Having Diffraction Grating Means Patents (Class 356/328)
  • Publication number: 20140268139
    Abstract: A spectrometer includes: a collimating element configured for collimating a beam of light into a first one of a cross-dispersing element and an echelle grating, the grating in optical communication with the cross-dispersing element; a focusing element for receiving the light from a second one of the cross-dispersing element and the echelle grating and focusing wavelengths of the light onto a spatial light modulator; the spatial light modulator configured for selectively directing the wavelengths onto a detector for detection. A method of use and the method of fabrication are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Malcolm C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8836938
    Abstract: The description relates to a standard for wavelength and intensity for spectrometers, particularly for calibrating and testing measurement heads in spectrometers which are usable primarily in the near infrared region (NIR) of the spectrum. The standard comprises a holder and a plate body arranged in the holder. The plate body is made of transparent plastic with high strength and dimensional stability over a large temperature range. The plastic has distinct absorption bands throughout the entire NIR range and has a chemical structure and composition ensuring an extensive moisture barrier against water absorption and water release in a reliable and stable manner over time. The plate body advantageously comprises an amorphous, transparent copolymer based on cyclic and/or linear olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Schebesta, Nico Correns, Lutz Freytag, Michael Rode
  • Patent number: 8823932
    Abstract: A multi field of view hyperspectral imaging device and method for using the same which can be used in many applications including short wavelength infrared (SWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) applications are presented herein. In one embodiment, the multi field of view hyperspectral imaging device comprises multiple fore optics, multiple fold mirrors, a slit including a multiple openings, a spectrometer, and a 2-dimensional detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Lovell E Comstock, II, Richard L Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20140233030
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a spectroscopic imaging device is provided with which a relative arrangement relationship among components can be easily adjusted in the spectroscopic imaging device. A spectroscopic imaging device 30 includes a collimating lens 32, a diffraction grating 33, a condensing lens 34, an array light receiving unit 35, and adjustment means for adjusting a relative arrangement relationship among these components. An etalon filter is disposed on an optical path of light inputted to the collimating lens 32 and the relative arrangement relationship among the components is adjusted so that the focal point of light of each wavelength condensed by the condensing lens 34 is positioned on a predetermined line of the array light receiving unit 35.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Tanaka, Ichiro Sogawa
  • Publication number: 20140233029
    Abstract: A spectrometer with a detector and a transparent body which has an entry area and an exit area on a front side of the body and a reflection grating on a rear side of the body. A beam entering the body via the entry area is reflected at the reflection grating to the exit area and in the process is spectrally split and passes through the exit area and impinges on the detector. The rear side is curved at least in the region of the reflection grating in such a way that the beam is focused in the horizontal and vertical planes when it is reflected at the reflection grating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Dobschal, Jochen Mueller
  • Patent number: 8804118
    Abstract: A spectral module 1 comprises a substrate 2 for transmitting light L1 incident thereon from a front face 2a, a lens unit 3 for transmitting the light L1 incident on the substrate 2, a spectroscopic unit 4 for reflecting and spectrally resolving the light L1 incident on the lens unit 3, and a photodetector 5 for detecting light L2 reflected by the spectroscopic unit 4. The substrate 2 is provided with a recess 19 having a predetermined positional relationship with alignment marks 12a, 12b and the like serving as a reference unit for positioning the photodetector 5, while the lens unit 3 is mated with the recess 19. The spectral module 1 achieves passive alignment between the spectroscopic unit 4 and photodetector 5 when the lens unit 3 is simply mated with the recess 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Katsumi Shibayama, Takafumi Yokino, Masaki Hirose, Masashi Ito
  • Publication number: 20140218731
    Abstract: A broadband light source is provided for a confocal spectrometer having a first aperture device with a first slit grid of a main slit direction arranged in front of the light source to produce a slit-shaped pattern of the light source. A first imaging optical unit focuses the slit-shaped pattern of the light source on an object to be imaged. A detector system has a detector apparatus that captures the light reflected by the object for generating a spectrally resolved image of the object. A second imaging optical unit focuses the reflected light onto the detector apparatus. A dispersion element, arranged in front of the second imaging optical unit, spectrally disperses the light reflected by the object along a dispersion axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the second imaging optical unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Anton Schick
  • Patent number: 8797529
    Abstract: A spectrometer design method that corrects aberration by using crossed optical paths and minor alignment, simplifies manufacture by applying the light entrance slit and aperture on opposite sides of a transparent input block, and creates a more compact footprint by placing a 45 degree mirror or right angle prism directly in front of the detector is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ocean Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Demmer, Thomas L. Haslett, Joseph L. Dallas
  • Patent number: 8797530
