Polarized Microscope Kerr Rotation Correction Across the Image Field

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polarized microscopes and magnetic domain observation microscopes face challenges in accurately measuring magnetic characteristics with high precision due to variations in polarization characteristics across the intra image field, making it difficult to quantitatively evaluate hysteresis loops.

Innovation Solution

A polarized microscope equipped with an image processor that calculates a device integer and rotation angles of Kerr rotation for each region of interest (ROI) by adjusting the orientations of the polarizer and analyzer, and performs intra image field correction analysis using multiple hysteresis loops at different angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a polarized microscope is used to measure magnetic characteristics, then magnetic domain patterns can be observed, but variations in polarization characteristics across the intra image field cause measurement imprecision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic characteristic measurement precisionVSAvoidquantification accuracy of hysteresis loops
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by measuring and correcting polarization characteristics for each region of interest (ROI) within the intra image field. Instead of using a single uniform correction, the system calculates device integers and performs corrections individually for each ROI, accounting for local variations in polarization characteristics across the image field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual polarization characteristics at multiple angles, comparing them with expected values, and using the differences to calculate correction values. The system obtains hysteresis loops at different angles, processes them to extract polarization information, and uses this feedback to correct measurements and improve quantification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If multiple hysteresis loops are obtained at different angles for correction analysis, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintra image field correction accuracyVSAvoidimage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the intra image field into multiple regions of interest (ROIs) and processing each region independently. The system obtains hysteresis loops for each ROI at different angles and processes them separately, which allows for localized correction while managing computational complexity through modular processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by obtaining hysteresis loops at multiple different angles (e.g., first angle and second angle) and processing the images at these different angular parameters. This allows the system to extract polarization characteristic information and calculate correction values by analyzing how the hysteresis loops change with angle, enabling precise correction while maintaining manageable processing complexity through systematic parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables precise measurement of magnetic characteristics by correcting for variations in polarization across the image field, allowing for accurate quantification of hysteresis loops and improved magnetic domain pattern recognition.

Implementation Method 1

a polarizer configured to interact with the generated illumination light to transmit rectilinear polarized light having a first orientation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

an analyzer configured to transmit a component of rectilinear polarized light reflected by a sample, the reflected rectilinear polarized light having a second orientation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

calculate a rotation angle of a Kerr rotation of each ROI by using the device integer and the plurality of hysteresis loops

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKerr effect: Kerr Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12560792B2Polarized microscope and intra image field correction analysis method
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12560792B2 patent drawing
  • US12560792B2 patent drawing
  • US12560792B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The polarized microscope includes a light source configured to generate illumination light, a polarizer configured to interact with the generated illumination light to transmit rectilinear polarized light having a first orientation, an analyzer configured to transmit a component of rectilinear polarized light reflected by a sample, the reflected rectilinear polarized light having a second orientation, an image obtainer configured to obtain an image of the reflected rectilinear polarized light, and an image processor configured to process the obtained image, wherein the image processor is configured to calculate a device integer, obtain a plurality of hysteresis loops for each of regions of interest (ROIs), and calculate a rotation angle of a Kerr rotation of each ROI by using the device integer and the plurality of hysteresis loops.