting the detection result as a synchronization signal to the outside;
A scanner for receiving another one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor and sequentially irradiating a predetermined diagnostic area of the laser beam while changing an optical path;
A beam and an ultrasonic coupler which are positioned between the diagnostic region and the scanner and transmit the laser beam as it is to the diagnostic region and reflect the ultrasound signal generated from the diagnostic region at a predetermined angle and output it;
A lens positioned between the scanner and the beam and the ultrasonic coupler to focus the laser beam from the scanner to a specific location in the diagnostic area; And
And a transducer for detecting an ultrasound signal output from the beam and the ultrasound coupler and outputting the ultrasound signal as a photoacoustic signal. 1. A photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosing an ophthalmic disease,
A laser for generating a laser beam and a synchronization signal;
An optical fiber for transmitting the laser beam;
A collimator for collimating a laser beam transmitted through the optical fiber;
A scanner for receiving a laser beam collimated by the collimator and causing the laser beam to be sequentially irradiated onto a predetermined diagnostic area while changing an optical path;
An objective lens positioned between the diagnostic area and the scanner to focus the laser beam; And
And a transducer for detecting an ultrasound signal generated from the diagnostic region and outputting the ultrasound signal as a photoacoustic signal. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Wherein the laser beam is a nanosecond pulse laser beam or an intensity-modulated CW light beam. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Wherein the scanner is a two-axis galvo scanner. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Further comprising a plurality of mirrors for transmitting one of the laser beams emitted from the optical distributor to the scanner. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Further comprising an amplifier for amplifying and outputting the photoacoustic signal output from the transducer. The method according to claim 2 or 4,
Wherein the beam and the ultrasonic coupler are formed by joining two prisms and applying oil to the joint surface of the beam and the ultrasonic coupler. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Wherein the laser beam is incident on the surface of the scanner,
A light source for receiving OCT light or fluorescence image from outside and the laser beam, and providing the combined light to the scanner,
And a color discriminating mirror for externally emitting light for OCT light or fluorescence image emitted through the scanner to the outside. 12. The method of claim 11,
And an OCT for generating light tomographic image information by incidence of light for OCT with the color discriminating mirror and by comparing OCT light returned from the color discriminating mirror with reference light. Photoacoustic imaging system. 12. The method of claim 11,
Further comprising a fluorescence imaging device that receives light for the fluorescence image with the color-separating mirror and generates fluorescence image information by receiving light for the fluorescence image returned from the color-separating mirror. A photoacoustic imaging system for diagnosis.

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