Resonant Spatial Light Modulator for Long-Wave Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cameras, especially those detecting long-wave radiation such as infrared and terahertz, face limitations in resolution, cost, and complexity, with silicon-based cameras restricted to the visible range, and existing long-wave detectors being expensive and less resolved.
Innovation Solution
An optical device combining a photosensitive layer with an electrooptic, magnetooptic, or thermooptic layer, such as a liquid crystal layer, in an optically addressed spatial light modulator configuration, utilizing a resonant structure to enhance sensitivity and convert long-wave images into visible-range images for standard cameras or human vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If silicon-based cameras are used for visible range imaging, then manufacturing cost and resolution are improved, but sensitivity to long-wave radiation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resonant optically-addressed spatial light modulator (ROASLM) as an intermediary device between the long-wave radiation source and the silicon-based camera detector. The ROASLM converts long-wave radiation into visible-range images through a liquid crystal layer that modulates the radiation, enabling the silicon camera to detect long-wave radiation indirectly with high resolution and sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the electro-optic properties of liquid crystals to change the optical parameters (refractive index, polarization) in response to long-wave radiation. This parameter change enables the conversion of long-wave radiation into visible-range images that can be detected by standard silicon-based cameras, resolving the contradiction between material sensitivity and detection capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If specialized long-wave detectors are used, then sensitivity to long-wave radiation is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ROASLM a universal component that can be integrated with standard silicon-based cameras, enabling the same device to perform both visible-range imaging and long-wave radiation detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized long-wave detectors, reducing overall device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of long-wave radiation in the visible range through the liquid crystal modulation process. By converting long-wave radiation into a visible-range image copy, the system can use standard camera sensors instead of specialized detectors, simplifying the overall device architecture
3Object-affected harmful factors
If resonant structure with liquid crystal layer is used, then sensitivity to long-wave radiation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic liquid crystal layer that can be electrically controlled to modulate the optical properties in real-time. This dynamic control allows for flexible tuning of the resonant structure's response characteristics, reducing the need for extremely precise static manufacturing tolerances while maintaining high sensitivity to long-wave radiation
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 solution enables cost-effective, high-resolution imaging of long-wave radiation using standard cameras, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by converting long-wave images into visible-range images, improving sensitivity and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
combining a photosensitive layer with an electrooptic, magnetooptic, or thermooptic layer, such as a liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a resonant structure to enhance sensitivity
Implementation Method 3
A photosensitive layer (101) ... suitable for absorbing the writing radiation (w)
Implementation Method 4
The collimator (20) ... designed to collimate said reading light beam, thus forming a collimated reading light beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical imaging device capable of responding to a writing long-wave radiation (w) emitted by any object or scene. Said device is configured to operate in reflection mode or in transmission mode and comprises a reading light unit (2), writing light unit (4), resonant optically-addressed spatial light modulator (ROASLM) (3) with an optically-responsive resonant structure (ORRS) (100) and a detector (40), wherein said (ORRS) (100) comprises: a photosensitive layer (101) deposited on a transparent substrate for absorbing the writing radiation (w) in a form of the long-wave image of the object or scene (1) and transforming said image into the stimulating signal across the ORRS (100), optical layers (102) for inducing resonance effect to the stimulating signal formed in the ORRS (100), optional alignment layers (103) for aligning liquid crystal molecules, and the conversion layer (104) for converting the resonant long-wave image of the object or scene (1) into a visible-range image.