Hyperspectral Optical Assembly Using Entangled Photon Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hyperspectral illumination and evaluation, such as those used in food analysis, medical diagnostics, and monitoring, face inefficiencies due to the need for spatial and spectral filtering, high computing requirements, and complex calibration processes, particularly when trying to determine three-dimensional information distributions with high spatial and spectral resolution.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement that splits pairs of uniquely assignable photons into two correlated light beams, allowing for spatially and spectrally resolved detection using two detector systems, eliminating the need for spatial or spectral filtering and simplifying calibration by using spontaneous parametric down-conversion or nonlinear processes to generate entangled photon pairs, which are then separated and directed through different optical paths for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spatial or spectral filtering is used to achieve high resolution hyperspectral imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but light efficiency deteriorates due to reduced light utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The light beam is segmented into multiple wavelength components using a diffraction grating, with each wavelength component directed to a separate detector element. This segmentation allows simultaneous spectral resolution and spatial imaging without filtering out light, as each wavelength band is captured by its designated detector element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential spectral filtering to a spatial-spectral mapping approach where wavelength information is encoded in the spatial position of detected photons. The diffraction grating disperses light spatially according to wavelength, creating a two-dimensional detector pattern that simultaneously encodes both spatial and spectral information in different dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If tunable illumination with changing wavelengths is used, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tunable filters or wavelength-tunable lasers with a stationary diffraction grating and broadband light source. The diffraction grating passively disperses all wavelengths simultaneously, eliminating the need for mechanical movement or complex wavelength tuning mechanisms while achieving the same spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
A single broadband light source and stationary diffraction grating system serves multiple wavelength bands simultaneously, making the system universally applicable across the entire spectral range. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple wavelength-specific components that would be required in tunable illumination systems.
3Measurement precision
If projection of three-dimensional information distribution onto two-dimensional detector is used, then detection capability is improved, but computing effort increases for reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The diffraction grating performs preliminary spectral sorting of photons before they reach the detector, spatially encoding wavelength information in the detected photon positions. This pre-processing of spectral information in the optical domain eliminates the need for computationally intensive post-processing reconstruction algorithms, as the spectral data is already organized when detected.
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 enables efficient hyperspectral imaging with improved resolution and reduced light intensity requirements, minimizing noise and mechanical instability, while allowing all available light to be utilized without moving parts, thus enhancing measurement accuracy and stability over time.
Implementation Method 1
A light source with which pairs of uniquely assignable photons can be split into a first light beam and a second light beam can be implemented, for example, by means of spontaneous parametric down-conversion of light in specific optical media.
Implementation Method 2
A light source or an optical element that is irradiated by a light source is present at the arrangement. The light source or the optical element is embodied here to split pairs of uniquely assignable photons into a first light beam and a second light beam
Implementation Method 3
light radiation that is reflected or scattered by the object or transmitted through the object is directed onto an optical element that spectrally decomposes said light radiation
Implementation Method 4
The first and the second light beam should be spectrally, spatially, and temporally correlated.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly for the illumination and hyperspectral evaluation of an object, having a light source or an optical element at which a light source radiates, wherein the light source or the optical element is designed to divide pairs of unambiguously assignable photons into a first light beam and a second light beam so that the first light beam hits a first detector system and the second light beam is directed at an object and light radiation coming from the object is directed at an optical element which spectrally decomposes light radiation and, from the optical element spectrally decomposing said light radiation, is directed at a second detector system. The first light beam can also be directed at a spectrally decomposing optical element and, from there, at a first detector system, and the light radiation coming from the object can be directed directly at the second detector system. The first detector system is designed to perform a spatially resolved sensing of the first light beam, and the first detector system or the second detector system is designed to perform a spectrally resolved sensing of the second light beam. The detector systems are connected to an electronic evaluation unit, by means of which the measurement signals captured with spatial and spectral resolution are associated. The first and second light beams are spectrally, spatially and temporally correlated.