WO2002103421A1 - Process to create artificial nerves for biomechanical systems using optical waveguide network - Google Patents
Process to create artificial nerves for biomechanical systems using optical waveguide network Download PDFInfo
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- WO2002103421A1 WO2002103421A1 PCT/US2002/009321 US0209321W WO02103421A1 WO 2002103421 A1 WO2002103421 A1 WO 2002103421A1 US 0209321 W US0209321 W US 0209321W WO 02103421 A1 WO02103421 A1 WO 02103421A1
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Definitions
- the present invention is a process for creating a network of artificial nerves for biomechanical systems. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an artificial nervous system design that employs ultra-fine registration of sensory locations in optical waveguide media using metrological tools that permit either Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), incorporated in its entirety herein by reference, or Dense Time Division Multiplexing (DTDM) of the return signals corresponding to sensory input.
- DWDM Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
- DTDM Dense Time Division Multiplexing
- the central nervous system In the human body, the central nervous system is organized in a hierarchical arrangement with each level having a certain task in motor functioning. Neurons function in the perception of the initial stimulus carrying their chemical messengers along a network to the brainstem, which also forms a pathway that descends into the spinal column, to influence motor movement.
- One aspect of the current invention establishes an interface in the vicinity of the truncated portion of the missing limb using specific sites that are known to be sensitive to external stimuli.
- Optical signals relating strain levels to 'touch responses' are converted into modulated electrical impulses encoded according to the location of its origination signal and its corresponding signal amplitude. It is assumed that some of these signals will travel the same pathways and that the final decoding will be accomplished by training during the rehabilitation phase of the patient.
- externally attached, devices may be used for persons not necessarily missing a limb to accomplish other sensory functions and, with the use of biologically compatible waveguide materials, such as certain photopolymers, insertion of internal nerves urrits will be accomplished.
- the current invention allows the construction of distributed sensing networks, based upon Bragg reflection fiber optic filters in a densely packed, single fiber format for distributed strain measurements.
- the current invention also incorporates feedback data from a number of strain and temperature sensors that have the advantage of pre- registration of its sensing locations using the techniques devised in U.S. Patent No. 5,552,882, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. D.R. Lyons, "Optical Electronic Multiplexing Reflection Sensor System, " U.S. Patent 5,191,458, (Mar. 1993).
- the ability to produce grating patterns and the nonlinear mechanisms describing their formation form the basis for ideas involving the use of the length limited Bragg reflection filters as well as their underlying properties.
- the fabrication of distributed fiber optic sensors relies upon the photorefractive properties of germanium doped silica fibers.
- the wavelength region from 170 to 400nm possesses strong absorption bands for Ge doped optical fiber.
- M. Josephine Yuen "Ultraviolet Absorption Studies of Germanium Silicate Glasses", Appl. Opt., 21 (1), 136 (1982).
- these gratings act independently to reflect a predetermined number of wavelengths at preset static amplitudes.
- the dynamic amplitude and the wavelength of the reflections are proportional to the induced strains and strain locations respectively.
- An example readout method of involves the illumination of a reflection filter with an SLD (supeiiuminescent laser diode) light source and detection of the back reflected signals at the Bragg wavelengths, Figure 4.
- An improved version of this setup incorporates a tunable laser with wavelength scanning capabilities (also shown in Figure 4).
- the spectral characteristics of a transverse holographic grating are derived from coupled mode theory. Forward and reverse traveling wave formulations imply that the reflectivity at the Bragg wavelength is given by R — tanh 2 ⁇ where
- ⁇ is the fraction of integrated ⁇ n J V fundamental mode intensity in the core, with typical line widths of 20 to 40 GHz.
- the diagram of figure 3 assumes that a first generation 'intelligent arm' will only address sensations from its exterior. However, this technology or some variant of it will ultimately be used to address interior portions with possible direct interfaces with living tissue through the use of more inert materials.
