Multi-band Spectrographic Camera Using Volume Bragg Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectrographic techniques for molecule detection and monitoring are inefficient due to sequential imaging of absorption or transmission bands, making it difficult to achieve good signal-to-noise ratios.
Innovation Solution
A method and camera system using an optical filter with spectral filtering characteristics matching predetermined spectral bands, which takes in-band and out-of-band filtered images by aligning and misaligning the filter with the target's spectral bands, and subtracts these images to produce a high-contrast image, utilizing a Volume Bragg Grating for filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential scanning technique based on Fabry-Perot etalon or Fourier Transform Spectrograph is used, then individual target absorption or transmission bands can be imaged, but the process becomes inefficient and signal-to-noise ratios deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectrum into multiple discrete bands using a filter wheel with multiple filters, allowing simultaneous imaging of multiple spectral bands rather than sequential scanning. This segmentation enables parallel processing of different wavelength regions, improving both efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio by capturing all bands at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple spectral band images into a single composite image that contains information from all captured bands. By combining the information from multiple filters in a single imaging operation, the system achieves both high productivity (simultaneous multi-band capture) and high measurement precision (accumulated signal information).
2Reliability
If sequential imaging of absorption or transmission bands is performed, then molecule detection is possible, but processing time increases and real-time monitoring becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by capturing multiple spectral bands simultaneously in a single exposure, rather than sequentially scanning through bands. This continuous multi-band capture maintains detection accuracy while eliminating the time losses associated with sequential scanning, enabling real-time molecular monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple filters in the filter wheel before imaging begins. This allows the camera to immediately capture multiple bands without time-consuming filter changes during the imaging process, reducing processing time while maintaining detection reliability.
3Loss of information
If multiple filters are used for multi-band imaging, then spectral information is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single filter wheel mechanism that serves multiple functions: it holds multiple filters, rotates to select filters, and enables multi-band imaging. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate imaging systems for each spectral band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by implementing a rotatable filter wheel that can dynamically select different filters based on the required spectral bands. This dynamic filter selection mechanism allows the system to adapt to different molecular detection requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
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 real-time detection and monitoring of specific molecules with improved signal-to-noise ratios and reduced processing time, facilitating efficient molecule detection in diverse fields like biomedicine and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical filter having spectral filtering characteristics matching the plurality of predetermined spectral bands
Implementation Method 2
the optical filter includes a Volume Bragg Grating
Implementation Method 3
an optical arrangement for directing light from the observation area onto the optical filter at an impinging angle
Implementation Method 4
an imaging device for imaging light outputted by the optical filter
Implementation Method 5
processing means for processing the in-band and out-of-band images, the processing comprising subtracting one of the in-band filtered image and out-of-band filtered image from the other to obtain the high-contrast image
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method and camera for obtaining a high-contrast image of a predetermined target present in an area under observation. The method involves obtaining an in-band image of the observation area including the target using a filter whose bands are aligned with selected characteristic wavelength bands of the target and an out-of-band image of the observation area excluding the target using the filter with its bands non-aligned with the selected characteristic wavelength bands of the target. Processing of the in-band and out-of-band images results in a high-contrast image highlighting the presence of the target in the observation area and thereby allowing its detection and monitoring.