Optical Imaging Spectroscopy with Fiber Bundle and Microlens Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging spectroscopy techniques, particularly Raman spectroscopy, are time-consuming when scanning large-area samples due to the need for stepwise scanning, which is inefficient for quickly changing samples or large areas like potentially cancerous skin tissues.
Innovation Solution
A device for simultaneous spectrally and spatially resolved acquisition of all pixels using a light source, signal detection unit, and an optical system with a fiber bundle, two microlens arrays, and a square core fiber, allowing for the collection and focusing of scattered light onto a large-scale detector chip, enabling the capture of entire images without scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If point-by-point scanning is used for imaging spectroscopy, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample area into multiple discrete regions that can be measured simultaneously. By using an array of detectors arranged in a matrix configuration, each detector measures a specific region of the sample at the same time, eliminating the need for sequential scanning while maintaining spectroscopic precision for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential scanning to two-dimensional parallel measurement by arranging detectors in a matrix array. This dimensional change allows simultaneous acquisition of spectral data from multiple spatial locations, dramatically reducing measurement time while preserving measurement precision through the use of multiple independent detection channels.
2Productivity
If parallel data collection techniques are used, then measurement time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microlens array that serves multiple functions: it focuses light from different sample regions onto corresponding detectors, acts as a spatial encoding element, and enables parallel measurement of multiple regions simultaneously. This single multi-functional component achieves parallel data collection without requiring complex optical switching or tuning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple identical detector elements arranged in an array, where each detector is a copy of the others. This replication allows simultaneous measurement of multiple sample regions without requiring complex unique detection paths for each region, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling parallel data collection.
3Loss of energy
If full-throughput snapshot techniques are used, then light loss is minimized, but spatial resolution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different spatial sampling characteristics to different regions of the detector array. Each detector element in the matrix is optimized to capture light from its corresponding sample region with appropriate spatial resolution, allowing the system to maintain high spatial resolution where needed while efficiently collecting light across the entire field of view without sequential scanning losses.
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
This approach significantly reduces measurement time, allowing for rapid acquisition of high-contrast Raman images of large areas, such as cancerous tissues, with measurement times per pixel reduced to as low as 5 ms, enabling faster identification and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a first microlens array arranged in the first light path, whereby the first microlens array is arranged to focus the light onto the sample as well as to collect the light that is scattered, emitted or reflected by the sample
Implementation Method 2
a fiber bundle provided for guiding the scattered, emitted or reflected light to the detection unit
Implementation Method 3
If the excitation light is monochromatic and shows sufficient intensity, the scattered light shows Raman lines, i.e. color shifts that are related to the vibration states of the impinged molecules and the crystal structures
Implementation Method 4
a large-scale detector chip, which is arranged to image the row of fibers
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a device (100) for simultaneous spectrally resolved acquisition of all pixels of large-area (up to 1 cm2) samples (103), the device (100) comprising at least: a light source (101), a signal detection unit (102) for measuring the spectroscopic signal, an optical system for directing light in form of a first light path (104) onto the sample (103) and for collecting light that is scattered, emitted or reflected by the sample (103) and guiding the collected light away from the sample towards the signal detection unit (102) in form of a second light path (105), wherein the optical system is characterized in that a fiber bundle (107) is provided for guiding the scattered, emitted or reflected light to the signal detection unit (102), the fibers of the fiber bundle are arranged as fiber matrix (106) at the sample side, and arranged as one row (114) at the side of the signal detection unit (102), a first microlens array (111) is arranged in the first light path (103), whereby the first microlens array (111) focusses the light onto the sample (103) as well as collects the light that is scattered, emitted or reflected by the sample (103), and a second microlens array (110) is arranged in the second light path (105), whereby the second microlens array (110) focusses the collected light individually into single fibers (107, 108) of the fiber matrix (106). Preferably, a square core fiber (126) is provided for guiding the light to the first light path (104). The fiber bundle (107) preferably comprises at least 100 and more preferably at least 400 multimode fibers (108). Described is also the use of the device according to the invention for imaging of large-area (up to 1 cm2) samples using Raman, fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime, and reflectance spectroscopy. The great advantage of the present invention is that simultaneous imaging spectroscopy can be performed on a great number of pixels of the sample under investigation.