Hyperspectral Imaging Spatial Light Modulator Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hyperspectral imaging techniques face challenges in achieving high spatial and spectral resolution simultaneously while maintaining a high frame rate and optimizing photon throughput, often resulting in information loss due to the sequential recording of spectral and spatial components.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a spatial light modulator with a two-dimensional array of pixels that encode electromagnetic radiation into modulated signals at different frequencies, coupled with an optical demultiplexer to measure and transform the sum of intensities across multiple optical frequencies, allowing for simultaneous recording of all spectral and spatial components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential recording methods are used to acquire spectral and spatial components, then device complexity is reduced, but information is lost and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges spectral and spatial recording into a single simultaneous measurement process. The imager captures both dimensions at the same time, eliminating the need for sequential scanning and the associated information loss. This is achieved by recording the complete spectrum at each spatial pixel simultaneously rather than scanning through spectral components sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential recording (one dimension at a time) to simultaneous multi-dimensional recording. By adding the time dimension to the measurement process, the system captures spectral and spatial information concurrently, effectively moving from a 1D sequential acquisition to a 2D simultaneous acquisition in the parameter space.
2Measurement precision
If interferometric techniques are used to spread spectra onto multiple pixels, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity and acquisition rate worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spectral dispersion function from a complex scanning interferometer and implements it through a simplified direct recording approach. Instead of using a scanning interferometer with moving components, the system directly records the spectrum at each pixel, removing the complex mechanical scanning path while maintaining spectral resolution capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning interferometer system with a direct optical recording system. Rather than using mechanical movement to disperse and record spectra sequentially, the system uses a static optical setup that simultaneously records all spectral components at each spatial pixel, eliminating mechanical complexity.
3Measurement precision
If more total pixels are arranged to record both spectral and spatial information, then measurement precision is improved, but acquisition rate worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spatial and spectral recording into a single simultaneous measurement process. By integrating both dimensions into one recording operation rather than separating them into sequential steps, the system achieves high resolution in both spatial and spectral domains while maintaining high frame rates, as no additional time is required for sequential scanning.
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 enhances acquisition speed and signal-to-noise ratio, enabling high-resolution hyperspectral imaging with reduced loss of optical intensity and efficient data compression for simultaneous spectral and spatial information capture.
Implementation Method 1
The spatial light modulator can encode electromagnetic radiation incident on each of the plurality of pixels using one or more of electro-optic modulation, acousto-optic modulation, magneto-optic modulation, or opto-mechanic modulation
Implementation Method 2
The spatial light modulator can encode electromagnetic radiation incident on each of the plurality of pixels using one or more of electro-optic modulation, acousto-optic modulation, magneto-optic modulation, or opto-mechanic modulation
Implementation Method 3
One or more optical elements can couple at least the first modulated signal and the second modulated signal into an optical demultiplexer adapted to measure a sum of intensities of at least the first modulated signal and the second modulated signal at a plurality of optical frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for hyperspectral imaging using a spatial light modulator having a plurality of pixels, including encoding electromagnetic radiation incident a first pixel at a first location and a second pixel at a second location into a first modulated signal having a first modulation frequency and a second modulated signal having a second modulation frequency, the first modulation frequency being different than the second modulation frequency. A sum of intensities of at least the first modulated signal and the second modulated signal is measured at a plurality of optical frequencies and a transform is applied to the sum to obtain an intensity of electromagnetic radiation incident each of the first location and the second location for each of the plurality of optical frequencies.