Bayesian Spectrum Reconstruction for Non-Uniform Interferogram Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS) techniques face limitations in incorporating prior knowledge, handling non-uniform sampling, and providing uncertainty information, leading to suboptimal performance in spectral reconstruction.

Innovation Solution

The application of Bayesian Autocorrelation Spectroscopy (BAS) integrates Bayesian inference and information theory to enhance spectral reconstruction by using a spectral system matrix, initial prior estimates, and adaptive sampling strategies, allowing for robust reconstruction with uncertainty quantification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS) techniques are used for spectral reconstruction, then the measurement process is simple and well-established, but the method cannot incorporate prior knowledge about the spectrum and provides no uncertainty information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidreconstruction method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spectral system matrix as an intermediary that encodes prior knowledge about the spectrum. This matrix acts as a mediator between the interferogram data and the spectral reconstruction, allowing incorporation of spectral constraints without directly modifying the core FTS algorithm. The spectral system matrix serves as a flexible intermediary that can be adapted to different application-specific prior knowledge requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the spectral reconstruction problem from a direct Fourier transform approach to a parameter estimation problem using Bayesian inference. By changing the mathematical formulation to involve probability distributions, likelihood functions, and prior knowledge parameters, the method enables uncertainty quantification and incorporation of spectral constraints while maintaining computational feasibility through structured parameter relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If uniform sampling is used according to Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem, then the spectral reconstruction is straightforward, but non-uniform sampling conditions cannot be handled and measurement time cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidsampling control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sampling strategies where the sampling intervals can be adjusted based on the specific measurement requirements and spectral characteristics. The Bayesian framework allows for adaptive sampling where measurement parameters can be optimized in real-time, enabling faster measurements when spectral features are well-known and more conservative sampling when uncertainty exists, thus improving productivity without fixed rigid constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If traditional FTS is used, then the instrument structure is simple and well-established, but spectral resolution and resolution are limited by uniform sampling constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds the dimension of probability theory and statistical inference to the traditional FTS approach. By introducing prior knowledge dimensions, uncertainty quantification, and Bayesian parameter estimation, the method transforms the spectral reconstruction from a deterministic process to a probabilistic one. This dimensional expansion allows for improved spectral resolution through incorporation of spectral constraints and uncertainty information without requiring changes to the fundamental interferometer hardware structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

BAS improves spectral resolution and measurement efficiency by incorporating prior knowledge, enabling non-uniform sampling and adaptive strategies, reducing measurement time and data requirements while providing quantitative uncertainty estimates.

Implementation Method 1

interferogram data (interferograms) each being created by pairwise superimposing delayed versions of the measuring light field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP4707757A1Spectrum data reconstruction method and apparatus for reconstructing spectrally resolved spectrum data
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITÄT MÜNCHEN IN VERTRETUNG DES FREISTAATES BAYERN
  • EP4707757A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4707757A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4707757A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A spectrum data reconstruction method for reconstructing spectrally resolved spectrum data (5) of a measuring light field from sensor data (Fτ) provided by an interferometric autocorrelation measurement of interferogram data created by pairwise superimposing delayed versions of the measuring light field, said delayed versions of the measuring light field having different mutual delays (τ), comprises the steps of providing a spectral system matrix (Rτω), wherein the sensor data (Fτ) are determined by applying the spectral system matrix (Rτω) to the spectrum data (Sω) to be obtained, said spectral system matrix (Rτω) being created in dependency on the delays (τ) and instrument parameters of an spectrometer apparatus employed for the interferometric autocorrelation measurement, providing an initial prior estimate ( μSprior) and an initial prior covariance ( ΣSprior) of the spectrum data (5), calculating a mean estimate (µS) and a covariance (ΣS ) of the spectrum data (Sω) by applying a Bayesian inference computation employing the sensor data (Fτ), the spectral system matrix (Rτω), the initial prior estimate ( μSprior) the initial prior covariance ( ΣSprior) and the initial prior covariance ( ΣSprior), and output of the mean estimate (µS) and optionally the covariance (ΣS ) of the spectrum data (Sω) as the spectrum data (5) to be reconstructed. Furthermore, an interferometric autocorrelation measurement method, a spectrum data reconstruction apparatus and an interferometric autocorrelation measurement apparatus are described.