Wavelength Variable Interference Filter for Compact Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectroscopic imaging devices face challenges in achieving compact size and high accuracy due to the need for an optical system to set the incidence angle of light for wavelength variable interference filters, which increases the size of the device and compromises portability.
Innovation Solution
A spectroscopic imaging apparatus with a wavelength variable interference filter and a gap changing unit, where the central wavelength is determined based on the incidence angle and gap size, allowing for compact design without the need for additional optical members to set the incidence angle, and utilizing a received-light wavelength acquiring unit to calculate the central wavelength of light incident on each pixel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical fiber plate is disposed on the prestage and poststage of the wavelength variable interference filter to set the incidence angle, then the light transmission accuracy is improved, but the optical module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical fiber plate from the optical system. Instead of using the optical fiber plate to guide light at specific angles, the invention uses a conventional imaging lens to focus light directly onto the wavelength variable interference filter. This extraction of the unnecessary optical component reduces the optical module size while maintaining spectroscopic imaging functionality through software-based wavelength calibration.
2Measurement precision
If an incident optical system is incorporated to set the incidence angle of light, then the spectroscopic image quality is improved, but the imaging device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (optical fiber plate) with a software-based solution. Instead of using physical components to control light incidence angles, the invention uses a received-light wavelength acquiring unit that calculates the central wavelength based on the incidence angle and gap size, and performs wavelength calibration through software processing. This substitution eliminates the need for complex optical components while maintaining spectroscopic imaging quality.
3Measurement precision
If optical members are added to set the incidence angle, then the wavelength selection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from controlling physical parameters (light incidence angle through optical components) to controlling computational parameters (wavelength calculation and calibration). The received-light wavelength acquiring unit calculates the central wavelength based on the incidence angle and gap size parameters, and the system performs wavelength calibration by comparing calculated wavelengths with actual measured wavelengths. This parameter-based approach simplifies the device while maintaining wavelength selection accuracy.
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 configuration enables the creation of a compact, high-accuracy spectroscopic imaging apparatus that eliminates the need for additional optical components, reducing device size while maintaining high accuracy in capturing spectroscopic images.
Implementation Method 1
the light is transmitted in response to a size of the gap between the reflecting films which are a pair of reflecting films facing each other. Accordingly, when the light is incident with respect to the pair of reflecting films at different angles, an optical distance for each of the reflecting films becomes differentiated, and thus light beams having different wavelengths from each other are transmitted.
Data Source
AI summary
A spectroscopic camera is provided with a pair of reflecting films, and a wavelength variable interference filter including an electrostatic actuator which can change a size of the gap between the pair of reflecting films, an imaging unit which includes a plurality of pixels which is disposed in a two-dimensional array structure, and receives the light transmitted to the wavelength variable interference filter, and a received-light wavelength acquiring unit which acquires a central wavelength of the light which is incident on the pixel with respect to each of the pixels in the imaging unit, in which the received-light wavelength acquiring unit acquires the central wavelength based on an incidence angle in a position where the light which is received in each of the pixels is incident to the pair of reflecting films.