Lensless Multispectral Infrared Imaging Using Reflected Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IR imaging technologies require invasive sample preparation and are bulky, complex, and time-consuming, limiting their application to in-vivo or in-situ measurements.
Innovation Solution
A lensless infrared imaging device using quantum cascade lasers and an IR imager without intermediate lenses, configured to detect reflected light opposite to the emission direction, allowing non-invasive, compact, and rapid multispectral imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microscope coupled with a polychromatic IR source and FTIR spectrometer is used for imaging, then spectral analysis capability is improved, but device complexity and acquisition time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the FTIR spectrometer from the imaging system, replacing it with a simpler detector array that directly captures spectral information. This extraction of the complex spectral analysis component while retaining the essential spectral measurement capability directly reduces device complexity and acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system required by FTIR spectrometry with a parallel detector array that simultaneously captures spectral data across multiple wavelengths. This substitution of sequential mechanical scanning with parallel optical detection eliminates the complex mechanical movements and significantly reduces acquisition time.
2Measurement precision
If a microscope coupled with a polychromatic IR source and FTIR spectrometer is used for imaging, then spectral analysis capability is improved, but acquisition time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous spectral acquisition by simultaneously detecting multiple wavelengths across the entire field of view in a single operation, rather than sequentially scanning through wavelengths or regions. This continuous parallel measurement approach maintains spectral analysis capability while eliminating the time-consuming sequential process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary spectral dispersion and detection across the entire field of view before any analysis is required, capturing all spectral information simultaneously. This preliminary parallel acquisition of spectral data across all spatial positions eliminates the need for time-consuming sequential scanning during the measurement process.
3Productivity
If QCL lasers and an IR imager are used for multispectral imaging, then imaging speed is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the QCL laser sources and IR imager detector array into a single integrated imaging device with a compact form factor. By combining these components in a unified structure with shared optical paths and support mechanisms, the device achieves high imaging speed while reducing overall complexity and size compared to separate systems.
4Measurement precision
If sample preparation in the form of a thin section is required, then imaging quality is improved, but invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical coupling mechanism that enables direct imaging of the sample surface without requiring physical sectioning or preparation. The optical system acts as an intermediary that captures spectral information from the intact sample, eliminating the need for invasive thin section preparation while maintaining imaging quality.
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 non-invasive, wide-field imaging with reduced acquisition time and device compactness, suitable for in-vivo and in-situ applications.
Implementation Method 1
The emergence of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) makes it possible to create a multitude of monochromatic IR sources, covering the spectral range of polychromatic IR sources
Implementation Method 2
A detector sensitive in the infrared is sufficient to quantify the intensity of the light transmitted or scattered by the sample for each of the QCL wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
The sensor is configured to detect a reflected portion of the emitted light, particularly along detection directions that are opposite to the emission directions of the light emitted by the light source
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a lensless infrared imaging device (1) intended for imaging a sample (2), comprising at least one light source (3, 3a, 3b, 31) configured to emit light at several wavelengths in the infrared range, and at least one sensor (4) configured to detect some of the emitted light that has interacted with the sample (2), the sensor (4) comprising a plurality of pixels (41), the device being characterised in that the sensor (4) is configured to detect a reflected part of the emitted light. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing this device.