Hyperspectral Imager for Rapid Combustion Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hyperspectral imagers are limited in their ability to capture high-speed, spatially resolved spectroscopic data of rapidly reacting materials, such as metal fuels, due to their reliance on scanning spectral filter banks and lack of spectral information from outside the spatial region of the slit, which hinders the analysis of complex material systems and dynamic events like combustion.
Innovation Solution
A spectral imaging system that combines optical pyrometry and high-speed, spatially resolved spectroscopy, using an objective lens system, optical splitter, dispersion system, and optical combiner to capture both spectral and temperature data of materials in a single video frame, allowing for simultaneous imaging and spectroscopy with a high-speed camera, enabling the analysis of micron-scale events and larger-scale phenomena.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning spectral filter banks are used, then spectral resolution is improved, but measurement speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral measurement process by using multiple fixed spectral bands captured simultaneously by different regions of the image sensor, eliminating the need for sequential scanning while maintaining spectral resolution through spatial separation of spectral information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the spectral dimension into a spatial dimension by mapping different spectral bands to different spatial locations on the image sensor, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple spectral bands in a single frame rather than sequential scanning
2Device complexity
If integrated image sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral information coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image sensor into multiple regions, each dedicated to capturing specific spectral bands, allowing the integrated sensor to cover a broader spectral range by distributing different spectral information across different spatial regions of the same sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single image sensor perform multiple spectral measurement functions simultaneously by assigning different regions of the sensor to different spectral bands, eliminating the need for separate sensors or scanning mechanisms while maintaining comprehensive spectral coverage
3Speed
If high-speed cameras are used, then measurement speed is improved, but spectral resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image sensor into multiple spectral bands, allowing high-speed capture of multiple discrete spectral regions simultaneously, achieving both high temporal resolution through fast framing and spectral resolution through spatial separation of bands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures excessive spectral information by measuring multiple spectral bands simultaneously at high speed, providing more spectral data than traditionally obtained at high speed, which can then be processed to achieve the desired spectral resolution for the specific application
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
The system provides a large statistical dataset on burn time, temperature, and spectra of materials, enabling dynamic temperature variation assessment and burn time analysis of individual particles, and is adaptable for various applications, including combustion research and energetic materials, with the ability to zoom in on micron-scale events and out to analyze larger-scale phenomena.
Implementation Method 1
an optical splitter arranged to be in an optical path of an object being imaged through said objective lens system to provide an imaging optical path and a spectrometer optical path
Implementation Method 2
a dispersion system arranged in the spectrometer optical path
Implementation Method 3
an optical combiner arranged in said imaging optical path and a path of dispersed light from said dispersion system to combined dispersed light with a corresponding optical image of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A spectral imaging system includes an objective lens system, an optical splitter, a dispersion system, and an optical combiner. The optical splitter is arranged to be in an optical path of an object being imaged through the objective lens system to provide an imaging optical path and a spectrometer optical path. The dispersion system is arranged in the spectrometer optical path. The optical combiner is arranged in the imaging optical path and a path of dispersed light from the dispersion system to combined dispersed light with a corresponding optical image of the object.