    Abstract: Wavenumber linear spectrometers are provided including an input configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from an external source; collimating optics configured to collimate the received electromagnetic radiation; a dispersive assembly including first and second diffractive gratings, wherein the first diffraction grating is configured in a first dispersive stage to receive the collimated electromagnetic radiation and wherein the dispersive assembly includes at least two dispersive stages configured to disperse the collimated input; and an imaging lens assembly configured to image the electromagnetic radiation dispersed by the at least two dispersive stages onto a linear detection array such that the variation in frequency spacing along the linear detection array is no greater than about 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Bioptigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Saxer, Robert H. Hart, Eric L. Buckland, Pete Huening, Bradley A. Bower
  • Patent number: 8786853
    Abstract: A spectrometer includes: an entrance aperture, a collimator, intended to produce, from a light source, a collimated input light (5), a plurality of gratings arranged in a 2-D matrix, a plurality of detectors, and an exit aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA—Recherche et Developpement
    Inventors: Maurizio Tormen, Stanley Ross, Robert Lockhart
  • Patent number: 8786757
    Abstract: Optical apparatus includes an image sensor and objective optics, which are configured to collect and focus optical radiation over a range of wavelengths along a common optical axis toward a plane of the image sensor. A dispersive element is positioned to spread the optical radiation collected by the objective optics so that different wavelengths in the range are focused along different, respective optical axes toward the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Primesense Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander Shpunt, Niv Gilboa, Haim Bezdin
  • Patent number: 8786854
    Abstract: A spectroscopic detector includes a spectroscopic element for dispersing light, a photodetector for detecting the light dispersed by the spectroscopic element and a condensing optical system for condensing the dispersed light to the photodetector and compensating for a deviation in a detected wavelength deriving from nonlinearity of the angle of emergence generated in the spectroscopic element through chromatic aberration of magnification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Yuya Miyazono
  • Patent number: 8786855
    Abstract: An aperture shaped to provide a narrow beam in the horizontal plane but a wider beam in the vertical plane that will provide improved image quality in spectrometers without sacrificing as much throughput as typically experienced using a reduced diameter round aperture along with a method of mounting the entrance slit and the limiting aperture on a transparent block for optical stability and ease of alignment is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ocean Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Demmer, Thomas L. Haslett, Jason M. Eichenholz
  • Patent number: 8767300
    Abstract: Objects are to obtain a highly accurate diffraction element that may prevent an intensity decrease of a light beam entering a light receiving unit without a decrease in diffraction efficiency and without a problem of flare or the like, a manufacturing method for the diffraction element, and a spectrometer using the same. A diffraction element (2) includes a diffraction grating formed on a substrate having a curved surface. In the diffraction element (2), the curved surface (3) has an anamorphic shape formed by pivoting a curved line (I) in a plane about a straight line (II) in the same plane serving as a rotation axis, and gratings (10a) of the diffraction grating (10) exist in cross sections orthogonal to the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Ishibe
  • Patent number: 8759744
    Abstract: A method of operating a spectrometer to determine the wavelength of an optical signal, in particular for determining the resonant wavelength of an optical fiber Bragg grating. The spectrometer comprises an array of photosensitive pixels each of which generates an output signal in response to the intensity of light incident on the pixel, and a refractive element arranged to direct light to a particular position in the array depending on the wavelength of the light. The method involves selecting a first group of pixels in the array by reference to an expected wavelength distribution of the optical signal and monitoring the output signals from the first group of pixels. On the basis of the output signals from the first group of pixels a second group of pixels is selected and the wavelength of the optical signal is determined from the output signals of the second group of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Moog Insensys Limited
    Inventors: Mark Volanthen, Glynn Lloyd
  • Patent number: 8760647
    Abstract: A microscanning system including a microscope, a relay lens device, a stepping motor and a hyper-spectrometer is disclosed. The microscope is adapted to acquire and enlarge an image of an object to generate an enlarged image which is a 2D image distributed along the first direction and second direction. The relay lenses device disposed behind the microscope receives and transfers the enlarged image outputted by the microscope. The stepping motor electrically connected to the relay lens device reciprocates the relay lens linearly in the first direction device in a stepwise manner along the second direction. The hyper-spectrometer disposed behind the rely lens device receives the partial enlarged images of the object along the first direction that are transferred by the relay lens device sequentially along the second direction, and transform the partially enlarged images into the corresponding spectrum information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: China Medical University
    Inventors: Jin-Chern Chiou, Ming-Hsui Tsai, Mang Ou-Yang, Shuen-De Wu, Yao-Fang Hsieh, Ting-Wei Huang, Yung-Jiun Lin
  • Patent number: 8753872
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assay of multiple analytes. The method uses a sensing element comprising a substrate upon which is arranged a multiplicity of recognition elements, such that each element is laid out in a predetermined pattern. Each pattern is unique in that it can give rise to a characteristic diffraction pattern in the assay. The patterns may or may not be interpenetrating on the substrate surface. The method of detecting multiple analytes includes contacting the medium of analytes with the patterned substrate, illuminating the substrate by a light source, and detecting any resultant diffraction image. The pattern of diffraction and the intensity of the diffracted signal provides information about the existence of specific analytes and their quantification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Axela Inc.
