Spatial Light Modulator Imaging for High-Resolution Complex Amplitude
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing imaging apparatuses using spatial light modulators to acquire complex amplitude images suffer from reduced resolution due to the limited number of pixels, leading to lower image quality.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging apparatus employs a spatial light modulator, a Fourier transform optical system, and a photodetector to selectively receive zero-order light, allowing for high-resolution complex amplitude image acquisition by setting specific light amplitude modulation patterns across distinct regions of the modulation plane, enabling the detection of light intensity values to reconstruct high-resolution images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a phase shift method using a partial region of the modulation plane as a reference region is used, then the imaging process can be simplified, but the number of pixels of the acquired complex amplitude image is reduced and resolution is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The modulation plane is divided into multiple independent pixel regions that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to utilize the entire modulation plane for imaging by independently modulating light in each pixel region, thereby increasing the total number of pixels available for image reconstruction and improving resolution without simplifying the imaging process unduly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using a partial region (2D subset) to utilizing the entire modulation plane (full 2D area), effectively expanding the imaging dimension. This dimensional expansion allows all pixel regions to contribute to the complex amplitude image, significantly increasing the pixel count and resolution while maintaining the phase shift method's operational simplicity
2Measurement precision
If the entire modulation plane is used for imaging, then image resolution can be improved, but the complexity of controlling light amplitude modulation patterns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modulation plane is segmented into multiple independently controllable pixel regions. This segmentation enables the control system to manage light amplitude modulation in a modular fashion, where each region can be independently addressed and modulated, reducing the overall control complexity while utilizing the full modulation plane for high-resolution imaging
Solution Approach 2:
Light amplitude modulation patterns are pre-set in the control system before imaging. This preliminary preparation of modulation patterns simplifies the real-time control process, as the system can sequentially apply pre-defined patterns to different pixel regions without requiring complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing control system complexity while maintaining high resolution
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 acquisition of complex amplitude images with improved resolution by effectively utilizing the spatial light modulator and photodetector combination, enhancing image quality by leveraging the spatial light modulator's ability to perform light amplitude modulation and the Fourier transform optical system's ability to form intensity patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a Fourier transform optical system for forming a Fourier transform image of output light from the spatial light modulator
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector for detecting an intensity of the modulated light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a light source, a spatial light modulator, a Fourier transform optical system, a photodetector, and a control unit. The control unit sets a first region and a second region on a modulation plane, acquires a light intensity value by setting a light amplitude modulation pattern in the first region and setting a light amplitude modulation in the second region to a non-zero predetermined value, acquires the light intensity value by setting the light amplitude modulation pattern in the first region and setting the light amplitude modulation in the second region to zero, acquires the light intensity value by setting the light amplitude modulation in the first region to zero and setting the light amplitude modulation in the second region to the predetermined value, and acquires a complex amplitude image of a region of an object corresponding to the first region.