- the associated UV patterns of the first laser light beams are used, upon initial calibration, to write interference patterns into a receptor optical fiber after being compared to the reference patterns derived from a second laser light beams for Bragg wavelength determination.
- the associated UV patterns of the first laser light beams is used to write interference patterns into a receptor optical fiber after being compared to the reference patterns of the second laser light beams for a priori Bragg wavelength determination.
- the receptor optical fiber of the Bragg reflection filter is an optical waveguide in the form of an optical fiber but in other aspects of referenced U.S. Patent No. 5,552,882, the optical waveguide could have other physical configurations and shapes and be made of various optical materials.
- the present invention exploits this metrological device by using it or similar devices to create thousands of nerve units similar to the three shown in the bottom circle of the figure 2.
- These individual sensors are capable of transferring information concerning strain ('touch sensation'), temperature ('heat sensation'), and other possible field related phenomena to a microprocessor unit (also depicted in the first diagram).
- the microprocessor unit relays this same information via encoded electrical signals to biological nerve sites. These signal are then interpreted by the brain in a fashion similar to normal sensory inputs that are processed through learned interpretations and correspondingly learned responses.
- this patent outlines a process for the restoration of sensations with 'intelligent biomechanics' using an existing metrological system for spatially registering UV induced sensing points at locations Li, Li ; Lj . , ... with corresponding wavelengths ⁇ , ⁇ 2 , ⁇ 3 , ... that function as nerve points in optical fibers (see Figs. 2 and 3).
- Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention for creating dense wavelength division multiplexed nerve centers in optical fibers;
- Fig. 2 is an artist conceptual view of the architectural layout of an intelligent artificial arm, as described in the principles of the present patent, along with blow up diagrams highlighting several details;
- Fig. 3 illustrates a comparison between the nerve network of a real arm and that of a peripherally configured optical fiber sensor-based artificial arm
- Fig. 4 illustrates the Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed (DWDM) architecture for a single artificial nerve strand along with various readout schemes configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention
- Fig. 5 is a photomicrograph of a portion of an actual single grating (artificial nerve center) with a further magnified small section cutout highlighting the index of refraction modulations (light and dark lines) that form the basis of the physical mechanisms behind the present patent;
- Fig. 6 illustrates one possible layout configuration of the sensor arrays along the outer portions of a structure such as a human arm as described in the present patent
- Fig. 7 shows the Brewster angle input fiber technique typically incorporated into all sensor configurations described in the present patent to take advantage of fiber input noise suppression as well as input polarization selection and,
- Fig. 8 illustrates the three most-likely fiber types that will be used as artificial fiber optic nerves as outlined in the details of the present invention.
- a first ultraviolet (UV) laser 10 generates a coherent first laser beam 14, that reflects from an angled reflector 16, that directs the first laser beam onto a 50% beam splitter 18.
- the first laser beam 14, is then made to diverge onto two 100% rotating mirrors 20, resident on two, possibly but not necessarily, computer controlled rotating mirror mounts 40.
- the divergent first laser beams 14, are then made to converge at the same intersection region in space 22, coincident with both a second Reference, stationary set of laser beams 24, generated by the second laser 12.
- This arrangement forms a UV interferometer, consisting of components 10, 16, 18, and 20 for directing an interference pattern created by the interference of the first laser light beams from the single laser light source 10, into a common region defined by the image plane of the imaging optics 34 and a second Reference interferometer, consisting of components 26, 28, 30, and 32 for directing an interference pattern created by the second, Reference, laser 12.
- the first interference pattern can be systematically changed, as illustrated in 42 and 44, by altering the intersection angles of the laser light forming the first laser light beams while keeping their intersection point in the image plane 22. Maintenance of the intersection point is accomplished by a corresponding translation of the stage containing the imaging optics 38, along a linear rail 50, so as to establish a constant intersection point for the first laser light beams 14.
- each of the subsequent first laser light beams 14 is uniquely defined by the constant state of the second laser light beam 24, which gives rise to the generation a stationary holographic pattern that is subsequently used as a Bragg wavelength marker.
