Angled Diffractive Imaging Sensors for Lens-Free Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies face challenges in achieving high-resolution, lens-free imaging of large sample areas with reduced mechanical complexity, particularly in medical applications where early and accurate detection of diseases like cancer is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The development of diffractive imaging systems with sensors inclined at angles relative to the sample plane, utilizing multiple sensors that move in parallel to the sample plane to record diffraction patterns, and employing light sources with high temporal and spatial coherence to reconstruct microscopic images without optical lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional lens-based imaging systems are used, then optical focus and image quality are improved, but device complexity and mechanical positioning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical lens from the imaging system entirely, extracting the focusing function and replacing it with computational methods. The sensor array directly captures diffraction patterns from the sample without requiring lens-based optical focusing, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining image quality through computational reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical focusing system with a computational reconstruction system. Instead of using lenses and mechanical positioning to achieve focus, the system uses algorithms to reconstruct images from diffraction patterns captured by the sensor array, substituting mechanical complexity with computational processing
2Ease of operation
If the sensor plane is parallel to the sample plane, then mechanical alignment is simplified, but the ability to capture diffraction patterns from different depths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the sensor array relative to the sample, where the sensor plane is deliberately tilted at an angle rather than being parallel to the sample plane. This asymmetric arrangement enables the sensor to capture diffraction patterns from different depths simultaneously, with the tilt angle optimized to provide depth resolution while maintaining manageable alignment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the angular dimension by tilting the sensor plane relative to the sample plane. This dimensional change from a parallel (2D) arrangement to an angled (3D) arrangement enables the system to capture depth information through the variation in path lengths and diffraction angles, adding a new degree of freedom for capturing multi-depth information
3Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are used to cover large sample areas, then imaging coverage is improved, but device complexity and positioning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor arrays into a single integrated imaging system where the sensors are positioned at different angles and depths. Rather than requiring separate positioning systems for each sensor, the tilted sensor arrangement allows all sensors to capture overlapping diffraction patterns that can be computationally stitched together, reducing overall positioning complexity while maintaining large area coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The tilted sensor array configuration provides multi-functionality by enabling each sensor to capture diffraction patterns from multiple depths simultaneously. This universal arrangement allows the same sensor system to serve both wide-area coverage and depth-resolution functions, reducing the need for separate positioning mechanisms for each function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables high-resolution imaging of large sample areas with reduced mechanical complexity, improving the accuracy of disease detection and reducing the need for complex positioning apparatus, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical imaging processes.
Implementation Method 1
A diffractive imaging system is capable of producing microscopic images of a sample from recorded diffraction patterns
Data Source
AI summary
Diffraction-based imaging systems are described. Aspects of the technology relate to imaging systems having one or more sensors inclined at angles with respect to a sample plane. In some cases, multiple sensors may be used that are, or are not, inclined at angles. The imaging systems may have no optical lenses and are capable of reconstructing microscopic images of large sample areas from diffraction patterns recorded by the one or more sensors. Some embodiments may reduce mechanical complexity of a diffraction-based imaging system. A diffractive imaging system comprises a light source, a sample support configured to hold a sample along a first plane, and a first sensor comprising a plurality of pixels disposed in a second plane that is tilted at an inclined angle relative to the first plane. The first sensor is arranged to record diffraction images of the light source from the sample.