Ultrafast Camera Wavelength Dispersion for High-Speed Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-based displacement measurement technologies face limitations in measuring fast, small, and complex mechanical movements due to trade-offs between precision, speed, and detectable range, often requiring long times and limited ranges for high precision.
Innovation Solution
An ultrafast camera system utilizing electro-optic sampling and wavelength division to generate sub-pulses, dispersing them across a measurement target for high-speed, high-resolution detection of movements or shapes, enabling real-time measurement of multiple points and 3D imaging without separate beam scanning devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser-based displacement measurement technology is used to achieve high precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement speed deteriorates and detectable range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by dividing the optical pulse train into multiple sub-pulses with different wavelengths, where each sub-pulse measures a specific point simultaneously. This segmentation enables parallel measurement of multiple points, achieving high precision for each point while maintaining high overall measurement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed laser action to illuminate multiple points in sequence across different wavelengths. By using periodic pulses with different wavelength components, the system achieves high-speed repetitive measurements while maintaining precision through the time-of-flight detection of each periodic pulse.
2Measurement precision
If laser-based measurement technology is used to achieve high precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but detectable range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the detectable range by utilizing the wavelength dimension. By assigning different wavelengths to sub-pulses for different measurement points, the system can simultaneously measure multiple points across extended ranges without compromising precision, effectively adding a wavelength dimension to the measurement capability.
3Productivity
If conventional beam scanning devices are used for measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and alignment sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam scanning devices with an optical-based wavelength division system. Instead of mechanically moving beams to scan points, the system uses optical pulses with different wavelengths to simultaneously reach multiple points, eliminating mechanical complexity and reducing alignment sensitivity while maintaining full measurement capability.
4Speed
If wavelength division is used to generate sub-pulses for multi-point measurement, then measurement speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wavelength division multiplexer that serves multiple functions: generating sub-pulses, distributing them to multiple points, and collecting reflected signals. This multi-functional component achieves high-speed parallel measurement without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same optical infrastructure handles multiple measurement tasks.
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
Enables high-speed, high-resolution measurement of movements and shapes in real time, reducing mechanical complexity and sensitivity to alignment, with the ability to measure 3D shapes faster than conventional methods, achieving performance comparable to the repetition rate of a laser.
Implementation Method 1
a timing detector that receives the optical signal whose time-of-flight is changed after passing through the sensor head and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to a timing error between the optical signal and a reference signal
Implementation Method 2
Through a wavelength division multiplexer displaced in an optical path, the sensor head may generate sub-pulses by performing wavelength division on the input optical pulse train
Implementation Method 3
The sensor head may generate sub-pulses by wavelength-dividing the input optical pulse train, disperse the sub-pulses at an angle corresponding to wavelength using a wavelength dispersion device
Implementation Method 4
obtain an intensity difference of two interference signals which are generated from interference between the signals circulating the loop through balanced photodetection
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrafast camera system includes a sensor head that injects an optical pulse train input from a pulsed laser onto a surface of a measurement target and outputs an optical signal reflected from the surface, and a timing detector that receives the optical signal whose time-of-flight is changed after passing through the sensor head and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to a timing error between the optical signal and a reference signal. Another ultrafast camera system includes a wavelength dispersion device to disperse an optical pulse train of a pulsed laser into a wavelength spectrum, a lens that vertically injects continuous wavelength signals dispersed into the wavelength spectrum onto a measurement line, and a timing detector that receives an optical signal including the continuous wavelength signals reflected from the measurement line, and outputs a timing error between the reference signal and the continuous wavelength signals as a signal intensity.