Atmospheric Plasma Spatial Modulator for Ghost Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems, including computational ghost imaging, face challenges such as weight and power overheads due to the need for laser sources and spatial light modulators, and high costs associated with focal plane arrays, particularly in airborne applications where there are physical limitations to the number of pixel detectors that can be used.
Innovation Solution
The use of a control system to create an atmospheric spatial radiation modulator by selectively ionizing or heating portions of the atmosphere to simulate a spatial light modulator, allowing for spatially modulated electromagnetic radiation to be applied to an object, using a single pixel detector and processing module to reconstruct images, with the ability to dynamically change the modulator pattern over time intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a laser source and spatial light modulator are used for computational ghost imaging, then spatially modulated illumination is achieved, but weight and power overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the atmosphere as an intermediary medium to create the spatial light modulator effect. Instead of using a physical SLM device, the system uses atmospheric plasma generated by laser irradiation to modulate light spatially. This eliminates the need for bulky SLM hardware while achieving the required illumination modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical SLM system with a plasma-based atmospheric modulator. The spatial light modulator function is achieved through electromagnetic field interaction with the atmosphere, substituting mechanical/optical components with a field-based plasma mechanism that can be dynamically controlled.
2Illumination intensity
If a laser source and spatial light modulator are used for computational ghost imaging, then spatially modulated illumination is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The atmosphere serves as an energy-efficient intermediary that can be dynamically reconfigured. Once the atmospheric plasma is generated, it can be maintained with lower power input compared to continuous operation of traditional SLM devices, and the plasma can be rapidly repositioned or reconfigured by adjusting the laser irradiation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The atmospheric plasma modulator can be dynamically repositioned and reconfigured by changing the laser irradiation patterns. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt illumination patterns without the mechanical inertia and power requirements associated with traditional SLM devices, enabling more efficient power usage through rapid reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If a focal plane array with multiple pixel detectors is used, then image resolution is improved, but cost and physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses computational methods to reconstruct the image from single-pixel measurements. Instead of directly capturing spatial information with multiple detectors, the system creates a computational model that reconstructs the image by processing the temporal sequence of single-pixel measurements, effectively copying the image information through computational rather than physical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the imaging problem from spatial dimension (multiple simultaneous detectors) to temporal dimension (sequential measurements). By measuring the same spatial location at different times with different atmospheric modulation patterns, the system reconstructs the complete image information, converting a spatial complexity problem into a temporal processing problem.
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 reduces the need for bulky equipment, lowers power consumption, and decreases costs by utilizing the atmosphere to create a spatial light modulator, enabling efficient image reconstruction with a single pixel detector, suitable for airborne applications where weight and power constraints are significant.
Implementation Method 1
cause electromagnetic radiation from said source to be applied to a selected plurality of three-dimensional portions of an atmospheric volume located between a second electromagnetic radiation source and an object or region of interest so as to ionise the air within said selected portions and create an atmospheric spatial radiation modulator
Implementation Method 2
selectively ionizing or heating portions of the atmosphere to simulate a spatial light modulator
Implementation Method 3
create an atmospheric spatial radiation modulator of a specified pattern for causing said object or region of interest to be irradiated with spatially modulated second electromagnetic radiation in said specified pattern
Implementation Method 4
a detector for receiving spatially modulated second electromagnetic radiation reflected from said object or region of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A computational ghost imaging apparatus comprising a first electromagnetic radiation source (100) and a control system configured to cause electromagnetic radiation from said first source to be applied to a selected plurality of three-dimensional portions of an atmospheric volume between a second electromagnetic radiation source (110) and object or region of interest (106) so as to heat or ionise the air within said selected portions and create an atmospheric spatial radiation modulator (108) of a specified pattern for causing said object or region of interest to be irradiated with spatially modulated electromagnetic radiation in said specified pattern, the apparatus further comprising a detector for receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected from said object or region of interest (106), and a processing module for reconstructing an image of said object or region of interest using data output by said detector.