Interferometric Imaging System Using a Digital Focal Plane Array

Interferometric techniques have become essential in several scientific and industrial fields, including astronomy, materials science, optical engineering, and biomedical imaging, where precise measurement of light interference patterns is critical. The ability to capture subtle variations in phase and amplitude enables advanced imaging, metrology, diagnostic, and research applications. In bioengineering and medical diagnostics, these capabilities are particularly valuable for visualizing subsurface biological tissues at subcellular resolution. Traditional methods of achieving such high-resolution imaging—such as ex vivo tissue biopsies—are invasive, time-consuming, and can alter the tissue environment. There is a pressing need for systems that can capture high-fidelity, real-time images in vivo without compromising sample integrity. Technologies such as full-field optical coherence microscopy (FFOCM) benefit from increased sensitivity, faster imaging speeds, and enhanced imaging depth when combined with advanced focal plane array detectors. Current approaches to obtaining interferometric data face challenges such as limited dynamic range, high noise levels, and insufficient temporal resolution. Many conventional optical detectors struggle to accurately count minute quantities of photoelectron events, degrading signal integrity and potentially leading to erroneous measurements. Additionally, balancing pixel-level accuracy with overall detector performance often involves compromises that reduce data reliability. These issues hinder progress in applications in which precise interferometric measurements are paramount, especially in biomedical contexts where dynamic cellular processes need to be monitored in real time. New technologies that address these limitations—such as digital focal plane arrays with in-pixel photoelectron counting—are therefore critical to advancing both clinical and research capabilities in life sciences.

Technology Description

This technology features an optical detector that captures interferometric data with high precision. It incorporates at least one pixel that is equipped with a dedicated counter designed to tally photoelectrons. This integration allows for precise quantification of light at the pixel level, ensuring that the raw optical signals are accurately recorded and analyzed. The system is engineered to efficiently process incoming interferometric information, making it suitable for applications that demand high sensitivity and reliable signal capture, even under low light conditions.What differentiates this approach is its ability to directly count photoelectrons within each pixel, a method that enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and overall accuracy of the data acquired. By embedding a counter into every pixel, the technology leverages a granular measurement strategy that minimizes errors typically encountered in aggregate data processing. This approach results in more precise and detailed interferometric measurements, setting the technology apart from conventional optical detectors and offering significant improvements in both performance and efficiency.