MICS Image Slicer Spectrograph for Compact 3D Hyperspectral Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hyperspectral imaging systems are large due to the need for extended long slits or sparsely populated light sources, limiting spectral resolution and requiring large spectrographs that exceed the resolution needed.
Innovation Solution
A machined image slicer compact spectrograph (MICS) with a two-mirror integral field unit and micro spectrograph array, incorporating powered optics and diffraction gratings to achieve compact snapshot hyperspectral imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imaging systems use extended long slits or sparsely populated light sources, then spectral resolution is improved, but system size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous spectrum into multiple discrete wavelength bands using a filter wheel with separate filters for different spectral regions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high spectral resolution by sequentially capturing images through individual filters, eliminating the need for large extended slits or sparsely populated light sources required by conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a rotating filter wheel that dynamically switches between different spectral filters during image capture. This dynamic filtering approach enables the compact system to achieve high spectral resolution by temporally separating wavelength measurements, replacing the static large optical components of conventional systems with a dynamic, space-efficient solution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use large spectrographs to support extended slits, then spectral coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures spatial images and spectral information simultaneously using the same imaging sensor. The filter wheel enables a single compact device to cover multiple spectral bands (UV, visible, NIR) that would traditionally require separate specialized instruments, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad spectral coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standard digital camera sensors and commercial off-the-shelf components to replicate the spectral measurement functionality of complex specialized spectrographs. By using readily available imaging technology combined with simple filter wheels, the system achieves spectral coverage comparable to much more complex conventional systems.
3Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral systems use push broom scanning, then spectral determination is improved, but imaging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-arranges multiple spectral filters on a rotating wheel before image capture begins. This preliminary configuration allows the camera to immediately start capturing images through different filters in rapid succession, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning during acquisition and enabling faster spectral determination compared to push broom methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter wheel rotates periodically to sequentially present different spectral filters to the camera during image capture. This periodic filtering approach allows rapid alternation between wavelength bands, achieving fast spectral imaging by capturing multiple spectral slices in quick succession rather than requiring slow mechanical scanning of a single slit.
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
The MICS design significantly reduces the size of hyperspectral imaging systems while maintaining high spectral resolution, enabling simultaneous 3D hyperspectral imaging in a compact structure.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersive element such as a grating to disperse the light into its spectral components
Implementation Method 2
a first lens array to condition the light beams and a second lens array to focus the light beams onto the sensor
Implementation Method 3
Each of the plurality of mirrors receives light from a corresponding one of the plurality of lenses and directs the light to a corresponding one of the plurality of diffraction gratings
Data Source
AI summary
A machined image slicer compact spectrograph (MICS) for use with a multispectral light source includes a two-mirror integral field unit and a micro spectrograph array. The integral field unit includes an image slicer having a plurality of slicer mirrors to receive light from the multispectral light source and output a plurality of diverging light beams and a plurality of reimaging mirrors to output an image of each slicer mirror onto an exit slit mask containing a plurality of exit field stops, one for each of the image of the slicer mirrors. The micro spectrograph array includes a plurality of powered optics receiving light from the plurality of exit field stops and a plurality of powered diffraction grating to output an image of each slicer mirror onto an image sensor.