Lens-Free Imaging Device Using Micro-Structured Light Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large area lens-free imaging devices are limited in miniaturization due to the requirement of a light source positioned at a distance of 100mm or more to generate a planar light wavefront, preventing compact integration and efficient sample illumination.
Innovation Solution
A lens-free imaging device utilizing a plurality of micro-structured through-hole light emitters fabricated in a slab to create a controlled, quasi-planar light wavefront, allowing for reduced distance between the light source and objects, enabling compact design and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a light source is positioned at a distance of 100mm or more to generate a planar light wavefront, then the wavefront quality is improved, but the device size and integration are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is segmented into multiple light emitters arranged in an array, where each emitter contributes to forming the overall wavefront. This segmentation allows the system to generate a controlled wavefront at a much shorter distance (5mm or less) compared to a single distant light source, thereby reducing device size while maintaining wavefront quality
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a one-dimensional approach (single light source at large distance) to a two-dimensional array of light emitters. By distributing light emitters across a planar array and controlling their relative phases, the system generates a quasi-planar wavefront in the near field, enabling compact integration without sacrificing wavefront quality
2Device complexity
If the distance between light source and object is reduced to enable compact design, then device integration is improved, but wavefront control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic phase control of individual light emitters in the array, allowing real-time adjustment of the emitted wavefront. This dynamic control enables the generation of a controlled quasi-planar wavefront at short distances, maintaining wavefront quality while enabling compact device integration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of each light emitter in the array, specifically controlling the phase and amplitude of light from each emitter. By adjusting these parameters across the array, the system synthesizes a controlled wavefront at distances of 5mm or less, achieving both compact integration and wavefront control
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 solution allows for a compact and scalable lens-free imaging device capable of large-area imaging with improved resolution and light throughput, suitable for applications such as cell culture monitoring, industrial inspection, and in-flow cell analysis, while reducing the distance between the light source and objects to 5mm or less.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitters are positioned and configured to create a controlled, quasi-planar light wavefront for performing large-area lens-free imaging when emitting light
Implementation Method 2
Lens-free imaging is an imaging technique based on holographic imaging. Interference patterns of objects are recorded and used to image cells
Implementation Method 3
a slab of a material suitable for propagating light such that slab-based illumination of the light emitters is obtained
Data Source
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Figure 4A
AI summary
A lens-free device (100) for imaging one or more objects (106), the lens-free device comprising: a light source (102) positioned for illuminating at least one object (106); a detector (103) positioned for recording interference patterns of the illuminated at least one object (106); wherein the light source (102) comprises a plurality of light emitters (104) that are positioned and configured to create a controlled light wavefront (105) for performing lens-free imaging.