Divided-Aperture IR Spectral Imaging for Single-Snapshot Chemical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral imaging systems acquire only a portion of the full data cube at a time, requiring scanning and subsequent processing, which is inefficient and limits the ability to detect spectral signatures of chemical compositions in real-time.
Innovation Solution
An infrared imaging system with an optical system comprising multiple spatially and spectrally distinct optical channels and an optical focal plane array (FPA) unit, capable of acquiring multispectral optical data in a single snapshot, along with dynamic calibration methods to ensure consistent temperature estimation across multiple cameras or detector arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning approaches are used to acquire spectral data, then measurement precision can be improved, but productivity deteriorates because only a portion of the full data cube is acquired at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is divided into multiple segments, each associated with a different spectral filter, allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple spectral bands across the entire field of view in a single snapshot, eliminating the need for sequential scanning while maintaining spectral precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential temporal scanning to parallel spatial multiplexing by arranging multiple optical channels side-by-side, capturing the full spectral data cube in a single instantaneous measurement across multiple spatial dimensions
2Productivity
If multiple optical channels are used to capture full spectral data in a single snapshot, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens due to multiple cameras or detector arrays requiring calibration
Solution Approach 1:
A calibration target is imaged by each detector array to provide feedback information about relative positioning and spectral response, enabling automatic calibration algorithms to adjust and synchronize multiple channels, thereby managing device complexity through self-calibration mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration target serves as an intermediary object that mediates between multiple detector arrays, providing a common reference frame that enables synchronization and calibration without requiring complex direct inter-array coordination
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 real-time detection of chemical species by capturing and processing multispectral data efficiently, allowing for accurate and simultaneous analysis of multiple spectral regions without the need for sequential scanning.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system including an optical focal plane array (FPA) unit configured to receive infrared (IR) radiation from the object along at least two or more optical channels
Implementation Method 2
Each of these optical filters can be associated with one of the at least two or more optical channels and configured to transmit a portion of the IR radiation received in the associated optical channel
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays. One of the at least two detector arrays comprises a cooled mid-wavelength infra-red FPA. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.