Multi-Spectral Image Printing via Laser Refractive Index Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for storing and reproducing multispectral images, such as Lippmann photography, face challenges including sensitivity to viewing and illumination directions, difficulty in copying, and long exposure times, while digital data storage with femtosecond lasers has not effectively reflected multi-spectral images.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using ultra-fast lasers to modify the refractive index of materials like glass and polymers, creating a multi-spectral image that is viewable upon illumination by generating a desired refractive index pattern within the material, allowing for the reproduction of a broad spectrum from near-UV to far-infrared when illuminated with white light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Lippmann photography is used to store multi-spectral images, then the full spectrum can be recorded and reproduced, but the plates are very difficult to copy and viewing is sensitive to illumination directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the multi-spectral image data and stores it in a durable material substrate. The digital nature of the stored data enables easy copying and distribution while maintaining the security and durability characteristics of the physical storage medium. The refractive index pattern encodes the complete spectral information that can be digitally replicated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical copying process of traditional Lippmann plates with digital data storage and retrieval. Instead of physically copying the emulsion structure, the system stores the spectral information as digital data that can be easily replicated and distributed, eliminating the difficulty of physical copying while maintaining image fidelity.
2Reliability
If Lippmann photography is used to store multi-spectral images, then full spectral information is captured, but long exposure times are required in the acquisition process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming optical exposure process with digital data acquisition and storage. Instead of requiring long exposure times to capture spectral information in a photosensitive emulsion, the system uses digital sensors to acquire spectral data quickly and stores it as digital information, dramatically reducing acquisition time while maintaining spectral completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of data representation from analog optical patterns to digital data. This parameter change enables rapid acquisition and storage of spectral information without the time constraints of traditional photochemical processes, as digital data can be captured and stored instantaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional RGB approaches are used to store images, then the process is simpler, but the full spectrum cannot be recorded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral information into discrete wavelength components and stores each component separately in the refractive index pattern. By segmenting the continuous spectrum into resolvable wavelength bands, the system achieves full spectral recording capability while maintaining a relatively simple storage process. Each spectral component is encoded independently in the depth dimension of the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the depth dimension to the storage medium to encode spectral information. Instead of using multiple layers or complex filtering systems, the system uses the third dimension (depth into the substrate) to separate and store different wavelengths, achieving full spectral recording with a relatively simple overall process.
4Manufacturing precision
If ultra-fast lasers are used to modify refractive index in materials, then spatial resolution less than 1µm x 1µm is achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and alignment systems with digitally controlled laser writing. The ultra-fast laser system uses digital data to control the refractive index modification process, eliminating the need for complex mechanical stages and alignment mechanisms while achieving sub-micrometer spatial resolution through precise digital control of the laser focal point.
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 the creation of highly secure, durable, and high-resolution multi-spectral images that are difficult to copy, with spatial resolution less than 1µm x 1µm, and the color information is contained in the depth of the material, preventing spatial resolution loss across colors.
Implementation Method 1
using ultra-fast lasers to store a digital image in extremely durable materials and accordingly a radically different material photo-inscription mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the method of the present disclosure uses, for example, ultra-fast lasers to store a digital image in extremely durable materials
Implementation Method 3
when a photographed emulsion is illuminated with white light, it reproduces the full spectrum of the original scene
Implementation Method 4
an interference pattern is captured in a 3D photographic emulsion
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(e)
Figure 2~5
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a multi-spectral image printing method. The method includes the steps of: - providing a multi-spectral image; - providing a material; - determining changes in a refractive index value of the material permitting to reproduce the multi-spectral image when the material is illuminated; and - generating the changes in refractive index value in the material.