Polarization Imaging Waveguide for Low-Loss Light Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices using polarization filters discard a significant portion of incident light, reducing sensitivity and making it difficult to achieve high-quality images, especially in low-light conditions, and there is a need for improved light sensitivity and downsizing in polarimetric imaging.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a funnel element and a multimode waveguide that asymmetrically couple light propagating units to distribute light based on polarization and wavelength without using conventional filters, allowing all collected light to reach the detector, enhancing sensitivity and enabling polarimetric and multispectral imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional polarization filters are used to detect different polarization types, then polarization information can be obtained, but more than 50% of incident light is discarded, reducing sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The detector surface is divided into multiple pixel groups, where each group contains pixels with different polarization filter orientations (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple polarization components without discarding light, as each pixel group captures the full light intensity while encoding polarization information through the filter pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel group serves multiple functions: it detects both the total light intensity and the polarization state simultaneously. The filter array pattern enables a single pixel group to provide information about multiple polarization components, making the system universally capable of both radiometry and polarimetry without requiring separate detection paths.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel size is reduced to achieve higher resolution, then image resolution improves, but light collection capability deteriorates, making it difficult to obtain good image quality at low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pixels with different polarization filters are merged into pixel groups that function as a single detection unit. Each pixel group collectively captures light from a corresponding object region, and the combined signal from all pixels in the group provides both intensity and polarization information, effectively increasing the light collection capability while maintaining small individual pixel sizes for high resolution.
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 device achieves improved light collection and separation with low light losses, increasing sensitivity and image quality by redistributing light based on polarization and wavelength, facilitating polarimetric and multispectral imaging without filtering out light, and allowing for flexible detection of various properties.
Implementation Method 1
a funnel element having a collecting end and a transmitting end, the funnel element being configured to collect light incident at the collecting end and to propagate the light to the transmitting end
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide being configured to receive the light from the transmitting end at the receiving end and to propagate the light to the distributing end, wherein the waveguide is a multimode waveguide configured to propagate the light through the waveguide in dependence of polarization
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present inventive concept there is provided a device for polarization dependent imaging, comprising a detector comprising an array of light sensitive elements; a plurality of light propagating units, each comprising: a funnel element having a collecting end and a transmitting end, the funnel element being configured to collect light at the collecting end and propagate the light to the transmitting end; a waveguide having a receiving end and a distributing end, the waveguide being configured to receive the light from the transmitting end at the receiving end and propagate the light to the distributing end, wherein the waveguide is configured to propagate the light through the waveguide in dependence of polarization such that a distribution of the light at different locations of the distributing end is dependent on polarization of the light.