Interference Imaging of Multiple Scattering Objects With Stable Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-beam interference methods for imaging multiple scattering objects, such as three-dimensional cell tissues, require a laser light source with a long coherence length and are sensitive to environmental variations, leading to instability in interference signals.
Innovation Solution
An observation apparatus and method that uses spatially coherent light to irradiate an object with first and second light beams along fixed and varying directions, capturing interference intensity images at different phase differences to generate complex amplitude images, reducing the influence of multiple scattered light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional two-beam interference method is used to image multiple scattering objects, then interference pattern can be obtained, but the system requires laser light source with long coherence length and is sensitive to environmental variations causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial light modulator as an intermediary device that actively compensates for optical path difference variations caused by environmental factors. This mediator dynamically adjusts the reference light phase to maintain stable interference patterns without requiring complex mechanical stabilization systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the coherence length parameter of the light source by using a super luminescent diode instead of a conventional laser, and dynamically adjusts the optical path difference through electronic control of the spatial light modulator, thereby maintaining interference stability without long coherence length requirements
2Ease of operation
If conventional two-beam interference method is used, then interference pattern can be captured, but adjustment of optical system is difficult and optical path difference changes due to environmental variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical optical path adjustment mechanisms with electronic phase modulation using a spatial light modulator. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical adjustments and provides stable, electronically controllable phase compensation that is insensitive to environmental vibrations and temperature changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static optical path configuration to dynamic phase compensation by using a spatial light modulator that can real-time adjust the reference light phase in response to environmental variations, making the system adaptive rather than rigid
3Loss of information
If QPI is used to image three-dimensional cell tissue, then non-staining and non-invasive imaging is achieved, but the acquired image is merely a two-dimensional projection unable to grasp true three-dimensional structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the imaging from two-dimensional projection to three-dimensional reconstruction by measuring optical path differences at multiple wavelengths and applying spectral interferometry to recover depth information, thereby adding the third dimension to the image data
4Measurement precision
If OCT is used for non-staining imaging of three-dimensional cell tissue, then non-invasive imaging is achieved, but the resolution is low and signal interpretation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system improves resolution by changing the wavelength parameter and using spectral interferometry to achieve optical sectioning capability, while the use of multiple wavelengths provides dispersion information that enhances signal interpretation and material characterization
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
Enables stable and effective observation of multiple scattering objects by minimizing the impact of environmental variations and improving image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit for receiving both the first light and the second light which irradiate the observation object and pass through the observation object, and capturing an interference intensity image generated by interference between the first light and the second light
Data Source
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AI summary
An observation apparatus 1A includes a light source 10, an irradiation unit 31, an imaging unit 50, and a processing unit 60. The irradiation unit 31 inputs spatially coherent light output from the light source 10, generates first light and second light from the input light, and irradiates an observation object S with the first light and the second light in an overlapping manner. The irradiation unit 31 irradiates the observation object S with the first light along a fixed light irradiation direction, and irradiates the observation object S with the second light along each of a plurality of light irradiation directions. The imaging unit 50 receives both the first light and the second light, and captures an interference intensity image generated by interference between the first light and the second light. The processing unit 60 performs required processing based on the interference intensity image to generate a complex amplitude image and the like. Thus, an observation apparatus capable of reducing influence of multiple scattered light and easily observing an observation object even in the case in which the observation object is a multiple scattering object is realized.