Complex Amplitude Observation Without Mechanical Mirror Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing observation apparatuses face instability and noise due to mirror orientation vibrations caused by external disturbances during the scanning of light irradiation directions, affecting the measurement stability.
Innovation Solution
An observation apparatus and method that utilize a spatial light modulator to amplitude modulate light with a moving modulation pattern, allowing stable observation by generating a complex amplitude image through interference, eliminating the need for mechanical mirror scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical mirror scanning is used to irradiate light along multiple directions, then light irradiation coverage is improved, but measurement stability deteriorates due to mirror vibration and orientation instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror scanning system with a spatial light modulator that uses electrical control to achieve light direction modulation. This substitution eliminates mechanical vibrations and orientation instability while maintaining the ability to irradiate light along multiple directions, thereby resolving the contradiction between light irradiation coverage and measurement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial light modulator enables dynamic control of light irradiation directions through electrical signals without mechanical movement. This allows the system to adaptively adjust irradiation patterns while maintaining stability, as the modulation is achieved through phase or amplitude changes rather than physical mirror orientation changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical mirror scanning is used to change light irradiation directions, then observation flexibility is improved, but noise increases due to external disturbances affecting mirror orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical mirror scanning system and replaces it with a spatial light modulator that controls light direction through electrical means. This substitution removes the source of noise generated by mechanical vibrations and external disturbances affecting mirror orientation, while preserving the flexibility to observe from multiple directions.
3Reliability
If PID control is used to stabilize mirror orientation, then orientation stability is improved, but system complexity increases and vibration may occur depending on control parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for PID control systems by replacing the mechanical mirror with a spatial light modulator. This removes the entire feedback control loop and associated complexity, as the light direction is controlled directly through electrical modulation without requiring active stabilization against vibrations.
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
Stable and high-speed observation of objects is achieved, reducing noise and vibration, enabling dynamic changes to be observed efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a splitting unit for splitting the light into first split light and second split light
Implementation Method 2
a modulation unit for spatially amplitude modulating the first split light based on a modulation pattern moving in a predetermined direction intersecting with a propagation direction of the first split light, and causing the first split light to include a plurality of light components having wavenumber components in the predetermined direction different from each other
Implementation Method 3
a combining unit for combining the first split light passed through the observation object and the second split light, and outputting combined light
Implementation Method 4
an imaging unit having an imaging plane arranged at a position optically conjugate to the observation object, and for receiving the combined light on the imaging plane, and repeatedly outputting a detection signal representing a two-dimensional interference image
Data Source
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AI summary
An observation apparatus 1A is an apparatus for observing an observation object S, and includes a light source 11, a beam splitter 12, mirrors 13 and 14, a beam splitter 15, a modulation unit 21, lenses 31 to 34, an imaging unit 41, and a processing unit 42. The modulation unit 21 inputs first split light L1 arriving from the mirror 13, spatially amplitude modulates the input first split light L1 based on a modulation pattern, and causes the first split light to include a plurality of light components having wavenumber components in an x direction different from each other. The modulation pattern of the modulation unit 21 moves in a predetermined direction (an x axis direction) intersecting with a propagation direction (a z axis direction) of the first split light L1. The processing unit 42 generates a complex amplitude image when the observation object S is irradiated with each of the plurality of light components based on a detection signal repeatedly output from the imaging unit 41. Thus, an apparatus capable of stably observing an observation object is realized.