Optical System Coherent Noise Mitigation Moveable Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coherent noise in imaging systems, such as medical ultrasound and radar systems, degrades image quality by causing graininess and intensity patterns, and existing technologies struggle to effectively mitigate this noise while maintaining system specifications like operating speed and size.
Innovation Solution
An optical system utilizing multiple light sources with phase shifts and frequency differences to produce de-cohered light, which is then collimated and diffused using a moveable diffuser to create an asymmetric launch beam, thereby mitigating coherent noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional coherent illumination is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but coherent noise causes graininess and intensity patterns that degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination is segmented into multiple independent light sources (e.g., multiple LEDs or laser diodes) that emit light with different phases and frequencies. This segmentation allows the system to combine multiple incoherent or partially coherent illumination patterns, reducing the coherent noise and graininess while maintaining adequate illumination intensity for imaging.
2Measurement precision
If a moveable diffuser is added to mitigate coherent noise, then noise reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A moveable diffuser element is introduced that can dynamically change its position or orientation during operation. By moving the diffuser to different locations, the system creates varying illumination patterns that average out coherent noise over time. The dynamic movement allows a single simple component to achieve noise reduction that would otherwise require complex static optical arrangements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources with phase shifts are used, then coherent noise is reduced, but system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple light sources with different operational parameters, specifically different phases and frequencies. By controlling these parameters, the system can create illumination patterns that reduce coherent noise. The parameter changes allow each light source to operate independently at optimized power levels, and the overall system power consumption is managed by controlling the timing and duration of each source's operation.
4Measurement precision
If illumination conditions are optimized to mitigate noise, then image quality improves, but operating speed and system size may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic modulation of multiple light sources, turning them on and off in different sequences and patterns. This periodic action allows the system to collect signal data from multiple illumination patterns over time, averaging out coherent noise. The periodic cycling maintains adequate operating speed by efficiently managing the timing of each light source's operation while achieving the noise reduction needed for high-quality imaging.
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 optical system effectively reduces coherent noise, improving image quality by averaging signals from multiple de-correlated measurements, while maintaining system specifications and reducing the reliance on large or power-intensive components.
Implementation Method 1
The optical system may include multiple light sources that provide de-cohered light via phase shifts, frequency differences, and so forth
Implementation Method 2
An optical subsystem may receive the light from the light sources and may substantially collimate the light to produce a desired intensity profile of a launch beam
Implementation Method 3
The optical system may also include a moveable diffuser to assist in mitigating coherent noise
Data Source
AI summary
Configurations for a photonics assembly design and methods for mitigating coherent noise thereof are disclosed. The photonics assembly may include a set of light sources, an optical subsystem that may include a set of optical elements, and a diffusing element. The light emitted by the set of light sources may be different wavelengths and the light may be de-cohered by a phase shifter before being received by the set of optical elements. The diffusing element may be moveable and may be capable of repeating the same positions or set of positions for each beam of light emitted by the set of light sources. By combining the coherent noise mitigation techniques of the moveable diffusing element and the de-cohered light, the photonics system may provide an illumination profile with a specific spatial profile and angular profile on the sample that allows reliable measurement of the sample and coherent noise mitigation.