Uncalibrated Variable Phase Plate for Sub-Pixel Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems with focal plane detector arrays are limited by a sampling parameter Q less than or equal to 1, leading to pixel-limited performance and aliasing issues, which existing methods struggle to overcome efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An uncalibrated variable phase plate is used to intentionally introduce a controllable blur to the image on a detector array, followed by digital signal processing with a real-time image restoration algorithm to increase the effective sampling parameter Q, allowing for sub-pixel information recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sampling parameter Q is increased beyond the diffraction limit, then the imaging resolution is improved, but the system becomes pixel-limited and aliased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary blurring action before detection by introducing a controlled blur kernel in the pupil plane. This pre-processing step modifies the optical transfer function to ensure adequate sampling of higher spatial frequencies, allowing the detector to capture information that would otherwise be aliased. The blur is intentionally introduced to improve the sampling parameter Q effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by modifying the pupil plane phase distribution through a blur kernel. This parameter change in the optical transfer function allows the system to effectively increase the sampling parameter Q beyond the diffraction limit while maintaining reliability by preventing aliasing through controlled information spreading across multiple pixels.
2Measurement precision
If a calibrated phase plate is used to improve sampling parameter Q, then super-resolution is achieved, but the system becomes complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using a fixed, pre-designed blur kernel in the pupil plane that does not require calibration or tuning. The blur kernel is designed to provide the necessary phase modulation for super-resolution without needing system-specific calibration, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the complex iterative tuning procedures required by conventional phase closure methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex calibration and tuning operations from the system by using a fixed blur kernel approach. Instead of requiring iterative adjustment of phase plate parameters, the solution removes the need for calibration by pre-determining the optimal blur kernel, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining super-resolution capability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional imaging methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the imaging performance is limited by pixel sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blur kernel as an intermediary element in the pupil plane that mediates between the optical system and the detector. This intermediary modifies the wavefront to spread point source information across multiple pixels, effectively increasing the sampling parameter Q without complicating the overall system operation. The blur kernel acts as a simple yet effective mediator that bridges the gap between diffraction-limited performance and pixel sampling constraints.
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, single-pass enhancement of imaging system resolution beyond diffraction limits, reducing aliasing and achieving higher effective sampling without the need for extensive calibration, thus improving image quality and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
an uncalibrated variable phase plate is used to modify an optical radiation wavefront to intentionally introduce a controllable blur to an image formed on a detector array
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for improving image quality by modifying received radiation wavefronts with one or more uncalibrated variable phase plates at the pupil plane of the optical system, to produce an atmospheric-like blurred image on the focal plane with an effective increase in the sampling parameter Q. Real-time image restoration algorithms may then be applied to data sets sampled from the blurred image formed on the detector array. Numerous phase plate embodiments are provided for modifying the wavefront.