Modulator Bends Light for Sensor Area Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectroscopic measurement apparatuses face challenges in efficiently utilizing the imaging area of an image sensor due to the uniaxial or biaxial dispersion of light by spectroscopic elements like prisms or diffraction gratings, resulting in wasted imaging areas and difficulty in adjusting wavelength and spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
A modulator is introduced between the diffraction grating and the image sensor, which changes the travel direction of light rays to bend the recording direction of diffraction images for each wavelength on the image sensor's light receiving surface, thereby optimizing the use of the imaging area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a diffraction grating disperses light in a uniaxial or biaxial direction, then wavelength resolution is improved, but the imaging area utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear dispersion pattern from a diffraction grating into a curved recording direction on the image sensor by introducing a modulator. This dimensional transformation allows the spectral information to be mapped onto a curved trajectory, enabling more efficient utilization of the rectangular image sensor area while maintaining wavelength resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a modulator as an intermediary component between the diffraction grating and the image sensor. This modulator receives the dispersed light and modifies its propagation direction to create a curved recording pattern, serving as a mediator that transforms the linear dispersion into a space-efficient curved layout on the sensor.
2Productivity
If the imaging area is fully utilized, then productivity is improved, but the trade-off between spatial and wavelength resolution becomes tighter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a modulator that can dynamically adjust the curvature and shape of the light ray trajectories. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize the balance between spatial and wavelength resolution according to different imaging requirements, providing flexibility in resolving the trade-off while maintaining high imaging area efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of light ray propagation by using the modulator to transform straight-line dispersion into curved trajectories. By adjusting parameters such as curvature radius and trajectory shape, the system can optimize both imaging area utilization and the resolution trade-off characteristics.
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 modulator enhances the wavelength resolution and allows for more efficient use of the image sensor's area, loosening the trade-off between spatial and wavelength resolution, and improving the overall performance of the spectroscopic measurement apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
A spectroscopic element such as a prism or a diffraction grating typically used in a spectroscopic measurement apparatus disperses incident light in a uniaxial direction or a biaxial direction depending on the wavelength of the incident light.
Implementation Method 2
a modulator provided between a diffraction grating and an image sensor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, receives a light ray directed to the image sensor from the diffraction grating and changes a travel direction of the light ray emitted toward the image sensor so as to bend a recording direction of a diffraction image for each of wavelengths of the light ray on a light receiving surface of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A modulator according to the embodiment is a modulator provided between a diffraction grating and an image sensor. The modulator receives a light ray directed to the image sensor from the diffraction grating, and changes a travel direction of the light ray emitted toward the image sensor so as to bend a recording direction of a diffraction image for each wavelength of the light ray on a light receiving surface of the image sensor.