Digital Micro-Mirror Device Thermal Spectral Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spatial light modulators, such as ferroelectric liquid crystals, are poorly suited for processing non-visible light spectra like infrared, limiting their application in thermal spectral processing.
Innovation Solution
The use of digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs) to controllably modulate infrared light by selectively activating mirrors, allowing for the processing and projection of thermal spectra, including long-wave infrared wavelengths, through a system comprising a grating, micro-mirror devices, and projection optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ferroelectric liquid crystals are used as spatial light modulators, then the system can process visible light spectra, but the system cannot effectively process infrared or non-visible wavelengths required for thermal spectral processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the spatial light modulator from conventional ferroelectric liquid crystals to materials with appropriate infrared transmission properties, enabling the system to process infrared wavelengths while maintaining spatial modulation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the liquid crystal-based spatial modulation mechanism with a digital micromirror device or similar mechanical/optical switching system that can effectively modulate infrared light, substituting the inadequate liquid crystal mechanism with a more suitable physical system
2Temperature
If conventional liquid crystal SLMs are used for spectral processing, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot modulate infrared light effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a grating or diffraction element as an intermediary component that separates wavelengths and directs them to appropriate modulation zones, enabling infrared processing without requiring the entire modulation system to be redesigned from scratch
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 the modulation and projection of thermal spectra, facilitating applications such as thermal imaging, chemical detection, and simulation of solar spectra with high accuracy, and extends the capabilities of spatial light modulation to non-visible wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
a grating or other spreading optics configured receive the input light and to spread the input light by wavelength into an input spectrum
Implementation Method 2
A digital micro-mirror device (DMD) is configured to receive the input spectrum and to controllably activate mirrors in the DMD corresponding to selected wavelengths of the input light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating, projecting or correlating thermal spectra use digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs) to controllably modulate input radiation such as long wave infrared light. An optical system for creating an output spectrum based upon an input light suitably includes a grating configured receive the input light and to spread the input light by wavelength into an input spectrum. A digital micro-mirror device (DMD) is configured to receive the input spectrum and to controllably activate mirrors in the DMD corresponding to selected wavelengths of the input light. Portions of the input light having selected wavelengths can be extracted from remaining portions of the input light for the output spectrum. By selecting and activating only certain mirrors on the DMD, particular wavelengths of light in infrared or other spectra can be optically switched for any number of subsequent applications, including spectral projection, simulation of solar or other spectra, detection of chemical substances, or the like.