Assignment 1.

1 Solution
1. (10’ = 3+3+4)

Any reasonable answer is acceptable.

Biosketch of Inventor (3’)

Device principle (3’)

Application (4’)

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that has revolutionized
the field of ophthalmology. The inventor of OCT, Dr. James G. Fujimoto, is a physicist and electrical
engineer who has made significant contributions to the field of biomedical optics. He developed OCT
in the early 1990s while working at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The principle of OCT involves using light waves to create high-resolution images of biological tissues.
The technology works by measuring the echo time delay and intensity of backscattered light waves,
which provides information about the structure and composition of the tissue being imaged. OCT is
based on the same physical principle as ultrasound but uses light waves instead of sound waves.

OCT has many applications in ophthalmology, including the diagnosis and monitoring of eye diseases
such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. It is a non-invasive technique that
allows for the visualization of the retina and other structures in the eye with high resolution and
accuracy. OCT is particularly useful for detecting early signs of eye diseases, which can lead to earlier
treatment and better outcomes for patients.

One of the major advantages of OCT is that it provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of
biological tissues without the need for invasive procedures. This is particularly important in
ophthalmology, where invasive procedures can be risky and may cause damage to delicate eye
structures. OCT can also provide real-time images of the eye, which allows for the monitoring of
disease progression and treatment effectiveness over time.

In addition to ophthalmology, OCT has been used in other medical fields, such as cardiology and
dermatology. In cardiology, OCT is used to visualize the coronary arteries and diagnose conditions
such as atherosclerosis. In dermatology, OCT is used to image skin lesions and diagnose skin cancer.
OCT has the potential to be used in many other areas of medicine in the future, making it a valuable
tool for medical research and clinical practice.

Dr. Fujimoto's development of OCT has had a significant impact on the field of ophthalmology and
has led to many advances in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. He has received numerous
awards for his work, including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2012. The
development of OCT is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration between physics,
engineering, and medicine, and has paved the way for many other innovative medical technologies.

Dr. James G. Fujimoto was born on August 13, 1951, in California, United States. He received his
Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in
1973. He then earned his Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1975 and 1984, respectively. Dr. Fujimoto joined the
faculty of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at MIT in 1985, where he is
currently a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He is also a member of the
Research Laboratory of Electronics and the Department of Biological Engineering at MIT.
2. (10’)

Human body temperature can be considered a random signal because it fluctuates naturally
throughout the day and can be affected by various factors such as physical activity, stress, illness, and
environmental conditions. These fluctuations are not predictable and can vary from person to
person, making it a random signal.

Human body temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain, which acts as the body's
thermostat. The normal range for body temperature is generally considered to be between 97.7°F
(36.5°C) and 99.5°F (37.5°C), but it can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, time of day, and
physical activity.

For example, body temperature tends to be lower in the morning and higher in the evening and can
fluctuate by up to 1°F (0.6°C) throughout the day. Additionally, physical activity and stress can cause
the body to produce more heat, leading to an increase in body temperature. Illnesses such as
infections can also cause the body temperature to rise, as the immune system tries to fight off the
infection.

Because these factors can vary from person to person and are not always predictable, human body
temperature can be considered a random signal. However, it is important to note that while body
temperature fluctuations are normal, significant changes in body temperature can indicate
underlying health issues and should be monitored closely.

3. (30’)

(a) (15’)

Biopotentials Vmax (V) ∆f (Hz)

ECG 0.004 249.99
EEG 0.0003 150
Electrocorticography and brain
depth 0.005 150
EOG 0.0035 50
ERG 0.0009 50
Nerve Potentials 0.003 10000
EGG 0.008 1
EMG 0.005 10000

(b’) (15’ = 5+5+5)

1
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 /(∆𝑓)^( )
2
This value is proportional to the signal noise ratio (SNR). The higher the SNR, the easier it is to detect
the signal. The higher the 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 , the signal is easier to detect. The lower the ∆𝑓, the lower the noise
in the signal, which makes it easier to detect the signal.
 Vmax/(∆f)^(1/2)
Biopotentials (V/√𝐻𝑧)
ECG 0.000252987
EEG 0.000024494
Electrocorticography and brain
depth 0.000408248
EGG 0.008
EMG 0.00005
EOG 0.000494974
ERG 0.000127279
Nerve Potentials 0.00003
From the result of calculation, EGG is the easiest to detect and EEG is the most difficult to detect.