Single Spatial Light Modulator for Multi-Wavelength Fiber Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems requiring multiple independent optical images of different wavelengths are expensive and lack a compact, space-efficient design, making them unsuitable for applications like optogenetics where simultaneous projection of blue and red images is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A single spatial light modulator (SLM) is used to generate simultaneous multi-wavelength images by employing a dichroic beam splitter and mirrors to separate and recombine light of different wavelengths, producing an overlap image that is projected onto a fiber array, allowing for independent control of each pixel to emit multiple wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SLMs are used to generate images of different wavelengths, then the system can simultaneously project multiple independent colors, but the system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength channels into a single SLM by using dichroic beam splitters to merge the optical paths. The first and second wavelength images are generated by the same SLM and then combined through the dichroic beam splitter system, eliminating the need for multiple separate SLMs while maintaining multi-wavelength projection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single SLM performs multiple functions by sequentially or simultaneously modulating different wavelength channels. The SLM is configured to receive both first and second wavelength light and output corresponding image lights for each wavelength, making it a universal device that handles multiple wavelengths instead of requiring dedicated SLMs for each wavelength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SLMs are used to generate simultaneous multi-wavelength images, then complete color independence is achieved, but the optical layout becomes complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system uses a nested arrangement where dichroic beam splitters are positioned to separate and recombine wavelength paths in a compact configuration. The first dichroic beam splitter separates wavelengths, and the second dichroic beam splitter recombines them, creating a nested optical path structure that reduces the overall system footprint while maintaining independent color projection.
3Device complexity
If a single SLM is used to generate multi-wavelength images, then system cost and complexity are reduced, but wavelength separation and recombination must be efficiently achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The dichroic beam splitters act as intermediary components that facilitate wavelength separation and recombination. The first dichroic beam splitter mediates the separation of first and second wavelength images from the single SLM, and the second dichroic beam splitter mediates their recombination, making the single SLM configuration practically implementable by providing clear intermediate steps for wavelength management.
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 the simultaneous projection of multiple independent colors onto a specimen using a single SLM, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining high optical efficiency, suitable for applications like microscopy and optogenetics.
Implementation Method 1
a first dichroic beam splitter that receives the image light of the first and second wavelengths from the SLM, and reflects the image light of the first wavelength in a first direction and transmits the image light of the second wavelength in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror that receives the image light of the first wavelength from the first dichroic beam splitter and reflects the image light of the first wavelength at a first angle, (ii) a second mirror that receives the image light of the second wavelength from the first dichroic beam splitter and reflects the second wavelength at a second angle
Implementation Method 3
a second dichroic beam splitter that receives the image light of the first wavelength from the first mirror and the image light of the second wavelength from the second mirror, and recombines the image light of the first and second wavelengths to produce an overlap image
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing a fiber array light source with individually controlled multiple-wavelength outputs are disclosed. A single spatial light modulator (SLM) outputs an image light of a first wavelength and an image light of a second wavelength. An overlap image is produced based on the image light of the first and second wavelengths. A fiber array receives light associated with the overlap image so that each individual optical fiber in the fiber array corresponds to multiple pixels on the SLM.