Multi-Channel Off-Axis Holography for 3D Imaging Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holographic systems struggle with accurately capturing three-dimensional surface information at multiple wavelengths simultaneously, especially in uncontrolled environments, due to issues like camera movement, contamination, and thermal changes, which can lead to noise and errors in combining time-sequenced single-wavelength images.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel off-axis holographic system that uses a plurality of coherent light sources emitting different wavelengths simultaneously, allowing for the capture of complex images with both amplitude and phase information, which are then processed to form a collective image with non-overlapping side lobes in Fourier space, enabling accurate depth information and reducing noise through simultaneous data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time-sequenced single-wavelength images are combined to capture multi-wavelength holographic information, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to camera movement, contamination, and thermal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing all holographic data at multiple wavelengths simultaneously in a single exposure, rather than sequentially. This pre-empts the problems of camera movement, contamination, and thermal changes that occur during time-sequenced acquisition. The multi-wavelength holographic information is gathered in advance before environmental conditions can degrade image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by performing all wavelength acquisitions during a single continuous exposure event. This eliminates interruptions and temporal separations that would expose the system to environmental variations. The useful action of capturing holographic information continues uninterrupted across all wavelengths simultaneously.
2Reliability
If multiple wavelengths are captured simultaneously to reduce noise and errors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple wavelength channels into a single holographic capture system. Instead of separate sequential acquisition systems, multiple wavelengths are merged into one simultaneous measurement process. This reduces overall system complexity while improving reliability through noise reduction from simultaneous multi-wavelength data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single holographic system that performs multiple functions - capturing data at multiple wavelengths simultaneously. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate single-wavelength systems and reduces overall device complexity while achieving superior noise reduction through simultaneous multi-wavelength measurement.
3Productivity
If simultaneous multi-wavelength capture is used to achieve high-dynamic-range 3D imaging, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple wavelength acquisitions into a single simultaneous imaging operation. This merges what would otherwise be multiple separate capture operations into one unified process, significantly improving productivity and imaging speed while reducing the temporal footprint of the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by preparing and capturing all wavelength data in advance during a single exposure, rather than sequentially. This pre-computation of multi-wavelength holographic information enables rapid processing and reconstruction, improving productivity while the simultaneous capture approach keeps the optical system configuration manageable.
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 system achieves high-dynamic-range 3D imaging with reduced noise and errors, providing precise depth information across a range of wavelengths, and can identify surface defects effectively, even in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
providing an illumination beam to an object to yield interaction light resulting from interaction between the illumination beam and the object, the illumination beam comprising coherent light at a plurality of wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
interfering at least a portion of the interaction light with a plurality of reference beams simultaneously, thereby forming a plurality of interference patterns imaged on the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
The interference patterns combine with the image of the object at the imaging sensor to form the collective image having a Fourier transform that includes a plurality of side lobes in Fourier space
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for simultaneous multi-channel off-axis holography are described. Multi-channel imaging systems can include a light system including a plurality of light sources configured to generate illumination and reference beams at a plurality of wavelengths, an illumination system configured to illuminate a target object with the illumination beams, an optical assembly configured to receive a reflected target beam and condition the target beam for recording at an optical imaging system, and a reference system configured to propagate the reference beams to the optical imaging system. The reference beams are interfered with the target beam at the optical imaging system to create interference patterns, which can be recorded in a collective image having a plurality of side lobes. Holographic information in the side lobes can be combined to generate 3D images having a substantially reduced signal to noise ratio.