Four-Mirror Image Slicer for Compact 3D Hyperspectral Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hyperspectral imagers are large due to the need for extended long slits or sparsely populated light sources, limiting spectral resolution and requiring large spectrographs, which are impractical for compact applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical system design using a four-mirror image slicer and integrated mini-spectrographs, incorporating off-axis parabolic collimator mirrors, micro-gratings, and reimaging mirrors to achieve simultaneous 3D hyperspectral imaging in a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imagers use extended long slits or sparsely populated light sources, then spectral resolution is improved, but device size becomes large and impractical for compact applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple mini-spectrographs arranged in an array, each handling a specific spatial region. This segmentation allows each unit to achieve high spectral resolution independently while the overall device maintains a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between spectral resolution and device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single long-slit configuration to a two-dimensional array of mini-spectrographs. By distributing spectral analysis across multiple spatial units in an array configuration, the system achieves high spectral resolution without requiring an extended linear path, thus reducing device volume
2Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imagers use extended long slits, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex spectrograph function is segmented into multiple identical mini-spectrograph units. Each unit is relatively simple in design, but collectively they provide the required spectral resolution. This modular approach reduces individual unit complexity while maintaining overall system performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of a standardized mini-spectrograph design arranged in an array. Rather than designing one complex spectrograph, the system replicates a simpler modular unit, reducing design complexity and facilitating easier manufacturing and maintenance
3Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imagers use sparsely populated light sources, then spectral resolution is improved, but device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges mini-spectrographs in a two-dimensional array configuration, utilizing both horizontal and vertical space efficiently. This dimensional transition allows compact packaging of multiple spectral analysis units, achieving high spectral resolution without requiring large horizontal area
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 design enables high spectral resolution in a compact form factor, allowing for real-time, snapshot hyperspectral imaging with reduced size and increased flexibility in field of view, suitable for applications requiring spatial and spectral resolution beyond human perception.
Implementation Method 1
an off-axis parabolic collimator mirror that collimates a diverging light beam from a corresponding slicer mirror into a collimated light beam
Implementation Method 2
a micro-grating that receives the collimated light beam from the collimator mirror and diffracts light into a plurality of wavelength bands
Implementation Method 3
a reimaging mirror that receives each of the plurality of wavelength bands from the micro-grating and focuses each of the plurality of wavelength bands onto the two-dimensional image sensor
Implementation Method 4
an image slicer including a plurality of slicer mirrors to receive light from the multispectral light source and output a plurality of diverging light beams
Data Source
AI summary
A compact structure for snapshot hyperspectral imaging may include an image slicer, an integral field unit, an integral field spectrograph, and multiplexed integral field spectrograph. The image slicer includes a first section having a first plurality of mirrors, each mirror of the first plurality of mirrors having a predetermined tilt in a longitudinal direction, a second section having a second plurality of mirrors, each mirror of the second plurality of mirrors having a predetermined tilt in the longitudinal direction, and a ridge extending laterally between the first section and the second, the first section being at a first angle relative to the ridge and the second section being at a second angle opposite to the first angle relative to the ridge. The integral field unit source includes a four mirror design including an image slicer. The integral field spectrograph includes an array of spectrographs and an image slicer.