Optical Spectrometer Collimating Arrangement for Compact Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometers for spectrally resolved two-dimensional imaging are often large, expensive, and fragile due to complex scanning mechanics, and snapshot hyperspectral cameras with limited spatial resolution are costly and not suitable for quick measurements in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
An optical spectrometer with a collimating arrangement using a diffusing plate and optical micro-channel component to collimate radiation, combined with a multi-lens array and dispersing device, allowing for compact, rugged, and cost-effective spectrally resolved two-dimensional imaging without scanning technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning technology is used in imaging spectrometers to record spectroscopic information, then spectroscopic data can be mapped in two dimensions, but the device becomes large, fragile, and expensive due to complex scanning mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with a stationary multi-lens array configuration. Each lens in the array directs light from a specific spatial position to a corresponding detector element, enabling two-dimensional spectroscopic mapping without any moving parts. This substitution of mechanical scanning with a static optical array resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while eliminating device complexity and fragility associated with scanning mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple discrete lenses arranged in an array, where each lens handles a specific spatial position. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple spectral measurements simultaneously, achieving two-dimensional spectroscopic mapping without requiring sequential scanning. The segmented lens array approach maintains measurement precision while eliminating the need for complex scanning mechanisms.
2Productivity
If snapshot hyperspectral cameras with absorption filters are used to remove scanning mechanics, then the device becomes simpler and faster, but spatial resolution is limited and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a multi-lens array where lenses are arranged in two dimensions, with each lens corresponding to a specific spatial position. This two-dimensional lens array configuration enables simultaneous capture of spectral information across the entire field of view at full spatial resolution, achieving both snapshot capability and high spatial resolution without the trade-offs of absorption filter-based systems.
3Measurement precision
If collimated light is used in the spectrometer, then the pattern spectra from the multi-lens array can be properly inferred on the detector, but signal strength is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a collimating arrangement positioned before the dispersing device that pre-collimates the incoming light. This preliminary collimation ensures that light rays from each spatial position are parallel when they reach the dispersing device, enabling accurate spectral pattern inference on the detector. The collimating arrangement is optimized to minimize signal loss while achieving the necessary collimation for precise spectral 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
The solution enables quick, high-resolution two-dimensional imaging with improved spatial resolution and reduced signal strength issues, using a strong radiation source and sensitive detectors to enhance signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in a compact, inexpensive, and robust imaging spectrometer.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusing plate for diffusing the radiation
Implementation Method 2
an optical micro-channel component arranged to receive the diffused radiation comprising a plurality of parallel and linear optical micro-channels directed towards the dispersing device
Implementation Method 3
a dispersing device arranged to disperse radiation from object
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an optical spectrometer for spectrally resolved two-dimensional imaging of an object, comprising a dispersing device arranged to disperse radiation from object, a multi-lens array arrangement arranged to receive the dispersed radiation from the dispersing device, a two-dimensional detector arranged to receive 5 the dispersed radiation as directed by the multi-lens array arrangement, wherein the optical spectrometer further comprises a collimating arrangement for collimating the radiation from object before the radiation reaches the dispersing device, the collimating arrangement comprising a diffusing plate for diffusing the radiation and an optical micro-channel arranged to receive the diffused radiation comprising a plurality 10 of parallel and linear optical micro-channels directed towards the dispersing device. The disclosure further relates to a method for spectrally resolved two-dimensional imaging of an object.