- These patterns 42 and 44 are then employed in total fringe count ratios using an oscillating dual linear photodiode array 46, to generate electronic counts, corresponding to the frequencies associated with the UV and Reference interference fringes, in conjunction with the calibration constant, allowing the accurate prediction of resulting Bragg wavelengths created by the first laser beams 14. Alternately, these patterns' Fourier transform rations can be used in like manner.
- the artificial arm being composed of a network of preprocesses optical fibers 74, allowing transmitted 64, and reflected 66, light pulses carrying sensory information, can be used as a replacement of a missing or irrevocably damaged limb (an arm in the present example).
- the present invention consists of individual optical fibers 74.
- an implantable control box 70 containing a semiconductor laser (preferably but not necessarily tunable) or other portable source (preferably but not necessarily broadband), an optical fiber interface array, an integrated optical detection array or spectral analysis system, and a low voltage electronic multiplexing device for nerve stimulation acts as the heart of the human artificial arm interface.
- the final interface components consisting of electrodes 62, and human nerves 72, are number- limited and both act as single channel, multi-signal pathways for sensory feed to the brain for final signal interpretation.
- FIG. 3 we illustrate a general comparison of the human arm 60, and its interior 3-dimensional nerve structures 72, to the artificial arm 68, and its peripherally oriented 2-dimensional fiber optic nerve network 74, planned for the first generation prototypes.
- FIG. 4 there is shown a typical single mode fiber optic strain and temperature sensor array created by employing UV implanted holographic filters similar to the ones to be used in the present patent. (See U.S. Patent No. 5,191,458).
- light sources 88 or 98 capable of multiple wavelength generation spanning the range of wavelength
- ⁇ n illuminate the holographic filters of a preprocessed optical fiber 96, consisting of a cladding region 132, and a guiding core region 130.
- the light source 88 might consist of a narrow lincwidth tunable laser while the alternate light source might consist of a broadband s ⁇ perluminescent laser diode.
- One or the other of these sources generates an illuminating transmitted beam 90 or 102, that passes through a beam splitter 92 or 100, respectively, that is then focused into the sensing fiber 96, by way of a micro-lens 94.
- the fiber Upon entering the fiber containing holographic index of refraction modulations of given modulation amplitudes 128, and distinct modulation frequencies 120, 122, ..., and 124, within the guiding region 130. of an optical fiber, the portions of the spectrum whose wavelengths corresponding to twice the Bragg filter modulation spacings are back-reflected out of the input end of the fiber.
- the beam composed of only those frequencies associated with ⁇ i , ⁇ 2 , ...
- the optical fiber 96 is coated on its end with an absorptive coating 126.
- FIG. 5 there is shown a photomicrograph of a superimposed image 140, of the holographic grating pattern 144, with blown up image 146, and an optical fiber image 142, for a wavelength calibration reference.
- FIG. 6 there is illustrated the fiber sensor array 158, shown to be oriented along the longitudinal axis of the artificial limb symbolically displayed as a cylindrical tube 156.
- a typical wedged lead-in fiber 96 creating a Fabry-Perot interferometer, possessing a guiding region 130, a 60% partial gold-coated reflector 168, and a 100% gold-coated end 166 of a given gauge length 176.
- the Brewster or near Brewster angled fiber input allows the analysis of weak optical signals by optically suppressing back reflected insertion noise due to the interference of the typically parallel input fiber endface.
- the angled nature of the endput end maximizes the light throughput by increasing the interaction cross section of the guiding fiber channel while minimizing the Fresnel reflection associated with the air to glass (or other higher index material) interface.
- a beam 178 passes through a focusing microlens 170, and splits into several parts, including a (not necessarily) minimal Fresnel reflected beam 180 and a transmitted beam.
- the back-reflected beams return from the sensor end, without interference with the input, and splits into at least three dominant portions.
