Diffractive Imaging Device for Single-Shot Hyperspectral Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multispectral and hyperspectral imaging devices are complex, expensive, and require significant customization, suffer from low fill factor, and demand high computational resources, making them costly and inflexible for various applications.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device comprising a diffractive optical element, first and second imaging systems, and an aperture, which generates distinct images for different wavelengths on separate groups of photosensitive elements, allowing for flexible and cost-effective single-shot multispectral or hyperspectral imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex systems with nonstandard components are used for multispectral imaging, then spectral imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple groups, with each group assigned to detect a specific wavelength range. This segmentation allows the system to capture spectral information across different wavelengths simultaneously using standard sensor components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining spectral imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
Standard sensor components are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both imaging elements and spectral detection elements. The diffractive optical element works in conjunction with standard sensors to achieve both spatial and spectral information capture, eliminating the need for specialized nonstandard components
2Ease of manufacture
If standard sensor components are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but spectral resolution and imaging performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A diffractive optical element is introduced as an intermediary component between the object and the standard sensor array. This element diffracts light at different angles based on wavelength, enabling standard sensors to capture spectral information with high resolution without requiring specialized sensor components
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates spectral information spatially by diffracting different wavelengths to different locations on the sensor array. This transforms the spectral dimension into a spatial dimension, allowing standard 2D sensors to capture spectral data with high precision through geometric arrangement rather than through specialized sensor materials
3Measurement precision
If complex algorithms are used for evaluation, then spectral reconstruction accuracy improves, but computing power requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffractive optical element performs spectral separation in advance, directing different wavelengths to predetermined locations on the sensor array before detection. This preliminary spatial sorting of spectral information simplifies subsequent data processing, as the sensor directly captures wavelength-specific signals without requiring complex reconstruction algorithms
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 device provides enhanced flexibility and cost-efficiency in multispectral or hyperspectral imaging, enabling easy adaptation to specific applications with reduced computational needs and improved spectral and lateral resolution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one diffractive optical element arranged in the intermediate image plane... at least one diffractive optical element, the second imaging system and the aperture are arranged such that at least two different images for at least two different wavelengths of the intermediate image are generated
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device and method for imaging an object, such as for multispectral or hyperspectral imaging, are disclosed. The imaging device includes an image sensor located in an image plane of the imaging device. The image sensor includes photosensitive elements. A first imaging system is configured to generate an intermediate image of the object in an intermediate image plane. A second imaging system is configured to generate an image of the intermediate image on the image sensor in the image plane. A diffractive optical element is arranged in the intermediate image plane. An aperture is arranged in a beam path of the second imaging system between the intermediate image plane and the image sensor. The diffractive optical element, the second imaging system, and the aperture are arranged such that different images for different wavelengths of the intermediate image are generated on different groups of the photosensitive elements.