Reconfigurable Filter Assembly for High Spectral Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic radiation measurement devices, such as those using optical bandpass filters or grating monochromators, face limitations in spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, leading to long scene acquisition times and measurement errors in hyperspectral imaging.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable filter assembly with overlapping wavelength bands allows for the definition of differential sub-bands, enabling a processor to derive measurement values that provide higher spectral resolution by processing sensor measurements across multiple configurations, thereby enhancing the ability to detect specific narrow-band signals or signatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical bandpass filters are used for hyperspectral imaging, then the device structure is relatively simple, but the spectral resolution is limited to greater than 3 nm bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum is segmented into multiple overlapping wavelength bands, each captured by a separate sensor or sensor array. This segmentation allows high spectral resolution without requiring complex tuning mechanisms, as each segment can be optimized independently while the overlap provides redundancy for accurate spectral reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal or mechanical tuning dimensions to a spatial dimension by using multiple sensors or sensor arrays positioned to capture different wavelength bands simultaneously. This dimensional shift eliminates the need for moving parts or complex tuning mechanisms while achieving high spectral resolution.
2Manufacturing precision
If grating monochromators are used to achieve higher spectral resolution, then spectral resolution improves, but signal to noise ratio is significantly compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors or sensor arrays are merged into a unified detection system that captures overlapping wavelength bands simultaneously. This merging allows the system to combine signals from multiple sources, improving signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining high spectral resolution through the overlapping band design.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping wavelength bands provide inherent feedback mechanisms where each band overlaps with adjacent bands, allowing for cross-validation and error correction. This feedback loop enables accurate spectral reconstruction with improved signal-to-noise ratio by comparing and reconciling measurements from overlapping regions.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional hyperspectral imaging methods are used, then spectral information can be obtained, but scene acquisition times are long
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic modulation of light sources or sensors to rapidly cycle through different wavelength band configurations. This periodic action enables fast sequential capture of multiple spectral bands, significantly reducing scene acquisition time while maintaining high spectral detail through the periodic sampling of the spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors or sensor arrays operate continuously and simultaneously to capture different wavelength bands without interruption. This continuous parallel operation eliminates the need for sequential scanning, maintaining uninterrupted spectral data acquisition and dramatically reducing scene acquisition time while preserving spectral detail.
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 high spectral resolution without compromising signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for more detailed spectral analysis and improved imaging capabilities in spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
a reconfigurable filter assembly, the reconfigurable filter assembly having a series of configurations, each configuration of the series allowing transmission of a different wavelength band through the filter assembly to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic radiation measurement device is disclosed, including an electromagnetic radiation sensor and a reconfigurable filter assembly. The reconfigurable filter assembly has a series of configurations, each configuration of the series filtering to a different wavelength band for measuring by the sensor. The wavelength bands of adjacent configurations of the series overlap thereby to define differential sub-bands. The device also includes a processor configured to utilise sensor measurements for different configurations of the series to derive measurement values for the sub-bands.