    Inventors: M. Cynthia Goh, Jane B. Goh, Richard Mcaloney, Richard Loo
  • Patent number: 8755046
    Abstract: A spectrometer includes a light source to project a light beam to a target object, a spectral element to disperse the light beam reflected by the target object and including a diffraction element to diffract the light beam, and a light receiving element to receive, at pixels, light beams with different spectral characteristics from each other dispersed by the spectral element, wherein the diffraction element and the light receiving element are integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Shimbo, Naohiro Kamijo, Yoichi Kubota, Manabu Seo
  • Patent number: 8749781
    Abstract: A compact field spectrograph is described that provides a resolution of 500 or more with no entrance aperture, providing for substantial gain in light throughput, ideal for viewing multiple distant objects with or without telescopic aid, and providing the ability to observe and distinguish a multiplex of objects simultaneously, even if in motion, with minimal or no mechanical tracking required. Spectra may be viewed directly with the unaided eye, or photographed with common consumer cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald Anthony Masters
  • Patent number: 8742320
    Abstract: The present invention provides a highly reliable spectral module. When light L1 proceeding to a spectroscopic unit (4) passes through a light transmitting hole (50) in the spectral module (1) in accordance with the present invention, only the light having passed through a light entrance side unit (51) formed such as to become narrower toward a substrate (2) and entered a light exit side unit (52) formed such as to oppose a bottom face (51b) of the light entrance side unit (51) is emitted from a light exit opening (52a). Therefore, stray light M incident on a side face (51c) or bottom face (51b) of the light entrance side unit (51) is reflected to the side opposite to the light exit side unit (52) and thus is inhibited from entering the light exit side unit (52). Therefore, the reliability of the spectral module (1) can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Katsumi Shibayama, Takashi Kasahara, Anna Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8736836
    Abstract: A cryogenically cooled imaging spectrometer that includes a spectrometer housing having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. An entrance slit is on the first side of the spectrometer housing and directs light to a cross-disperser grating. An echelle immersions grating and a catadioptric lens are positioned in the housing to receive the light. A cryogenically cooled detector is located in the housing on the second side of the spectrometer housing. Light from the entrance slit is directed to the cross-disperser grating. The light is directed from the cross-disperser grating to the echelle immersions grating. The light is directed from the echelle immersions grating to the cryogenically cooled detector on the second side of the spectrometer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael P. Chrisp, Joel M. Bowers
  • Patent number: 8717560
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses including a point light source, a diffraction grating oriented in a light path generated from the point light source wherein the diffraction grating diffracts and concentrates light from the point light source into one or more rings of light, a detector positioned to detect one or more of the rings of light or light transmitted from a sample exposed to said rings of light, and a computer operably connected to the detector to analyze the intensity of one or more of the rings of light or said light transmitted from said sample. Variations including samples and additional components and methods of making the apparatuses of the present invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventor: David Roger Labrecque
  • Patent number: 8717561
    Abstract: A miniature spectrometer comprises an input unit, a stray light filtering structure, and a miniature diffraction grating. The input unit receives a first optical signal and a second optical signal. The stray light filtering structure has first and second filter sections to filter out the second optical signal. The first and second filter sections have first and second dentate structures disposed on opposite sides. The first and second dentate structures define an optical channel for the transmission of the first optical signal. The second optical signal enters into the first or the second dentate structure and is filtered out by the first or the second dentate structure. The miniature diffraction grating receives the first optical signal from the stray light filtering structure and separates the first optical signal into a plurality of spectral components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: OtO Photonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hao Ko
  • Publication number: 20140118738
    Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging system, a monolithic Offner spectrometer, and two methods for manufacturing the monolithic Offner spectrometer are described herein. In one embodiment, the monolithic Offner spectrometer comprises a transmissive material which has: (1) an entrance surface which has an opaque material applied thereto, where the opaque material has a portion removed therefrom which forms a slit; (2) a first surface which has a first reflective coating applied thereto to form a first mirror; (3) a second surface which has a second reflective coating applied thereto to form a diffraction grating; (4) a third surface which has a third reflective coating applied thereto to form a second mirror; and (5) an exit surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Lovell Elgin Comstock, II, Richard Lynton Wiggins
  • Patent number: 8711352
    Abstract: An apparatus for optical spectrometry utilizes a simplified construction, reducing the number of independent optical elements needed while providing a sizeable dispersed spectrum. The apparatus provides a spectral intensity distribution of an input source wherein individual spectral components in the source can be measured and, in some embodiments, can be manipulated or filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Wein, James D. Targove, David J. Korwan
  • Publication number: 20140111802
    Abstract: The invention discloses a low stray light polychromator comprising an optical housing, an entrance slit, a dispersion system and an array detector. The dispersion element of the dispersion system is a grating. A photosurface of the array detector is obliquely intersected with a principal section of the grating. In the invention, by changing the relative operation of optical elements in the polychromator, the stray light generated by the unexpected reflection on the photosurface of the array detector is exactly reflected out from the expected optical path. In addition, on the inner wall of the optical housing, small diaphragms for extinction are disposed in a plane in which reflection faculaee are projected, thus stray light will be reduced greatly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: EVERFINE PHOTO-E-INFO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiangen Pan
  • Patent number: 8705154
    Abstract: A spectral colorimetric apparatus for detecting a color of an image of a subject, including: an illumination optical system illuminating the subject on a detection surface; a spectral optical system including a spectral element spectrally separating the beam diffused by the subject and a light receiving element array detecting a spectral intensity distribution; and a guiding optical system for guiding a beam diffused by the subject, wherein: the detection surface is parallel to a spectral plane including a principal ray of a beam entering the spectral optical system and a principal ray of a beam spectrally separated; the principal ray of the beam enters the spectral optical system within the spectral plane obliquely to a line joining a center of the light receiving element array with a surface vertex of the spectral element; and a light receiving surface of the light receiving element array is orthogonal to the spectral plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tokuji Takizawa, Kazumi Kimura, Nobuyuki Tochigi, Masayasu Teramura
  • Patent number: 8699024
    Abstract: A tunable optical filter is disclosed having an input port, a beam translator for translating input and output optical beams, an element having optical power for collimating the translated beam, a reflective wavelength dispersive element, and an output port. The beam translator can include a tiltable MEMS mirror coupled to an angle-to-offset optical element. An output port can be extended into a plurality of egress ports, each receiving a fraction of the scanned optical spectrum. A multi-path scanning optical spectrometer can be used as an optical channel monitor for monitoring performance of a wavelength selective switch, or for other tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Colbourne, Shane H. Woodside, Oleg Bouevitch
  • Patent number: 8699021
    Abstract: A system for through silicon via (TSV) structure measurement comprises a reflectometer, and a computing unit. The reflectometer emits a broadband light beam to at least a TSV structure and receives a reflection spectrum of at least a TSV structure. The computing unit is coupled with the reflectometer and determines the depth of the TSV structure in accordance with the reflection spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yi Sha Ku, Wei Te Hsu
  • Patent number: 8681329
    Abstract: An Echelle spectrometer arrangement (10) with internal order separation contains an Echelle grating (34) and a dispersing element (38) for order separation so that a two-dimensional spectrum having a plurality of separate orders (56) can be generated, an imagine optical system (18, 22, 28, 46), a flat-panel detector (16), and predispersion means (20) for predispersing the radiation into the direction of traverse dispersion of the dispersion element (38). The arrangement is characterized in that the predispersion means (20) comprise a predispersion element which is arranged along the optical path behind the inlet spacing (12) inside the spectrometer arrangement. The imaging optical system is designed in such a manner that the predispersed radiation can be imaged onto an additional image plane (24) which does not have any boundaries in the predispersion direction and which is arranged along the optical path between the predispersion element (20) and the echelle grating (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Leibniz-Institut Fur Analytische Wissenschaften—Isas—E.V.
