Terahertz Imaging Source Array Using Distinguishable Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 2D terahertz wave imaging systems face challenges with low sensitivity, difficulty in integrating large pixel arrays, and low signal-to-noise ratios due to dilution of terahertz wave intensity, limiting their ability to achieve rapid image acquisition without a suitable 2D detector array.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a source array with distinguishable electromagnetic waves transmitted from multiple radiators, allowing a single detector to concurrently detect and distinguish the resultant waves from each image area on a targeted object, employing encoding/decoding techniques for parallel processing to generate 2D images with improved signal-to-noise ratios and increased data acquisition speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single detector with raster scanning is used for 2D terahertz imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but data acquisition speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system segments the detection task by using multiple radiators transmitting distinguishable electromagnetic waves (different frequencies, time slots, or codes) that are detected concurrently by a single detector. This segmentation in the transmission domain enables parallel information acquisition without requiring a physically segmented detector array, thus maintaining low device complexity while improving data acquisition speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial parallelism (multiple detectors arranged in 2D array) to temporal/frequency parallelism (single detector detecting multiple distinguishable waves). By adding the time and frequency dimensions to the detection process, the system achieves 2D imaging capability with a single detector, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and productivity.
2Productivity
If a 2D detector array is used for parallel detection, then data acquisition speed is improved, but sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorate due to intensity dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function into a single detector that receives composite electromagnetic waves from multiple radiators. By combining the signals in the detection domain and using distinguishable characteristics (frequency, time, code) to separate them during processing, the system maintains high signal-to-noise ratio while achieving parallel detection capability, thus improving image acquisition speed without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters by detecting electromagnetic waves with different distinguishable characteristics (frequency, time slot, or code) sequentially or concurrently through a single detector. This parameter-based separation allows the single detector to process multiple image elements without diluting the intensity of individual signals, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio while achieving fast parallel imaging.
3Productivity
If current 2D terahertz detector arrays are used, then parallel imaging is enabled, but sensitivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple physical detectors, the patent creates virtual copies of the detection channel by using a single detector to detect multiple distinguishable electromagnetic wave signals. Each radiator's signal is copied into the same detection channel with unique identifying characteristics, enabling parallel detection capability without the sensitivity loss associated with physical detector arrays.
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 creation of 2D terahertz images with a single detector, achieving a two-order magnitude increase in data acquisition speed and maintaining signal-to-noise ratios comparable to raster scanning systems, while avoiding the need for a 2D detector array.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting distinguishable electromagnetic waves from a plurality of radiators of an antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for imaging an object includes transmitting distinguishable electromagnetic waves from a plurality of radiators of an antenna array, wherein each of the distinguishable electromagnetic waves is distinguishable from others by a detector. Each of the radiators transmits radiation comprising a different distinguishable electromagnetic wave. The method also includes imaging at least a portion of the antenna array onto a targeted object, wherein each image area of a plurality of image areas on the targeted object corresponds to an image of a respective radiator of the antenna array, and detecting a plurality of resultant electromagnetic waves, wherein the resultant electromagnetic waves are transmitted, scattered, or reflected by respective image areas on the targeted object in response to each of the respective image areas being illuminated by the radiation transmitted by the respective radiator of the source array.