- the two important angles are the incident input angle 172 (defined relative to the normal vector 184), and the wedge angle 174 associated with the fiber. Referring to Figure 8, there is shown three fiber types that are considered the most probable fiber geometries for use as artificial nerves.
- Each has a cladding region 96, surrounding a guiding core region 130.
- the first and most prevalent geometrical shape is the circular one shown at the top of Figure 8.
- the most preferred geometry is shown in the middle figure and consists of a rectangular waveguide which has never been commercially available due to manufacturing and handling issues but would allow easy holographic patterning and more sensitive arrays because of the smaller distances between the perturbing phenomena and the sensing (core) regions of the fibers.
- An intermediate geometry contained in the D-shaped fiber at the bottom of Figure 8. allows easy access to the guiding (core) regions of the fiber for greater sensitivity along with a flat, non-planewave distorting face, but also has some of the same handling problems associated with the flat fiber. In addition, this fiber is difficult to obtain and is in very short supply.
- the commercially available circular fibers will most likely be used along with sensitivity enhancing mechanisms incorporated as well.
- Bragg sensors are fabricated by exposing the sides of single-mode Ge-doped fibers to concentrated coherent UV radiation. Multiple sensing regions are created in a single fiber by writing distinct interference patterns in sequential steps while translating the fiber between writing sessions. The goal is to produce spatially distinct
- Bragg regions and allow localized measurement of stress, strain, or temperature along a given region of the fiber.
- a special device called a Bragg Reflection Filter Wavemeter. Methods of and Apparatus for Calibrating Precisely Spaced Multiple Transverse Holographic Gratings in Optical Fibers, United States Patent Number P-5,552,882, Sept. 3, 1996, D.R. Lyons; Z. U. Ndlela. This new device essentially establishes a wavelength standard for precise modulation spacing of a Bragg grating and accurately calibrates each writing location against a known laser standard.
- Each sensor is distributed along the length of the optical fiber in referenced positions, and has high reflectivity whenever the optical wavelength is equal to twice the grating spacing. Since the grating spacing is extremely responsive to external perturbations such as strain and temperature, changes in these parameters cause a change in the reflectivity where these sensors possess typical linewidths of -.2 nm.
- the photomicrograph shown in Figure 5 illustrates the principal upon which the wavelength standard is based.
- the interference pattern shown is the actual writing pattern in the fiber. Its corresponding Bragg resonance is empirically determined to high accuracy with a high-resolution laser probe. A second pattern is then used, upon its calibration, to determine the resonance of all subsequent interference patterns based upon dual fringe counts in a similar far field image.
- the hardware of the wavelength comparator (or wavelength standard) system, shown in Figure 1 uses a standard pattern that is produced in the inertial frame of a moving interferometer and a variable writing pattern that is located in the stationary laboratory frame. This patented device or one of similar character, mentioned earlier, allows accurate wavelength markers (sensing regions) to be written in a single fiber at evenly spaced wavelengths locations.
- Fig. 6 shows a fiber sensor array along the longitudinal axis of the artificial arm of Figs. 2 and 3B.
- Figure 7 shows a completed in-line fiber optic Fabry- Perot sensor employing optical noise suppression or near Brewster angle input.
- the Bragg sensors are fabricated by exposing the sides of single-mode Ge-doped fibers to concentrated, coherent UV radiation. Multiple sensing regions are created in a single fiber by writing distinct interference patterns in sequential steps while translating the fiber between writing sessions. The aim is to produce spatially distinct Bragg regions and allow localized measurement of stress, strain, or temperature along a given region of the fiber.
- a Bragg Reflection Filter Wavemeter K.O. Hill, Y. Fujii, D.C. Johnson, and B.S. Kawasaki, "Photosensitivity in optical fiber waveguides: Application to reflection filter fabrication", Appl. Phys. Lett, 32 (10), pp. 647-9, 1978.
- This new device essentially establishes a wavelength standard for precise modulation spacing of a Bragg gratings and accurately calibrates each writing location against a known laser standard.