    Inventors: Helmut Becker-Roβ, Stefan Florek, Michael Okruss
  • Publication number: 20140071449
    Abstract: A multi-channel imaging spectrometer and method of use thereof. One example of the multi-channel imaging spectrometer includes a single entrance slit, a double pass reflective triplet and at least a pair of diffraction gratings. The spectrometer is configured to receive and collimate an input beam from the entrance slit, to split the collimated beam into two spectral sub-bands using a beamsplitter, and to direct each sub-band to one of the pair of diffraction gratings. The diffraction gratings are each configured to disperse the received portion of the collimated beam into its constituent colors, and redirect the dispersed outputs through the reflective triplet to be imaged into an image sensor located at a focal plane aligned with the entrance slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Ian S. Robinson, Eric M. Moskun, Lacy G. Cook
  • Patent number: 8665435
    Abstract: A contact probe includes a stylus and an optical detector configured to detect a posture of the stylus optically. An illumination subject portion is formed on the stylus and has three or more reflection surfaces. The optical detector includes three or more fibers, a light source, a condenser lens group, and a wavelength detector. The wavelength detector calculates posture information of the stylus on the basis of wavelength variations of reflection light beams that are caused by variations of intervals between the condenser lens group and the three or more reflection surfaces, respectively. The contact probe acquires coordinates of a position of the contact to the object to be measured on the basis of posture information obtained by the optical detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Hidaka
  • Patent number: 8654328
    Abstract: Devices and methods for hyperspectral and multispectral imaging are discussed. In particular, Image Mapping Spectrometer systems, methods of use, and methods of manufacture are presented. Generally, an image mapping spectrometer comprises an image mapping field unit, a spectral separation unit, and a selective imager. Image mapping spectrometers may be used in spectral imaging of optical samples. In some embodiments, the image mapping field unit of an image mapping spectrometer may be manufactured with surface shaped diamond tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Tomasz S. Tkaczyk, Robert T. Kester, Liang Gao
  • Patent number: 8649008
    Abstract: Combined spectral and polarimetry imaging and diagnostic techniques are disclosed, including an imaging system that simultaneously records spatially co-registered spectral and polarization information from an image of a target scene such as an ocular structure or material or device in an around the eye. Image acquisition and image calibration by such an imaging system or an imaging spectrometer or polarimeter are also disclosed. Methods of data storage and image display relevant to medical practice in general and ophthalmology practice specifically are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignees: University of Southern California, Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Amir H. Kashani, Mark S. Humayun
  • Patent number: 8649009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spectrometer for analyzing the optical emission of a sample, having an excitation source, an entrance gap and a dispersive element, which fans out the spectrum of the light generated in the excitation source in a plane, and having solid body sensors with one or more lines, which are arranged in the region of the focal curve of the beam path in order to evaluate the spectral information, wherein the sensors are arranged above or below the plane and the spectral emission is deflected onto the sensors by mirrors and focused, wherein the reflecting surface of the mirrors is aspherically formed in a direction of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Spectro Analytical Instruments GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfram Bohle
  • Patent number: 8643841
    Abstract: A method for optically inspecting a specimen by directing a probe beam onto the specimen at varying angle of incidence and azimuth angle, thereby producing a reflected probe beam, gathering the reflected probe beam, separating the reflected probe beam as a function of wavelength, adding astigmatism to separate the reflected probe beam as a function of at least one of the angle of incidence and the azimuth angle, and evaluating the specimen based at least on changes in the reflected probe beam as a function of wavelength of the reflected probe beam and at least one of the angle of incidence and the azimuth angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Rotter, David Y. Wang
  • Publication number: 20140029004
    Abstract: A multiband spatial heterodyne spectrometer for determining spectra in first and second wavelength bands has a beamsplitter configured to split incident light and to direct the incident light upon a first and a second diffraction grating. The gratings are configured for Littrow reflection of incident light of the first wavelength band at a first order and Littrow reflection of incident light of the second wavelength band at a second order. Light reflected by the first and the second diffraction grating forms diffraction patterns imaged by an electronic camera. A dispersive device separates the imaged interference patterns onto separate groups of pixel sensors corresponding to the wavelength bands. A processing device receives information from the detector and computes spectra therefrom. The second diffraction grating is split spatially or temporally to provide two different responses, so the system can disambiguate spectra. In embodiments, the spectrometer computes hyperspectral images of a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Bodkin
