Microbolometer Spectral Cube Construction via Synchronized Laser Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal imagers using microbolometer focal plane arrays face challenges in rapidly acquiring accurate spectral data due to constraints related to self-cooling and thermal time constants, which affect data rate and variability in frame-to-frame acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tunable laser source and a microbolometer array with a control system that captures sequential readouts at a substantially steady periodic acquisition rate, synchronized with the laser pulses of different wavelengths, to construct a spectral cube with minimal variability and high data rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a microbolometer focal plane array is used for infrared imaging, then cost and ease of use are improved, but self-cooling and thermal time constant variability cause frame-to-frame variability that reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a tunable laser source that emits pulses at specific wavelengths in a periodic manner, synchronized with the microbolometer readout. This periodic illumination at controlled intervals allows the system to acquire spectral data at defined time points, reducing variability caused by thermal drift and self-cooling effects between frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by rapidly tuning the laser wavelength across the mid-infrared spectrum while maintaining a steady periodic readout rate. This allows the system to vary the illumination wavelength parameter dynamically while keeping the temporal sampling parameter constant, thereby acquiring spectral information without introducing temporal variability into the measurements.
2Productivity
If rapid data acquisition is implemented to build spectral cubes quickly, then productivity is improved, but thermal time constant variability between pixels causes inconsistencies that reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a control system that monitors the laser wavelength tuning and synchronizes it with the microbolometer readout timing. This feedback mechanism ensures that each wavelength step is captured at the optimal moment in the thermal response cycle, maintaining data consistency across all pixels even during rapid acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the laser pulse timing with the microbolometer readout cycle before data acquisition begins. This preliminary synchronization ensures that all subsequent rapid measurements are taken at consistent thermal states, eliminating variability caused by thermal time constant differences between pixels.
3Measurement precision
If a steady periodic readout acquisition rate is maintained, then measurement precision is improved by minimizing frame-to-frame variability, but the complexity of synchronizing laser pulses and readouts increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the control system to perform multiple functions: it controls the laser wavelength tuning, synchronizes the readout timing, generates time stamps, and coordinates the data acquisition all through a single integrated controller. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate synchronization mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while maintaining precise timing.
4Productivity
If sequential readouts are captured at high rates to build spectral cubes rapidly, then productivity is improved, but the variability in thermal response between pixels increases loss of information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by illuminating the sample with laser pulses at regular intervals that are synchronized with the microbolometer readout cycle. This periodic illumination ensures that each pixel responds to light at consistent time points in its thermal cycle, reducing variability in thermal response and preserving information across all pixels during rapid spectral cube construction.
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 rapid and accurate acquisition of spectral data with reduced frame-to-frame variability and increased data rate, improving the efficiency of thermal imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
A photon is detected through the heat it generates when it is absorbed by the microbolometer
Implementation Method 2
The laser source emits a laser beam that is directed at the sample, the laser beam including a plurality of pulses, with at least some of the pulses having a different center wavelength in the mid-infrared range
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly (12) for rapid thermal data acquisition of a sample (10) includes a laser source (14), a light sensing device (26), and a control system (28). The laser source (14) emits a laser beam (16) that is directed at the sample (10), the laser beam (16) including a plurality of pulses (233). The light sensing device (26) senses mid-infrared light from the sample (10), the light sensing device (26) including a pixel array (348). The control system (28) controls the light sensing device (26) to capture a plurality of sequential readouts (402) from the pixel array (348) with a substantially steady periodic readout acquisition rate 405. The control system (28) can generate a spectral cube (13) using information from the readouts (402).