Holographic Reflection Imaging Device for Non-Transparent Samples

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Solution Overview

Problem

Holographic imaging using in-line transmission geometry is not suitable for non-transparent samples, and dense or connected objects like biological tissue samples can prevent undistorted wave transmission, making it difficult to achieve high-resolution imaging.

Innovation Solution

A compact optical setup with a radiation source located between the image sensor and a reflective surface, emitting a radiation wave towards the reflective surface and the object, allowing for direct interference pattern recording without supplementary optical elements, enabling imaging of non-transparent objects by reflecting light from the object and a reflective surface onto the image sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If in-line transmission geometry is used for holographic imaging, then transparent objects can be imaged with a simple setup, but non-transparent or dense objects cannot be imaged because they prevent undistorted wave transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capability for different sample typesVSAvoidoptical setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional transmission geometry by using reflection geometry, where the light source and detector are positioned on the same side of the sample. This allows imaging of non-transparent and dense objects like biological tissue that cannot be imaged using transmission mode, while maintaining a relatively simple optical setup without requiring complex additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If beam-splitter and tilted reference wave are used for reflection-mode holography, then non-transparent objects can be imaged, but the setup becomes complicated with multiple optical components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capability for non-transparent objectsVSAvoidnumber of optical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the beam-splitter component from the optical setup. Instead of using a beam-splitter to create reference and object waves, the invention uses a simple reflective surface that naturally provides both the reference wave (from direct reflection) and the object wave (from reflection off the sample), significantly simplifying the device while maintaining the ability to image non-transparent objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflective surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the reference mirror, provides the reference wave for interference, and serves as the support substrate for the sample. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate beam-splitter and reference mirror components, reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 setup allows for efficient imaging of non-transparent objects with a compact design, capturing a large portion of the diffracted light and achieving high-resolution holographic images without the need for complex optical components, suitable for both non-transparent and transparent samples.

Implementation Method 1

The image sensor is adapted for determining an interference pattern between the radiation wave reflected by the reflective surface and the radiation wave reflected by the object under study

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

capturing a large portion of the diffracted light and achieving high-resolution holographic images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP2657792B1Device and method for holographic reflection imaging
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO ELECTRONICS CENT (IMEC VZW)
  • EP2657792B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2657792B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2657792B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A holographic imaging device (100) for imaging an object under study (104) comprises a reflective surface (103), at least one radiation source (102) for directing a radiation wave (107) towards said reflective surface (103) and the object under study (104), and an image sensor (101) arranged to receive said radiation wave (107) when reflected by said reflective surface (103) and by said object under study (104). The image sensor (101) is adapted for determining an interference pattern between said radiation wave (107) reflected by the reflective surface (103) and said radiation wave reflected by the object under study (104). The holographic imaging device is adapted for directly directing the radiation wave reflected by the object under study (104) towards the image sensor (101).