Spatial Light Modulator Phase Imaging Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing imaging apparatuses using spatial light modulators to acquire phase images suffer from reduced resolution due to the limited number of pixels, leading to lower image quality.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that utilize a spatial light modulator, a Fourier transform optical system, and a photodetector to selectively receive zero-order light, with a control unit setting distinct regions on the modulation plane to sequentially apply light phase modulation patterns and uniform phase shifts, allowing for high-resolution phase image acquisition using a phase shift method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a partial region of the modulation plane is used as a reference region in phase shift method, then the imaging process can be simplified, but the number of pixels in the acquired phase image is reduced and resolution is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The modulation plane is segmented into a measurement region and a reference region, allowing independent optimization of each region's function. The measurement region uses all pixels for high-resolution phase imaging, while the reference region provides stable reference signals without compromising overall resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using only intensity modulation to utilizing both intensity and phase modulation dimensions. By modulating the phase of light in addition to intensity, the system can simultaneously maintain high resolution and simplify the imaging process through the reference region
2Device complexity
If intensity modulation only is performed, then the imaging process is simpler, but phase information cannot be acquired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges intensity modulation and phase modulation into a unified modulation scheme. The spatial light modulator simultaneously performs both types of modulation, combining their advantages to achieve both simplified processing and complete information acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The reference region acts as an intermediary that facilitates the extraction of phase information. By providing a stable reference signal in the reference region, the system can interfere this reference with the measurement signal to recover phase information without requiring complex direct phase measurement
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 phase images with higher resolution and also allows for the acquisition of amplitude images, effectively improving the overall image quality by utilizing all pixel regions on the modulation plane.
Implementation Method 1
performing light phase modulation on input light in each of a plurality of pixel regions on the modulation plane based on a set light phase modulation pattern
Implementation Method 2
a Fourier transform optical system for forming a Fourier transform image of output light from the spatial light modulator
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector for selectively receiving zero-order light in the Fourier transform image to detect a light intensity and outputting a light intensity value
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 of the spatial light modulator, sequentially sets a plurality of light phase modulation patterns in the first region, sequentially sets a plurality of uniform phase shifts in a region other than the first region when setting each light phase modulation pattern in the first region to acquire a light intensity value, and acquires a phase image of a region of an object corresponding to the first region using a phase shift method.