Spectral Imaging System Modulates Optical Path to Reduce Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectral imaging systems face challenges in achieving high resolution and quality due to noise caused by standing waves, which affect the accuracy of spectral images generated.
Innovation Solution
The spectral imaging device modulates one or more effective optical path segments during data acquisition to frustrate standing waves, using a mover assembly to adjust the separation distance between the sample and optical elements, or an electro-optic modulator to adjust the refractive index, thereby reducing noise and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standing waves are present in the optical path, then the spectral imaging system can operate with stable optical components, but the image quality and resolution deteriorate due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by modulating the optical path length at a frequency that disrupts standing wave formation. The optical path is dynamically adjusted during data acquisition, transforming a static optical system into one that actively prevents interference patterns, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the optical path length at a specific frequency to frustrate standing waves. This periodic action creates time-varying optical conditions that prevent the formation of stable interference patterns, improving spectral image quality while maintaining system operability.
2Reliability
If the optical path length is kept constant for stable operation, then the system operates reliably, but noise from standing waves reduces spectral data fidelity
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static optical path to a dynamically modulated one, where the path length varies periodically during acquisition. This dynamic approach maintains system reliability while preventing standing wave noise, thereby preserving spectral data fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path length parameter dynamically during data acquisition. By modulating this parameter at an appropriate frequency, the system prevents standing wave formation without compromising operational stability, thus maintaining both reliability and data fidelity.
3Measurement precision
If coherent illumination is used to improve spectral resolution, then measurement precision improves, but standing wave noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful standing wave effect into a beneficial outcome by using coherent illumination's phase sensitivity against itself. The periodic modulation of optical path length exploits the coherent light's phase properties to create a modulating signal that, when averaged, eliminates standing wave noise while preserving spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying periodic modulation to the optical path, the system transforms the continuous standing wave noise into a time-varying signal that can be averaged out during data acquisition, thereby maintaining the benefits of coherent illumination while eliminating its harmful effects.
4Ease of operation
If multiple reflections occur in the optical assembly, then light can be redirected to the image sensor, but interference patterns reduce image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic modulation to the optical path involving multiple reflections. By changing the optical path length periodically, the system disrupts the phase relationships that create interference patterns from multiple reflections, thereby maintaining effective light routing while improving image quality.
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 effectively reduces noise and enhances the resolution and quality of spectral images by averaging out standing wave noise, leading to improved spectral data fidelity and intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic modulator to adjust the refractive index
Implementation Method 2
a mover assembly to adjust the separation distance between the sample and optical elements
Implementation Method 3
The imaging optical assembly collects light from the sample and forms a two-dimensional spectral image of the sample on the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follows a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data. Further, during the data acquisition time (346), an effective optical path segment (45) of the beam path (16B) is modulated.