Composite Filter Spatial Filtering for Unpolarized Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spatial filtering technologies are inefficient in reducing spatial filtering time and cost, and they struggle to effectively filter incoherent and unpolarized light.
Innovation Solution
A spatial filtering apparatus comprising a composite filter with overlapping first and second filter patterns, each with distinct phase profiles, and a polarizer that selectively generates and rotates polarized light to perform Fourier transforms and phase modulation on incident light, allowing for simultaneous spatial filtering of incoherent and unpolarized light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional spatial filtering technologies are used, then spatial filtering can be performed, but spatial filtering time and cost are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter patterns (first and second filter patterns with different phase profiles) into a single composite filter structure. This merging allows simultaneous spatial filtering of multiple light components through one integrated device, thereby reducing the number of sequential filtering operations and decreasing overall spatial filtering time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization dimension to the spatial filtering process by using a polarizer to generate polarized light and creating filter patterns that operate in different polarization directions. This dimensional addition enables parallel processing of light components that would otherwise require sequential filtering, significantly improving spatial filtering efficiency.
2Productivity
If conventional spatial filtering technologies are used, then spatial filtering can be performed, but filtering cost is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple filtering functions into a single composite filter device, eliminating the need for multiple separate filters and reducing system complexity. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by decreasing the number of components required and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite filter is designed to perform multiple spatial filtering functions simultaneously through its overlapping filter patterns. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized filters, reducing both manufacturing and operational costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spatial filtering technologies are used, then polarized light can be filtered, but incoherent and unpolarized light cannot be effectively filtered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the polarization dimension by employing a polarizer to convert incoherent and unpolarized light into polarized light components. The composite filter then processes these polarized components through its overlapping filter patterns oriented in different directions, enabling effective spatial filtering of light types that conventional single-direction filters cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite filter structure with overlapping filter patterns having different phase profiles and orientations. This composite design combines multiple filtering capabilities within a single device, enabling it to effectively process various light types including incoherent and unpolarized light that require multi-directional filtering approaches.
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
The apparatus reduces spatial filtering time and cost while effectively filtering incoherent and unpolarized light by using a composite filter with overlapping filter patterns and a polarizer to generate and control polarized light, producing high-quality filtering image data.
Implementation Method 1
the polarizer is configured to generate polarized light by polarizing external light received from the outside and provide the polarized light to the polarization rotator
Implementation Method 2
the polarization rotator is configured to selectively rotate a polarization direction of the received polarized light
Implementation Method 3
the first light may be Fourier transformed by the Fourier transform element and is first phase modulated by the first phase modulation element
Implementation Method 4
the first light may be Fourier transformed by the Fourier transform element and is first phase modulated by the first phase modulation element
Implementation Method 5
a refractive index of the active layer may be controlled by an electric field generated between the lower electrode layer and the upper electrode layer
Data Source
AI summary
A spatial filtering apparatus includes a composite filter including first filter patterns respectively having a first phase profile, and second filter patterns respectively having a second phase profile, wherein the first filter patterns and the second filter patterns overlap with each other, wherein first light in a first polarization direction that is emitted on the composite filter is first spatially filtered by the first filter patterns, and wherein second light in a second polarization direction that is emitted on the composite filter is second spatially filtered by the second filter patterns.