Segmented Light Redirection for Multi-Channel Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical imagers are limited in their ability to combine spatial, spectral, hyperspectral, and polarimetric imaging capabilities in a compact and high-performance design, failing to provide multiple images at a common focus plane effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a segmented light redirection device, such as a prism, located near the collimated region of the optical imager, allows for the formation of multiple images at a detector, combined with a segmented filter or selection device near the image plane to isolate these images, resulting in a more compact and high-performance system with improved spatial and spectral image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical imager designs are used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to combine spatial, spectral, hyperspectral, and polarimetric imaging capabilities is limited and the system size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple functional segments including a segmented light redirection device with multiple redirection elements, each handling different spectral or spatial components. The detector array is also segmented into multiple detector elements that correspond to different image channels. This segmentation enables simultaneous multi-spectral, spatial, and polarimetric imaging within a compact footprint by processing different optical components through dedicated segments rather than requiring separate complete imaging systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images are formed at a common focus plane, then imaging versatility is improved, but image isolation and quality control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A segmented filter device is introduced as an intermediary element positioned between the light redirection device and the detector array. This filter device includes multiple filter elements that selectively transmit different spectral bands or polarization states to corresponding detector elements. The intermediary filter acts as a precision control mechanism that ensures proper image isolation and co-registration by matching the spectral or polarimetric characteristics of each image channel to its designated detector element, thereby maintaining high manufacturing precision despite the complexity of forming multiple images at a common focus plane.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a segmented light redirection device is introduced, then imaging versatility and compactness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light redirection device is designed with multiple redirection elements that perform multiple functions simultaneously. Each redirection element can redirect light for different spectral bands, spatial channels, and polarization states through a single integrated optical component rather than requiring separate components for each function. The segmented filter device similarly serves multiple purposes by providing both spectral filtering and spatial positioning functions. This multi-functionality approach reduces the overall number of discrete components needed while maintaining high imaging versatility, thereby managing device complexity more effectively.
4Manufacturing precision
If segmented filter device is added near image plane, then image isolation is improved, but system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented filter device implements local quality by providing different filtering characteristics at different spatial locations within the device. Each filter element is positioned and configured to match the specific spectral or polarimetric requirements of its corresponding detector element. This localized optimization ensures high image isolation precision without requiring the entire filter device to be manufactured with uniform ultra-high precision. The local quality approach allows standard manufacturing tolerances to be applied to individual filter elements while achieving overall high precision through their coordinated arrangement.
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 the creation of compact, high-performance optical imagers that provide multiple spatial, spectral, and polarimetric images with high spatial co-registration and low distortion, offering superior trade-offs in size, mass, and image quality compared to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a segmented light redirection device, including but not limited to a prism
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an imaging optical system. In one aspect, the imaging optical system includes, among other things, a segmented light redirecting element configured to redirect the at least two portions of said electromagnetic radiation into substantially different directions and a segmented light separating element configured to substantially separate electromagnetic radiation into at least two portions.