Light Field X-ray Optics Using Multilayer Laue Lens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging technologies require multiple views and can suffer from motion blurring and equipment bulkiness, limiting their ability to capture high-resolution internal structures of large items without rotating or moving the target, especially in dynamic imaging scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multilayer Laue Lens (MLL) array in a light-field X-ray system allows for three-dimensional structure determination using a single line of sight, employing a microlens array with 1D and 2D MLLs to diffract and redirect X-rays, enabling high-resolution sampling without the need for bulky equipment or multiple views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple views are used for tomographic imaging, then the three-dimensional structure understanding is improved, but the measurement time and motion blurring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from capturing multiple 2D views at different angles to capturing a 4D light field (3D spatial + directional information) from a single viewpoint. The microlens array encodes angular and spatial information in a single snapshot, enabling 3D reconstruction without temporal sequencing of multiple views, thus eliminating motion blurring and reducing measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array creates multiple virtual images of the object from different virtual viewpoints simultaneously in a single snapshot. Each microlens captures light rays from a specific angular range, creating a compressed copy of the light field that contains sufficient information for 3D reconstruction without requiring physical movement or multiple exposures.
2Measurement precision
If multiple views are used for tomographic imaging, then the three-dimensional structure understanding is improved, but the device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions (capturing light from different angles, different positions, and different focal planes) into a single optical system consisting of a microlens array and sensor. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple cameras, mirrors, or moving components required by conventional multi-view tomography, significantly reducing device complexity and bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional encoding approach where angular and spatial information are encoded in the same image plane through the microlens array, rather than requiring physical separation of multiple imaging systems. This allows all necessary viewing angles to be captured in a single snapshot without bulky optical path separation.
3Device complexity
If a microlens array is used to capture light field, then the equipment size is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array is divided into multiple identical or similar microlens elements arranged in a regular pattern. This segmentation allows for modular fabrication where each microlens can be manufactured independently with standardized precision requirements, and then assembled into the complete array. Defects in individual elements do not compromise the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the microlens array parameters (focal length, pitch, diameter) to balance manufacturing feasibility with imaging performance. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves adequate light field capture capability with relaxed manufacturing tolerances, making the technology practically implementable with current fabrication capabilities.
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 approach enables high-resolution internal structure sampling of large items with reduced equipment size and facilitates dynamic experiments by capturing the light field, allowing for precise 3D reconstruction without motion blurring, even in the High Energy Density regime.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens array positioned at or close to the intermediate image plane to receive at least some of the received incoming X-rays after redirection by the primary optics subsection to diffract the X-rays that are incident thereupon
Implementation Method 2
a first set of multilayer Laue lenses (MLLs) positioned side-by-side in first plane, each MLL in the first set including a set of layers arranged in a first direction... to receive an incoming X-ray beam and to redirect the incoming X-ray beam
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for performing X-ray scans with a single line of sight using a lens array for capturing the light field of the X-rays are described. In one example aspect, an X-ray optical system includes a primary optics subsection positioned to receive incoming X-rays after traversal through an object and to redirect the received incoming X-rays onto an intermediate image plane. The system also includes a microlens array positioned at or close to the intermediate image plane to receive at least some of the received incoming X-rays after redirection by the primary optics subsection to diffract the X-rays that are incident thereupon.