Polarization Spectral Filter Array for Compact High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors struggle to simultaneously achieve high-resolution spectral and polarization imaging, particularly in miniaturized formats suitable for applications like smartphones, limiting their effectiveness in various fields requiring detailed spectral and polarization information.
Innovation Solution
A polarization spectral filter and filter array are designed with a grating layer and reflectors to selectively transmit specific wavelength bands based on polarization direction, integrated with an image sensor to provide simultaneous spectral and polarization information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spectroscope is used to capture spectral images, then spectral information can be obtained, but the device size increases and resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spectroscope and polarization filter functions into a single integrated device. The grating layer is integrated directly with the polarization filter structure, allowing both spectral dispersion and polarization filtering to occur within the same compact optical path, thereby obtaining spectral and polarization information simultaneously without requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the polarization dimension as an additional filtering mechanism alongside the spectral dimension. By incorporating a polarization filter with a grating layer, the system achieves spectral resolution through wavelength dispersion while simultaneously providing polarization information, effectively adding a new dimension to the imaging capability without proportionally increasing device size
2Loss of information
If separate polarization filters and spectral filters are used, then both polarization and spectral information can be obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polarization filter and spectral filter functions into a single integrated component. The grating layer is incorporated within the polarization filter structure, allowing both polarization filtering and spectral dispersion to be achieved through one unified optical element, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining complete spectral and polarization information
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated filter structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a polarization filter and a spectral dispersing element. The grating layer within the polarization filter enables the system to perform both polarization selection and wavelength separation in a single component, eliminating the need for separate filters and reducing overall system complexity
3Volume of moving object
If miniaturized image sensors are used, then device size decreases, but achieving high-resolution spectral and polarization imaging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple filtering functions into a single compact structure that can be mounted on miniaturized image sensors. The grating layer and polarization filter are combined in a way that minimizes the overall optical path length, enabling high-resolution spectral and polarization imaging to be achieved within the constrained space of miniaturized sensors
Solution Approach 2:
By adding polarization filtering capability to the miniaturized sensor system, the patent enables the sensor to capture additional dimensional information (polarization state) alongside spectral information. This multi-dimensional approach allows high-resolution imaging to be achieved through efficient use of the polarization dimension, compensating for the size constraints of miniaturized devices
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 solution enables miniaturized sensors to capture high-resolution spectral and polarization images, enhancing accuracy in object identification and expanding applications to cloudy or foggy conditions without separate filters.
Implementation Method 1
A polarization spectral filter may include a grating layer and a first and second reflectors
Implementation Method 2
A polarization spectral filter may include a grating layer and a first and second reflectors
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a polarization spectral filter, including: a first reflector and a second reflector disposed to face each other in a first direction; and a grating layer disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector. The grating layer includes a plurality of first grating elements and a plurality of second grating elements, the plurality of first grating elements and the plurality of second grating elements being alternately arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The plurality of first grating elements include a first dielectric material having a first refractive index. The plurality of second grating elements include a second dielectric material having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index.