Divided-Aperture Infrared Spectral Imaging for Snapshot 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 multiple optical channels and an optical focal plane array (FPA) unit that receives IR radiation through spatially and spectrally distinct channels, allowing for simultaneous acquisition of multispectral data without cooling, and a processor for dynamic calibration to ensure consistent temperature estimates across detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning approaches are used to acquire spectral data, then the system can process data sequentially, but the acquisition time increases and real-time detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical aperture is divided into multiple spatially distinct sub-apertures, each coupled to a separate detector element. This segmentation allows simultaneous acquisition of spectral data across different wavelength regions without sequential scanning, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential scanning in one dimension to parallel acquisition across multiple spatial dimensions. By distributing different spectral channels to separate detector elements in space, the system achieves simultaneous multi-wavelength measurement, eliminating the time penalty of sequential scanning.
2Productivity
If multiple optical channels are used for simultaneous spectral acquisition, then real-time detection is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple independent channels, each with its own sub-aperture and detector element. This modular segmentation enables simultaneous spectral acquisition (improving productivity) while keeping each individual channel simple and manageable, thus controlling overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each detector element serves multiple functions: it detects intensity, provides spectral information through its spatial position in the divided aperture, and contributes to the complete spectral data cube. This multi-functionality increases productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single aperture is used for all wavelengths, then the optical system is simple, but spectral resolution and chemical detection capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single aperture is segmented into multiple sub-apertures, each optimized for specific wavelength regions. This segmentation enhances spectral resolution and chemical detection capability by allowing wavelength-specific optical characteristics for each channel, while the overall structure remains a unified aperture array.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the divided aperture are optimized for different spectral ranges. Each sub-aperture can have tailored optical properties (transmission characteristics, focal length) suited to its designated wavelength region, improving overall spectral detection capability while maintaining a coordinated structure.
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 acquiring and processing multispectral data in a single snapshot, improving the efficiency and accuracy of gas cloud detection.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system, having an optical focal plane array (FPA) unit configured to receive IR radiation from the object along at least two or more optical channels
Implementation Method 2
The optical FPA unit includes an array of photo-sensitive devices that are disposed at the focus of one or more lenses
Implementation Method 3
The optical system may include an optical aperture (a boundary of which is defined to circumscribe or encompass the at least two or more spatially distinct optical channels) and one or more optical filters
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 disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. 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.