Passive Background Correction via Simultaneous Spectral Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In remote sensing systems, the variation in passive background lighting intensity between laser pulses introduces uncertainty in signal detection, as it is often not synchronized with laser pulses, making it challenging to accurately subtract background contributions from the target signal.
Innovation Solution
The method involves simultaneous acquisition of both passive background and target spectra using a detector array, where different pixels receive either target-related or background light due to their angular dispersion, allowing for real-time background correction during a single readout cycle or laser pulse, thereby avoiding the limitations of conventional interleaved measurement approaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive background spectrum is collected between laser shots (interleaved measurement), then background subtraction can be performed, but the intensity of passive lighting sources changes between measurements leading to increased uncertainty in signal detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collection of passive background spectrum and active target spectrum into a single simultaneous measurement using a detector array. Different pixels in the array receive either background light or target-related light at the same time, eliminating the time delay and intensity variation problems inherent in interleaved measurements. This merging of measurement processes ensures that background and signal are captured under identical illumination conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by using a detector array with multiple pixels positioned at different angular locations. This spatial arrangement allows simultaneous separation of background and target signals without requiring temporal separation. By mapping light sources to different spatial positions on the detector array, the system achieves both background subtraction and signal detection in a single measurement cycle, eliminating the time-dependent intensity variations that plague sequential measurements.
2Productivity
If passive background is subtracted from active spectrum before analysis, then species detection can be performed, but variations in background intensity between laser pulses introduce uncertainty in the actual signal magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the background measurement and signal measurement into a single simultaneous acquisition process. By collecting both passive background and active target spectra at the same time using the detector array, the system eliminates the temporal separation that causes background intensity variations. This ensures that the background subtraction is performed on data that represents identical illumination conditions, thereby maintaining both high productivity and precise signal magnitude accuracy.
3Device complexity
If interleaved background and signal acquisition is used, then system complexity is reduced, but the time between measurements allows passive lighting intensity to change, reducing measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single simultaneous acquisition process using a detector array. This merging approach maintains relatively simple system architecture while dramatically improving reliability by eliminating the time delay between background and signal measurements. The spatial arrangement of detector pixels enables both background and signal to be captured under identical illumination conditions, preventing background intensity drift from compromising measurement accuracy.
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 ensures accurate and timely background subtraction, enhancing the fidelity of signal detection and reducing uncertainty in identifying species of interest by accounting for varying background illumination, even during rapid changes in lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
different pixels receive either target-related or background light due to their angular dispersion
Implementation Method 2
transmit a photoexcitation light pulse such as a laser pulse through the atmosphere, collect backscattered and fluorescent emission generated by interaction of the photoexcitation light with a target
Data Source
AI summary
A method for passive background correction during spatially or angularly resolved detection of emission that is based on the simultaneous acquisition of both the passive background spectrum and the spectrum of the target of interest.