Photodetection Apparatus Wavelength-Selective Optical Filter Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photodetection systems face limitations in depth resolution, particularly when analyzing small objects like living organisms, due to the broad time resolution width, which makes it difficult to separate information in the depth direction effectively.
Innovation Solution
A photodetection apparatus employing two light sources with different wavelengths and an optical filter with distinct transmission regions, allowing for the detection and separation of interference light beams that are forward and backscattered, enabling accurate evaluation of scattering intensity patterns and improving depth resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single optical detector is used to detect light beams, then the device complexity is reduced, but the depth resolution and ability to separate scattering information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detector is divided into multiple detection regions (first detection region and second detection region), each corresponding to different wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of different wavelength components, enabling separation of forward and backscattered light information to achieve better depth resolution without requiring multiple separate detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength dimension by using multiple light sources with different center wavelengths and corresponding detection regions tuned to different wavelength ranges. This adds spectral discrimination capability to the detection system, allowing depth information to be extracted through wavelength-multiplexed detection rather than requiring temporal or spatial separation alone.
2Measurement precision
If time-resolved measurement is used to separate depth information, then the measurement capability is improved, but the time resolution width remains broad making it difficult to separate information in the depth direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from time domain to wavelength domain. By using light sources with different center wavelengths and detection regions with corresponding wavelength ranges, the system achieves depth information separation through spectral differences rather than temporal resolution, effectively bypassing the limitation of broad time resolution width.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength as an intermediary parameter to correlate with depth information. Different wavelength ranges are associated with different penetration depths and scattering characteristics, allowing the optical filter and detection regions to act as intermediaries that translate wavelength information into depth-resolved scattering data without requiring high time resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then the ability to analyze scattering patterns at different depths is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single optical detector by creating multiple detection regions within one detector component. Each region is optimized for different wavelength ranges, allowing the single detector to simultaneously perform multiple wavelength-specific detection tasks, reducing the need for multiple separate detector assemblies while maintaining versatile scattering analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detector is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple detection regions that can detect different wavelength ranges. This universal detector can handle detection tasks for multiple light sources with different center wavelengths, eliminating the need for separate specialized detectors for each wavelength and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of depth resolution, allowing for precise analysis of scattering intensity patterns and improved imaging of internal structures within objects, particularly suitable for small organisms.
Implementation Method 1
an optical filter that includes a first region and a second region and that, in operation, transmits a third light beam produced by the first light beam and the second light beam each passed through or reflected by the object
Implementation Method 2
a first optical detector that, in operation, determines a first amount of a first part of the third light beam passed through the first region; and a second optical detector that, in operation, determines a second amount of a second part of the third light beam passed through the second region
Implementation Method 3
a third light beam produced by the first light beam and the second light beam each passed through or reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an apparatus includes a first light source that applies first light having a first wavelength as a center wavelength to an object, a second light source that applies second light having a second wavelength as a center wavelength longer than the first wavelength to the object, an optical filter that includes first and second regions and that transmits third light produced by the first and second light each passed through or reflected by the object, first and second optical detectors that determine first and second amounts, respectively, of the third light passed through the first and second regions. The transmission ranges of spectral transmission curves of the first and second regions are located between the first wavelength and the second wavelength. The spectral transmission curve of the first region has a width at half maximum different from that of the spectral transmission curve of the second region.