- Each sensor is distributed along the length of the optical fiber in referenced positions, and has high reflectivity whenever the optical wavelength is equal to twice the grating spacing.
- the photomicrograph shown in Figure 5 illustrates the principal upon which the wavelength standard is based.
- the interference pattern shown is the actual writing pattern in the fiber. Its corresponding Bragg resonance is empirically determined to high accuracy with a high-resolution laser probe. A second pattern is then used, upon its calibration, to determine the resonance of all subsequent interference patterns based upon dual fringe counts in a similar far field image.
- the perception, or understanding of external sensation by neurons occurs by a three step process: 1) transduction caused by a stimulus which creates an action potential; 2) transmission of the data tlirough the nervous system; and 3) interpretation of the data by the brain.
- This three-step process of sensory perception cannot be separated, sensory information is gathered by neural activity.
- Activity at the neuron is interfaced with the surroundings via sensory receptors.
- Sensory receptors respond to changes in the external environment and this information concerning the external environment (extrinsic to the cell) can cause a difference in membrane potential.
- These receptors are either specialized cells at the ends of neurons, or separate cells that influence the physiology of the ends of neurons.
- These input signals might come in many forms, for example pressure, temperature, light, sound and injury (damage).
- the final result is that information from the receptor is linked to the nervous system; thus, the energy that activated the sensory receptor as an external stimulus, leads to a signal transduction process.
- the transduction process for all receptors involves changes in the chemical potential of ion channels.
- the channels occur in specialized cells and allow for a change in bulk flow of ions across the receptor membrane. Any change in bulk flow rate can result in, or generate, a change in electrical potential. This happens because a change in ion concentration across the membrane allows for a current to be generated from the receptor membrane to the axon. This current can then proceed to a region where the membrane can create a potential.
- the receptor potential causes the release of neurotransmitters that can diffuse across the extra cellular space between the receptor cell and the neuron and bind to specific sites to cause a graded, electrical potential in the neuron.
- This electrical potential leaves the cells as a signal that can be "fed” into a sensory pathway (a chain of end-to-end neurons).
- the sensory pathway provides a mechanism by which to run the signal from the neurons to the central nervous system and eventually to the brain where it is recognized in the cerebral cortex.
- the central nervous system is organized in a hierarchical arrangement with each level having a certain task in motor functioning. Neurons function in the perception of the initial stimulus. They carry their chemical messengers along a network to the brainstem, which also forms a pathway that descends into the spinal column, to influence motor movement. Ultimately, this process can be used to establish an interface at the truncated portion of the missing limb (or other biological sub-system) using specific sites that are known to be sensitive to external stimuli. Optical signals concerning strain levels ('touch responses') can be converted into modulated electrical impulses that are encoded according to location, wavelength response, and/or signal amplitude. Although some of these signals will travel the same pathways, the decoding will be interpreted by training during the rehabilitation or training phase of a subject.
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Citations (3)
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US5079555A (en) * | 1990-10-29 | 1992-01-07 | Essex Corporation | Sequential image synthesizer |
US5191458A (en) * | 1991-06-12 | 1993-03-02 | Grumman Aerospace Corporation | Optical electronic multiplexing reflection sensor system |
US5552882A (en) * | 1995-03-28 | 1996-09-03 | Lyons; Donald R. | Methods of and apparatus for calibrating precisely spaced multiple transverse holographic gratings in optical fibers |
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US5079555A (en) * | 1990-10-29 | 1992-01-07 | Essex Corporation | Sequential image synthesizer |
US5191458A (en) * | 1991-06-12 | 1993-03-02 | Grumman Aerospace Corporation | Optical electronic multiplexing reflection sensor system |
US5552882A (en) * | 1995-03-28 | 1996-09-03 | Lyons; Donald R. | Methods of and apparatus for calibrating precisely spaced multiple transverse holographic gratings in optical fibers |
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