Multi-Function Coherent Imaging With Spatial Carrier Frequency Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laser remote sensing and imaging, slight object motion introduces phase decorrelation, making data processing challenging, and existing systems require complex and costly high-frame rate or high-pixel rate detectors, which are limited in application.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple coherent radiation sources with different wavelengths, polarizations, or combinations thereof, using spatial and angular offsets to record multiple coherent images simultaneously with high-density, low-speed detector arrays, enabling the formation of three-dimensional images and improving signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-frame rate or high-pixel rate detectors are used to capture coherent images, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function across multiple standard detectors operating in parallel, each capturing a portion of the coherent image data. By segmenting the detection task across multiple lower-performance detectors, the system achieves the equivalent capability of a single high-performance detector without the associated complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard detectors that can be used for multiple imaging functions and applications, rather than specialized high-frame-rate detectors designed for a single purpose. This multi-functionality approach reduces manufacturing costs and increases availability while maintaining measurement precision through coherent detection algorithms
2Device complexity
If standard low-speed detector arrays are used instead of custom high-speed detectors, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to capture moving objects without phase decorrelation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed illumination to capture coherent images at multiple time points, allowing standard low-speed detectors to effectively sample moving objects. The periodic timing of pulses ensures that phase information is captured at regular intervals, maintaining reliability for moving object imaging despite the lower detector speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary spatial encoding of the coherent image data using diffraction gratings or phase masks before detection. This preliminary action prepares the data in a format that can be accurately reconstructed from lower-speed detector readings, maintaining reliability while using simpler detectors
3Productivity
If multiple coherent images are recorded simultaneously using different spatial carrier frequencies, then productivity and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coherent imaging functions into a single integrated optical path by combining reference beams with different spatial carrier frequencies. This allows simultaneous recording of multiple images (e.g., amplitude, phase, gradient) on a single detector array, improving productivity without requiring separate imaging systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of spatial frequency encoding to the imaging system, allowing multiple images to be multiplexed in the frequency domain rather than requiring separate spatial channels. This approach enables multi-function imaging while keeping the physical optical components relatively simple
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective multi-function coherent imaging, reducing system complexity and cost while enabling the capture of high-quality, three-dimensional images of moving objects with improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
a first detector configured to simultaneously record a first superposition of a first intensity pattern of a first interference between at least a portion of the first radiation beam and at least a portion of first return radiation from the object, and a second intensity pattern of a second interference between at least a portion of second radiation beam and at least a portion of the first return radiation from the object
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for multi-function coherent imaging comprising directing a first coherent radiation beam and a second coherent radiation beam towards a detector, where the second coherent radiation beam is spatially offset, angularly offset, or spatially and angularly offset from the first coherent radiation beam. A portion of the first coherent radiation beam and a portion of the second coherent radiation beam may be combined to form a composite beam. An object may be radiated with the composite beam. A first intensity pattern may be formed by interfering with return radiation from the radiated object with the first coherent radiation beam and a second intensity pattern is formed with the return radiation from the radiated object and the second coherent radiation beam. A detector may simultaneously record a superposition of the first intensity pattern and the second intensity pattern.