Hyperspectral Imaging System Using Waveguide Plate Stack
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hyperspectral imaging systems face limitations in spectral resolution and scalability, with complex optical systems offering high spectral resolution but being expensive and non-scalable, while filter array systems are compact and scalable but limited in spectral resolution and prone to errors when imaging non-stationary objects.
Innovation Solution
A hyperspectral imaging system comprising a stack of waveguide plates, a spectral filter array, and a detector array, where the waveguide plates are positioned between the optic and the spectral filter array, allowing for the collection of multiple dispersed lights and their subsequent filtering and detection, enabling the generation of hyperspectral images with improved spectral and spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Offner or Dyson spectrometers are used for hyperspectral imaging, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the spectral imaging function across multiple waveguide plates, each handling a portion of the spectrum. The stack of waveguide plates divides the incoming light into multiple dispersed light paths, with each plate contributing to a specific spectral band. This segmentation allows high spectral resolution to be achieved through distributed processing rather than a single complex spectrometer.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide plates act as intermediary elements between the imaging lens and the detector array. They mediate the light path by dispersing light into multiple wavelengths and guiding them to appropriate detector regions. This intermediary approach replaces the need for complex Offner or Dyson spectrometer optics while maintaining spectral resolution.
2Device complexity
If filter arrays are used directly on camera focal plane, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a dimensional aspect to filter array imaging by incorporating waveguide plates that disperse light in the spectral dimension before it reaches the detector. The stacked waveguide plates create multiple dispersed light paths that map different wavelengths to different spatial positions on the detector, effectively adding spectral dimensionality to the 2D filter array approach.
3Device complexity
If filter arrays are used directly on camera focal plane, then image acquisition time is increased, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide plate stack enables continuous spectral capture by dispersing all wavelengths simultaneously across the detector array. Unlike sequential filter scanning, the stacked waveguide plates allow all spectral information to be captured in a single exposure, maintaining continuous useful action and significantly reducing image acquisition time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If filter arrays are used directly on camera focal plane, then scalability is improved, but spectral resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scalability is achieved through segmentation of the waveguide plate stack into modular units. Each waveguide plate can be independently designed and manufactured, then stacked to create the complete spectral imaging system. This modular segmentation allows the system to be scaled by simply adding or removing plates from the stack, maintaining both scalability and spectral resolution.
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 system achieves high spectral and spatial resolution while maintaining the cost-effectiveness and compactness of filter array systems, enabling efficient imaging of both stationary and non-stationary objects, reducing processing time and errors.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of waveguide plates, wherein each of the waveguide plates are stacked on top of one another, and wherein the stacked waveguide plates have a slit located thereon
Implementation Method 2
the stacked waveguide plates are positioned between the optic and the spectral filter array, and wherein the spectral filter array is positioned between the stacked waveguide plates and the detector array
Implementation Method 3
a spectral filter array; and, (iv) a detector array, wherein the stacked waveguide plates are positioned between the optic and the spectral filter array, and wherein the spectral filter array is positioned between the stacked waveguide plates and the detector array
Implementation Method 4
the detector array receives the multiple arrays of different wavelength filtered lights from the spectral filter array, and outputs multiple arrays of electrical signals
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3B
AI summary
A hyperspectral imaging system and method are described herein for providing a hyperspectral image of an area of a remote object. In one embodiment, the hyperspectral imaging system includes an optic, a stack of waveguide plates, a spectral filter array, a detector array, and a controller.