  • Patent number: 8625092
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) measures a spectral distribution of a translucent printed product (12) produced with a printing device. The apparatus (10) has an illuminating source (20) for illuminating the printed product (12), an optoelectronic measuring means (32) for measurer the transmittance value of a section of the spectrum of the light (26) transmitted through the printed product (12), an optical disperser (28) for dispersing the wavelengths of the transmitted light (26), and a light entry gap plane that is definitive for the disperser (28). The light entry gap plane that is definitive for the disperser (28) is created by the surface of the printed product (12) to be examined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Theta System Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Christina Tatarczyk, Joachim Tatarczyk
  • Publication number: 20140002820
    Abstract: An optical module of a micro spectrometer with tapered slit and slit structure thereof. The optical module includes an input section and a micro diffraction grating. The input section includes a slit structure, which receives a first optical signal and outputs a second optical signal travelling along a first optical path. The slit structure includes a substrate and a slit, which penetrates through the substrate and has a gradually reduced dimension from a first surface of the substrate to a second surface of the substrate. The micro diffraction grating, disposed on the first optical path, receives the second optical signal and separates the second optical signal into a plurality of spectrum components travelling along a second optical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: OTO PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hao Ko
  • Patent number: 8614791
    Abstract: Provided is a spectroscope that can be manufactured easily, can be reduced in size, and can provide high wavelength resolution of a specific spectral band. Specifically, provided is a spectroscope with a diffraction grating 331 that deflects and separates incident light in different directions depending on to an element of the incident light, at least one optical element 332a, diffusing a light that has passed through this diffraction grating 331 and has entered the optical element 332a, a line sensor 333, which receives the light that has passed through the optical element 332a, thereby only light that has a specific deflection angle within a specific range of wavelengths from among all the light that entered said optical element 332a is selectively expanded and received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Imagineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuji Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20130335738
    Abstract: A system for a fix-positioned camera with an internal diffraction grating for classroom and retail applications that is simple to use and inexpensive, as described in this disclosure. The fix-positioned camera system with an internal diffraction grating having a front cover, a rear cover connected to the front cover, a first glass pressure plate affixed to the front cover, a transmission diffraction grating affixed to the first glass pressure plate, a second glass pressure plate affixed to the transmission diffraction grating, a compression O-ring attached to the second glass pressure plate, and a retention block connected to the compression O-ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Richard Field
  • Publication number: 20130327942
    Abstract: A multi-band imaging spectrometer and method of remote hydrocarbon gas detection using the spectrometer. One example of the multi-band imaging spectrometer includes a front objective optical system, and an optical spectrometer sub-system including a diffraction grating, the optical spectrometer sub-system configured to receive and collimate an input beam from the objective optical system to provide a collimated beam at the diffraction grating, the diffraction grating configured to disperse the collimated beam into at least two spectral bands. The spectrometer also includes a single entrance slit positioned between the objective optical system and the optical spectrometer sub-system and configured to direct the input beam from the objective optical system to the optical spectrometer sub-system, and a single focal plane array optically coupled to the diffraction grating and configured to produce an image from the at least two spectral bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Silny
  • Patent number: 8604412
    Abstract: The present invention provides a highly reliable spectral module. When light L1 proceeding to a spectroscopic unit (4) passes through a light transmitting hole (50) in the spectral module (1) in accordance with the present invention, only the light having passed through a light entrance side unit (51) formed such as to become narrower toward a substrate (2) and entered a light exit side unit (52) formed such as to oppose a bottom face (51b) of the light entrance side unit (51) is emitted from a light exit opening (52a). Therefore, stray light M incident on a side face (51c) or bottom face (51b) of the light entrance side unit (51) is reflected to the side opposite to the light exit side unit (52) and thus is inhibited from entering the light exit side unit (52). Therefore, the reliability of the spectral module (1) can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Katsumi Shibayama, Takashi Kasahara, Anna Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20130321807
    Abstract: A multi-spectral scan camera and methods are presented. Light beams are emitted from a plurality of light sources comprising a plurality of spectral wavelengths respectively. The light beams from the light sources are scanned across a field of view at a plurality of respective angles using a scan mirror, and each of the spectral wavelengths are received at respective detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas Jungwirth
