Optical Characterization System Using Micro-Mirror Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are unable to perform complete optical characterization of a region of interest in an object using a single detection module, requiring multiple high-cost instruments and resulting in cumbersome data processing with significant limitations on response times and adaptability to dynamic changes.
Innovation Solution
A compact modular system utilizing a selection module with a matrix detector and imaging optics, coupled with a matrix of micro-mirrors and a processing unit to select and activate specific micro-mirrors for optical characterization, allowing for efficient characterization of a zone of interest using a simplified one-dimensional or specific analysis module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple specialized imaging instruments are used to achieve complete optical characterization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single detection module that performs multiple optical characterization functions (spectroscopy, polarimetry, non-destructive testing, etc.) that previously required separate specialized instruments. The system uses a spatial light modulator to dynamically reconfigure the detection capabilities, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized instruments while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the single detection module by using a spatial light modulator to dynamically adjust the detection mode. By modifying the phase function and using adaptive holography, the same hardware can switch between different measurement techniques (spectral, polarization, intensity) without physical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between measurement completeness and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging instruments are used for complete optical characterization, then measurement precision is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using a single detection module instead of multiple instruments, the system generates a unified data structure that is inherently easier to process. The spatial light modulator encodes all measurement types (spectral, polarization, intensity) in a coordinated manner, allowing the processing unit to handle all data streams through a single integrated workflow rather than managing separate data flows from multiple independent instruments.
3Measurement precision
If hyperspectral and polarization imaging are combined, then measurement precision is improved, but response time decreases due to excessive data flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous simultaneous acquisition of spectral, polarization, and intensity information through the spatial light modulator's dynamic reconfiguration capability. Instead of sequentially switching between different imaging modes (which would create data bottlenecks), the system maintains continuous operation in all measurement modes simultaneously, with the processing unit handling the coordinated data streams in real-time, thus preserving fast response times while achieving complete optical characterization.
4Measurement precision
If multiple specialized instruments are used, then optical characterization completeness is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple expensive specialized imaging instruments with a single detection module equipped with a spatial light modulator. This universal system can perform spectroscopy, polarimetry, non-destructive testing, and other optical characterizations that previously required separate dedicated instruments, significantly reducing the overall system cost while maintaining complete measurement capability.
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 efficient optical characterization of a selected zone with reduced data processing demands, allowing for real-time adaptation to dynamic changes and cost-effective implementation, while minimizing the need for complex two-dimensional sensor arrays.
Implementation Method 1
a micromirror array and a first beam splitter arranged in an optical path of the initial beam, the micromirror array and the beam splitter being arranged so that the imaging optic simultaneously images the scene on the micromirror array and on the matrix detector
Implementation Method 2
a micromirror array and a first beam splitter arranged in an optical path of the initial beam
Implementation Method 3
an imaging optic producing an image of the scene on the matrix detector via an initial beam
Implementation Method 4
an optical collection device coupled to the micromirror array and configured to collect a beam of interest reflected by the activated micromirrors
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical characterization system (10) for characterizing a zone of interest (ZI) of an object (OBJ) of a scene (S), comprising: - a selection module (SM) comprising: - a matrix detector (MD) and an imaging optic (IO) - a matrix of micro-mirrors (DMD) and a first splitter plate (LS1) which are disposed so that the imaging optic (IO) simultaneously images the scene on the matrix of micro-mirrors, - a processing and control unit (UTC) configured to process the image of the scene (ImS) generated by the matrix detector (MD), to select the zone of interest of the object in said image of the scene and to selectively activate the micro-mirrors of the matrix which are included in the zone of interest, - an analysis module (AM) comprising: - an optical collection device (OD) coupled to the matrix of micro-mirrors and configured to collect a beam of interest (Br) reflected by the activated micro-mirrors, - at least one characterization device (ChD1) configured to recover the beam of interest and to characterize said zone of interest on the basis of the beam of interest (Br).