Single-Shot Mueller Matrix Polarimeter for Dynamic Sample Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Mueller matrix polarimetry techniques are not suitable for fast-moving object detection due to time-sequential measurement methods, leading to unexpected measurement errors and limitations in in vivo clinical diagnosis applications.

Innovation Solution

A single-shot Mueller matrix polarimeter is developed, utilizing a polarization state generator and analyzer with a GRIN lens cascade structure to generate and analyze a probe field with multiple spatial portions, each having different polarization states, allowing for the reconstruction of the Mueller matrix in a single acquisition without time-sequential state generation or modulation of retarders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If time-sequential measurement methods are used to generate and analyze polarization states by rotating components or modulating variable retarders, then comprehensive polarization properties can be extracted, but measurement speed is slow and measurement errors increase for fast-moving or time-varying samples

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of Mueller matrix reconstructionVSAvoiddata acquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The probe field is divided into multiple spatial portions, each with a different polarization state. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple polarization states in space rather than sequentially in time, resolving the contradiction between measurement completeness and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from time-sequential measurement to spatial-parallel measurement by encoding different polarization states into different spatial portions of the probe field. This dimensional change from time to space enables simultaneous acquisition of all polarization information in a single shot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If time-sequential measurement is used with rotating polarization components, then complete polarization information can be obtained, but the method is unsuitable for fast-moving object detection due to measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of polarization dataVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy for dynamic samples

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different polarization states are assigned to different spatial portions of the probe field, allowing all polarization information to be captured simultaneously in a single measurement shot, eliminating errors from sample movement during sequential measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple polarization measurements that would traditionally be taken sequentially are merged into a single spatial beam with multiple polarization components, enabling simultaneous acquisition of complete polarization data in one shot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If variable retarders are modulated to generate different polarization states, then comprehensive sample characterization is achieved, but the measurement process is slow and prone to errors with time-varying samples

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to extract comprehensive polarization propertiesVSAvoidmeasurement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe field is segmented into multiple spatial portions, each carrying a different polarization state generated simultaneously without requiring modulation of variable retarders, thus achieving comprehensive polarization characterization at high speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical rotation of polarization components and modulation of variable retarders is replaced by a static optical system that generates multiple polarization states spatially, eliminating mechanical movement and enabling instantaneous measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 faster data acquisition and mitigates measurement errors associated with time-varying biological samples, providing accurate Mueller matrix reconstruction for in vivo detection with high accuracy, as demonstrated by experimental results showing average error below 3.37% for dynamic objects.

Implementation Method 1

The PSA may comprise a pair of gradient-index, GRIN, lenses having a half wave plate located there between—the modified probe field being transmitted through the GRIN lenses and half wave plate to said output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBirefringence: Birefringence

Data Source

PatentUS11921033B2Single-shot Mueller matrix polarimeter

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LTD

AI summary

A single-shot Mueller matrix polarimeter (1700), MMP, comprising: a polarization state generator (1706), PSG, arranged to receive a source optical field (1704) and provide a probe field (1708) having a plurality of spatial portions, each portion having a different polarization state; a polarization state analyser (1718), PSA, arranged to receive a modified probe field (1716) resulting from interaction of the probe field generated by the PSG with a sample under investigation, and further arranged to apply, to each of a corresponding plurality of spatial portions of the modified probe field, a plurality of retardances and a plurality of fast axis orientations; and a detector (1720) arranged to detect an output (1722) of the PSA.