Polymer Semiconductor Focal Volume Arrays for Advanced Multidimensional Imaging

非技术：消费数码相机使用硅等无机材料形成图像。这些材料是有吸引力的，因为它们耐用、高效且成本低。然而，它们只检测单层中的光。多层结构在改进的色彩再现方面提供了显著的优点，但是成本增加并且图像分辨率降低。在这个项目中，我们将研究新的多层相机，可以提供改进的色彩再现，而不牺牲图像分辨率。多层相机的概念也将被研究，用于捕获超过三种颜色的典型相机（红色，绿色和蓝色）。这将通过使用全息透镜和操纵光通过不同层时的偏振来实现。最后，多层检测器方案将用于改进所谓的“光场”成像，其中可以使单个相机透镜捕获深度信息，从而实现改进的“数字重新聚焦”能力。研究生和本科生研究人员都将参与这项研究。该项目还将促进对当地高中生的外展活动，并将传播在线教程，以鼓励热心的业余爱好者和学生参与。技术：该项目将利用新兴有机光伏探测器提供的独特优势，开发第一个三维（3D）体积成像阵列。这些新的基于探测器的自由度将允许额外的维度，信息可以被调制到该维度上，从而实现更紧凑、更鲁棒和更有能力的光学成像传感器和系统。有机半导体由于其调谐光谱响应、偏振灵敏度和透射率的能力而有利于实现该概念，从而使得能够在透镜系统的焦体积内任意放置检测器。这些新的自由度将用于研究新的探测器功能，光学系统和图像处理算法。本课题的主要目标是：（1）建立二维和三维偏振敏感有机光电探测器（P-OPD）阵列的光学模型;（2）设计和制作二维和三维P-OPD阵列和读出电路的概念验证;（3）建立图像重建和校准算法;（4）利用该模型来使用双折射滤波技术优化光谱和偏振成像阵列;以及（5）结合方法来创建具有液晶层的多层体积3D P-OPD阵列。其优点在于：（1）设计三维体阵列所需的优化策略和算法;（2）使用偏振光实现探测器级光谱灵敏度;（3）建立新的校准算法和图像重建技术;以及（4）量化可以用这些3D阵列实现的复用交换空间，该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Non-Technical:Consumer digital cameras form an image using inorganic materials like silicon. These materials are attractive as they are durable, efficient, and low cost. However, they only detect light in a single layer. Multi-layer structures offer significant advantages in terms of improved color reproduction, but at increased cost and reduced image resolution. In this project, we will investigate new multi-layer cameras that can offer improved color reproduction without sacrificing image resolution. The multi-layer camera concept will also be studied for capturing more than the three colors of a typical camera (red, green, and blue). This will be done by using holographic lenses and by manipulating the polarization of light as it passes through the different layers. Finally, the multi-layer detector scheme will be used to improve so called "light field" imaging, in which a single camera lens can be made to capture depth information, enabling improved "digital refocusing" capabilities. Both graduate and undergraduate student researchers will be involved in this research. The project will also facilitate outreach activities to local high school students and online tutorials will be disseminated to encourage participation from avid hobbyists and students.Technical: This project will develop the first three-dimensional (3D) volumetric imaging array by leveraging the unique advantages offered by emerging organic photovoltaic detectors. These new detector-based degrees of freedom will permit an extra dimension onto which information can be modulated, enabling more compact, robust, and capable optical imaging sensors and systems. Organic semiconductors are advantageous to realize this concept due to their ability to tune spectral response, polarization sensitivity, and transmittance, enabling detector placement arbitrarily within a lens system's focal volume. These new degrees of freedom will be used to investigate new detector capabilities, optical systems, and image processing algorithms. The objectives of this proposal are to: (1) Establish an optical model of both 2D and 3D polarization sensitive organic photodetector (P-OPD) arrays; (2) Design and fabricate proof of concept 2D and 3D P-OPD arrays and readout circuitry; (3) Create algorithms for image reconstruction and calibration; (4) Leverage the model to optimize spectral- and polarimetric- imaging array using birefringent filtering techniques; and (5) Incorporate methods to create multi-layer volumetric 3D P-OPD arrays with liquid crystal layers. Merit is found in (1) The optimization strategies and algorithms needed to design 3D volumetric arrays; (2) Use of polarized light for detector-level spectral sensitivity; (3) Establishing new calibration algorithms and image reconstruction techniques; and (4) Quantifying the multiplexing trade space that can be achieved with these 3D arrays, given conventional and emerging optical devices and lens systems.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.