Hyperspectral Imaging via Fabry-Perot Interferometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging spectrometers have limitations in providing both spectral and spatial information, as they often rely on dispersive elements or shutters, which restrict their versatility and effectiveness in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional hyperspectral imaging system incorporating a Fabry-Perot interferometer-based Fourier spectrometer, utilizing at least one first optical element, a second optical element, a phase difference modulator, and an image sensor to achieve constructive interference and Fourier transformation of light signals, allowing for the simultaneous capture of spectral and spatial information without additional detection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional imaging spectrometers use dispersive elements or shutters to limit spectral or spatial information, then the instrument structure is simplified, but the measurement precision and information completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional one-dimensional spectral scanning to two-dimensional hyperspectral imaging by capturing both spatial (x, y) and spectral (wavelength) information simultaneously. The Fabry-Perot interferometer modulates the optical path difference to encode spectral information across the detector array, enabling full spectral and spatial information capture without mechanical scanning or restrictive shutters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems, shutters, and dispersive elements with a Fabry-Perot interferometer-based Fourier spectrometer. The interferometer uses optical interference and Fourier transformation to extract spectral information, eliminating the need for moving parts or restrictive apertures while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional spectrometers use slits or apertures to limit spatial information, then the spectral resolution is improved, but the area of moving object and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent encodes spectral information in the wavelength dimension while preserving spatial information in the x-y dimensions. The Fabry-Perot interferometer creates interference patterns that contain spectral information across the entire detector array, allowing full-field imaging without spatial restriction while maintaining spectral resolution through Fourier transformation of the interference data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system simultaneously performs spatial imaging and spectral analysis across the entire field of view without requiring separate optical paths or sequential scanning. Each pixel on the detector array captures both spatial position and spectral information, making the system universally applicable to various imaging and spectroscopy applications.
3Measurement precision
If conventional imaging spectrometers use variable-bandwidth filters, then the spectral selectivity is improved, but the device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical variable-bandwidth filter systems with a Fabry-Perot interferometer that uses optical interference and Fourier transformation. The interferometer's etalon structure provides spectral selectivity through its free spectral range and finesse, while the Fourier transformation of the interference pattern extracts the complete spectrum without requiring mechanical filter tuning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures the complete spectral information for all spatial positions simultaneously in a single measurement. The Fabry-Perot interferometer records the interference pattern containing all spectral information, and Fourier transformation subsequently extracts the spectrum, eliminating the need for sequential filtering or scanning operations.
4Loss of time
If conventional spectrometers use shutters to control light signals, then the measurement timing is improved, but the productivity and duration of action deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical shutters with electronic control of the light source and detector integration time. The flash lamp provides controlled illumination, and the detector integrates the signal for a defined period, achieving precise timing control without mechanical moving parts that would limit imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous or rapid sequential imaging by eliminating mechanical shutter overhead. The flash lamp can be triggered repeatedly with precise timing, and the detector can rapidly integrate and read out signals, allowing high-productivity hyperspectral imaging without the time penalties of mechanical shutter operation.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of hyperspectral imaging by increasing the intensity of longer wavelengths through constructive interference, enabling the system to provide comprehensive image and spatial information of a sample, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional spectrometers.
Implementation Method 1
the adjacent two of the light signals are constructive interference by modifying the phase difference with the phase difference modulator
Implementation Method 2
operating Fourier transforming on the light signals
Implementation Method 3
Fabry-Perot interferometer based Fourier spectrometer system
Data Source
AI summary
A two-dimensional hyperspectral imaging system for imaging a plurality of light signals of a sample by Fourier spectroscopy includes a first optical element, a second optical element, a phase difference modulator and an image sensor. The light signals pass by the first optical element. The second optical element is spaced away from and parallel to the first optical element, and the light signals pass by the second optical element. The phase difference modulator is closer to the first optical element than the second optical element to the first optical element, and configured for modifying a phase difference of adjacent two of the light signals. The image sensor is configured for receiving the light signals reflected from the first optical element and the second optical element, and operating Fourier transforming on the light signals. The second optical element is between the first optical element and the image sensor.