Scanning Coherent Diffraction 3D Imaging Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D image reconstruction methods using coherent diffraction are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to cumulative errors, with incomplete diffraction patterns and potential sample damage due to high-intensity light irradiation, especially for large objects.
Innovation Solution
A 3D imaging method employing scanning-type coherent diffraction where a light source moves to multiple positions to form overlapping light spots on a sample object, with a 2D photodetector capturing diffraction data, which is then transformed and iteratively processed to generate a 3D reconstruction image, reducing the need for sample rotation and minimizing light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sample object is rotated multiple times to collect diffraction patterns at different angles, then complete 3D diffraction data can be obtained, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process by keeping the sample stationary and moving the light source to multiple predetermined positions instead of rotating the sample. This segmentation of the motion from the sample to the light source eliminates the need for sample rotation and associated time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by instead of rotating the sample to change illumination angles, the light source is moved to different positions while maintaining fixed sample orientation. This inversion eliminates the need for rotation and angle calibration procedures
2Area of stationary object
If the light source is moved to multiple scanning positions to form overlapping light spots, then complete area coverage is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the illumination source and the scanning mechanism. By moving this single component to predetermined positions, the system achieves area coverage without requiring separate scanning mechanisms for the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The light source positions are predetermined before the imaging process begins. This preliminary planning of the scanning path simplifies the control system and reduces real-time computational complexity while ensuring complete area coverage
3Measurement precision
If high-intensity coherent light is used to penetrate the sample object, then diffraction data quality improves, but sample damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination is segmented into multiple small light spots at different positions rather than one large high-intensity beam. Each position uses lower intensity light, and the overlapping spots ensure complete coverage without requiring high overall intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The light source moves periodically to predetermined positions, illuminating different regions in sequence. This periodic scanning allows each region to receive adequate illumination without continuous high-intensity exposure that would cause damage
4Productivity
If the light spot size is made larger to cover the entire sample, then imaging speed improves, but the method becomes limited to small objects
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination is segmented into multiple small light spots that are moved to different positions. This segmentation allows the system to handle objects of any size by simply adjusting the number and positions of scanning points, rather than requiring a fixed large light spot
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the spatial dimension of light source movement to the imaging process. Instead of varying only light spot size, the system varies the position of the light source in space, enabling scalability to objects of different sizes while maintaining imaging efficiency
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 method is more convenient, time-efficient, and minimizes sample damage by collecting diffraction data through smaller light spots, enabling 3D image reconstruction of objects of any size without the need for extensive rotation and prolonged high-intensity light exposure.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, for the coherent light beam emitted by the light source at each of the scanning positions, diffraction of the coherent light beam that passes through the corresponding one of the light spot regions
Data Source
AI summary
In a 3D imaging method using scanning-type coherent diffraction, a 2D photodetector detects diffraction of a coherent beam emitted from a light source that moves in a scanning manner toward a sample object to obtain multiple 2D diffraction data distributions; and a processor converts the 2D diffraction data distributions into multiple 3D intensity distributions in a reciprocal space, performs one or more iterations based on a sample function, a light source function and the 3D intensity distributions to obtain a phase-retrieval sample function, and generates a 3D reconstruction image of the sample object based on the phase-retrieval sample function.