  • Publication number: 20130321808
    Abstract: An optical imaging system (e.g., hyperspectral imaging system) is described herein which includes imaging optics, an uni-axial homogenizer (including a rectangular cross-section light pipe and an astigmatic paraxial optic), and a detector. The uni-axial homogenizer is configured to preserve imaging along one axis while homogenizing (removing all image information) along a second perpendicular axis. In one embodiment, the uni-axial homogenizer is utilized in a spectrograph of a hyperspectral imaging system where the rectangular cross-section light pipe replaces the entrance slit of the spectrograph and the astigmatic paraxial optic is built into the design of the spectrometer's optics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Lovell Elgin Comstock, II, Richard Lynton Wiggins
  • Patent number: 8599377
    Abstract: A detection system comprising detection processing means, spectral discrimination means, and temporal tracking and declaration processing means which cooperate to detect and declare a missile launch. A spatial filter isolates discrete spectral features in an image from a detector array. The discrete spectral features must pass a threshold, which may be adaptive. In a spectral discrimination step, the pixel-to-pixel separation for those pixels passing the spatial filter step is compared to a predetermined pixel spacing. The predetermined pixel spacing is determined from the optical setup and a spectral feature of interest that is contained within the emission from, for example, an ignited rocket motor or other fired projectile. In a temporal step, the pixels that have met the other criteria are tracked as candidate detections, which are declared a threat if they display characteristics of a moving threat, e.g., a MANPADS missile, RPG, mortar or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Lowell Williams, D. Scott Anderson, Erik J. Thoreson
  • Publication number: 20130314704
    Abstract: A miniature spectrometer comprises an input unit, a stray light filtering structure, and a miniature diffraction grating. The input unit receives a first optical signal and a second optical signal. The stray light filtering structure has first and second filter sections to filter out the second optical signal. The first and second filter sections have first and second dentate structures disposed on opposite sides. The first and second dentate structures define an optical channel for the transmission of the first optical signal. The second optical signal enters into the first or the second dentate structure and is filtered out by the first or the second dentate structure. The miniature diffraction grating receives the first optical signal from the stray light filtering structure and separates the first optical signal into a plurality of spectral components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: OTO PHOTONICS INC.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hao Ko
  • Publication number: 20130308128
    Abstract: A miniature spectrometer comprises an input unit, an image capture unit, a miniature diffraction optical grating, an optical grating accommodation slot, a cushion, and an affixing plate. The miniature spectrometer may further comprise a waveguide device, and the optical grating accommodation slot is positioned in a space defined by an opening of the waveguide device. The input unit receives an optical signal which proceeds in the waveguide device. The miniature diffraction optical grating separates the optical signal into numerous spectral components to be projected onto the image capture unit. The cushion is stacked on the miniature diffraction optical grating, with both disposed in the optical grating accommodation slot. The affixing plate is disposed on the waveguide device to apply a compressing force on the cushion to affix the miniature diffraction optical grating in the optical grating accommodation slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: OTO PHOTONICS INC.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hao Ko
  • Publication number: 20130308129
    Abstract: Spectral device includes: diffraction element which disperses light for each wavelength; optical condensing system which condenses diffracted light of specific order generated by diffraction in the diffraction element; photo-detector arranged at position where the diffracted light of the specific order is condensed by the optical condensing system; first deflection device which inverts the direction of travel of second light as zeroth-order diffracted light generated by diffraction of first light which has entered the diffraction element as parallel luminous flux, and leads the second light into the diffraction element; and second deflection device which deflects the diffracted light of the specific order generated by diffraction of the second light which has entered the diffraction element in the same direction as the diffracted light of the specific order generated by the diffraction of the first light, and leads the deflected light into the optical condensing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro YAMAZAKI
  • Patent number: 8570500
    Abstract: Systems and methods for regarding a cytometry system are disclosed. The system can include a plurality lasers which are spatially separated from each other. Each laser can be assigned to a single detector. The single detector can process multiple events from each laser by digital switching of signal processing circuitry. Additional detectors can be assigned to receive light in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Stratedigm, Inc.
    Inventors: Shervin Javadi, Arjuna Karunaratne