Chromatic Confocal Module Using Static Pinhole Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Confocal imaging systems face limitations in achieving high-speed lateral and axial scans without moving parts, resulting in low scanning speed and high costs due to the need for expensive tunable light sources and complex system configurations.
Innovation Solution
A chromatic confocal imaging system utilizing an addressable wide spectrum point source array, a beamsplitter, pinhole masks, and dispersion elements to perform simultaneous lateral and axial scans, eliminating the need for moving parts and reducing system complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed scanning is implemented using galvo-scanners, MEMS scanners, or raster scanners, then scanning speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems (galvo-scanners, MEMS scanners) with a static optical system using a pinhole array and dispersion element. The pinhole array provides lateral scanning capability while the dispersion element achieves axial scanning through wavelength separation, eliminating moving parts and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining high scanning speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple static pinholes arranged in an array, where each pinhole corresponds to a specific lateral position. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-point sampling across the object, achieving high-speed imaging without mechanical movement
2Speed
If array scanning methods using Nipkow spinning disk are used to improve scanning speed, then scanning speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to moving elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the spinning disk mechanism by using a static pinhole array combined with a dispersion element. The dispersion element (prism or grating) separates wavelengths to provide axial scanning functionality that would otherwise require mechanical movement, achieving high-speed volumetric imaging without rotating parts
3Speed
If line scan approach is used to increase imaging speed, then scanning speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to cross-talk along scan lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a two-dimensional pinhole array where each pinhole is spatially separated and optically isolated. This segmentation prevents cross-talk between adjacent scan lines by providing physical and optical isolation between sampling points, maintaining image quality while enabling parallel multi-point detection for high-speed imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The dispersion element acts as an intermediary that spatially separates different wavelengths in the axial direction. By dispersing light according to wavelength, it prevents cross-talk between different depth planes while maintaining the confocal optical sectioning capability, thus preserving image quality during high-speed volumetric scanning
4Measurement precision
If tunable light sources are used to achieve chromatic confocal imaging, then axial scanning capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive tunable light sources with a broadband light source combined with a dispersion element. The dispersion element separates the broadband spectrum into different wavelengths that focus at different axial positions, providing axial scanning capability through spectral separation rather than temporal wavelength tuning, significantly reducing system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The broadband light source combined with the dispersion element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides illumination for the entire field of view, enables axial scanning through wavelength separation, and allows parallel detection of multiple depth planes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for expensive tunable lasers while achieving the same axial scanning capability
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
Enables high-speed, high-efficiency imaging with a compact form factor, producing high-quality 2D and 3D images without cross-talk, while maintaining cost-effectiveness by using static or tunable pinhole arrays and chromatic aberration principles.
Implementation Method 1
one or more dispersion elements positioned to receive the light that is reflected from the object after passing through the first pinhole mask, and to separate the light that passes therethrough into multiple spectral components
Implementation Method 2
a beamsplitter configured to allow light from the illumination source to pass therethrough, or reflect from, toward the object, and to receive light reflected from the object and allow the light received from the object to propagate toward a detector
Implementation Method 3
a first pinhole mask including a plurality of pinholes and positioned to receive the light that is reflected from the object after passing through the beamsplitter
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for use in confocal imaging systems are described that enable lateral and axial scans at high speeds and without a moving scanner while producing high quality images. One chromatic confocal optical head includes an illumination source, such as an addressable point source array, to provide a wide spectrum illumination including multiple wavelengths. The optical head also includes a beamsplitter to allow the light to be directed toward an object, to receive the reflected light from the object and to direct the reflected light toward a detector. The optical head further includes a pinhole mask that is positioned to receive the light that is reflected from the object after passing through the beamsplitter, and a dispersion element that is positioned to receive the light after passing through the pinhole mask, and to separate the light into multiple spectral components for reception by the detector.