Laser Beam Raster Scanning With Segment-Wise Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanning systems struggle to adaptively correct optical aberrations in real-time, particularly for spatially varying distortions, often requiring paused scanning or limited fixed fields, and are limited by wavefront sensor inaccuracies and the need for high-speed deformable mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a time-multiplexed approach with iterative image-based wavefront sensing and a deformable mirror to apply segment-specific corrections, synchronized with laser beam rasterization, allowing for continuous scanning and correction of optical aberrations without high-speed mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a laser beam is focused to a small spot size to achieve high manufacturing precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the depth of field becomes very short making it difficult to maintain focus across uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by employing multiple objective lenses positioned at different heights (z-axis) to focus on different depth planes. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the system to maintain small spot sizes for high precision while covering a larger overall depth range through the combined focal zones of multiple lenses, effectively resolving the depth of field limitation.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple objective lenses are used to increase depth of field, then depth of field is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each objective lens in the multi-lens system is designed with dual functionality: it serves both as a scanning objective for its specific focal plane and as a confocal pinhole aperture. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving extended depth of field through the coordinated operation of multiple lenses.
3Measurement precision
If confocal pinholes are positioned precisely at focal planes to maintain image quality, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to axial position variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates active feedback control through piezoelectric actuators that continuously adjust the axial positions of objective lenses and confocal pinholes. This feedback mechanism compensates for position variations and maintains precise alignment between pinholes and focal planes, thereby preserving measurement precision while reducing sensitivity to positional drift through real-time correction.
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 wide-field imaging with improved point spread function, fluorescence intensity, and extended effective field of view, while maintaining video frame rates, by applying segment-specific wavefront corrections dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam is used to scan a sample. In this case, the laser beam is reflected from a sample surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of scanning a laser over a field of view, the method comprising: providing a laser to produce the laser beam; rasterizing the laser beam over a first sub-area of the field of view; deflecting the laser beam to a second sub-area of the field of view; and rasterizing the laser beam over the second sub-area of the field of view; and capturing image information produced by the laser beam so that, for each sub-area of the field of view, the rasterized laser beam defines a plurality of image segments; for each segment calculating an image correction and applying a correction to the laser according to the calculated image correction for the segment, and corresponding system.