Method and system for mueller matrix polarimetric characterization of transparent objects

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Mueller Matrix polarization techniques are insufficient for accurately characterizing transparent objects due to reliance on fundamental polarization properties, which do not account for defects such as density deformities and crystal structure issues, necessitating the integration of optical analysis for comprehensive characterization.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize Mueller Matrix polarimetric characterization by decomposing the Mueller Matrix into elementary matrices to derive polarization properties like diattenuation, retardance, and depolarization, and compute optical properties like refractive index and attenuation index using Fresnel's law and reverse Monte Carlo analysis, combined with an AI model pretrained with gold standard properties for accurate characterization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing Mueller Matrix polarization techniques relying only on fundamental polarization properties are used, then the characterization process is simple, but the characterization accuracy is insufficient to detect defects like density deformities and crystal structure issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacterization accuracyVSAvoidcharacterization process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines Mueller Matrix polarization techniques with optical analysis methods to create a hybrid characterization system. This merging of two different analytical approaches (polarization-based and optical-property-based) enables comprehensive defect detection including density deformities and crystal structure issues that cannot be detected by polarization techniques alone, thereby improving characterization accuracy without excessive complexity increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite analytical framework that integrates multiple characterization methods. By combining the mathematical decomposition of Mueller Matrix into elementary matrices (depolarizer, retarder, diattenuator) with optical property analysis, the system creates a composite characterization capability that overcomes the limitations of individual methods and achieves superior defect detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If simple intensity-based imaging techniques like RGB cameras are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision for characterizing transparent objects is highly challenging and insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection precisionVSAvoidcharacterization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple intensity-based imaging (RGB cameras) with a more sophisticated polarization-based optical system that uses Mueller Matrix measurements. This substitution introduces polarization state generation and analysis capabilities, enabling the system to extract additional information about transparent objects that is invisible to conventional intensity-based methods, thereby significantly improving defect detection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from simple intensity values to comprehensive polarization state parameters. By measuring and analyzing the full Mueller Matrix (which contains 16 elements describing various polarization properties), the system gains access to multiple physical parameters simultaneously, enabling more precise characterization of transparent objects and their defects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reliable and accurate characterization of transparent objects by identifying defects like manufacturing flaws, impurities, and aberrations through enhanced material characterization using polarization and optical properties, improving defect detection and yield in manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

When a polarization light passes through the transparent objects, the transparent objects polarization properties get effected.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

computing a plurality of polarization properties of the transparent object by decomposing the Mueller Matrix as product of three elementary matrices comprising, a depolarizer (M Δ ), a retarder (M R ), and a diattenuator (M D ), wherein the plurality of polarization properties comprising a diattenuation (δ), a retardance (r), a depolarization (Δ), and an optical birefringence (ΔN)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBirefringence: Birefringence

Implementation Method 3

The material refractive index (n) is determined from a first element of the Mueller Matrix M(1,1) using Fresnel's law-based analysis, which represents a total intensity of the polarization light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

the material attenuation index (μ a ) is determined by processing the first element M (1,1) representing the total intensity of the polarization light by using a reverse Monte Carlo technique

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4206651B1Method and system for mueller matrix polarimetric characterization of transparent objects
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LTD
  • EP4206651B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4206651B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4206651B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Existing Mueller Matrix polarization techniques that rely only on polarization properties are insufficient for accurate characterization of transparent objects. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and system for Mueller Matrix polarimetric characterization of transparent object using optical properties along with the polarization properties to accurately characterize the transparent object. The polarization properties of are derived from a decomposed Mueller matrix element. Additionally, the method derives the optical properties by further subjecting the decomposed Mueller matrix element to Fresnel's law-based analysis and a reverse Monte Carlo analysis to extract optical properties such as a material refractive index and a material attenuation index. Optical properties vary with changes in the material property caused due to several factors such as manufacturing defect, aberration, inclusion of an impurity such as bubble or dust etc. Thus, considering the optical properties along with the polarization properties enables enhanced, accurate characterization of the transparent object.