System and method for encoded spatio-spectral information processing

Abstract

Encoded spatio-spectral information processing is performed using a system having a radiation source, wavelength dispersion device and two-dimensional switching array, such as digital micro-mirror array (DMA). In one aspect, spectral components from a sample are dispersed in space and modulated separately by the switching array, each element of which may operate according to a predetermined encoding pattern. The encoded spectral components can then be detected and analyzed. In a different aspect, the switching array can be used to provide a controllable radiation source for illuminating a sample with radiation patterns that have predetermined characteristics and separately encoded components. Various applications are disclosed.

1 - 9 . (canceled)  
   
   
       10 . A spectral filter comprising: 
 a mirror array;    a dispersion device for dispersing a range of wavelengths of radiation; and    a controller for controlling said mirror array so that said spectral filter passes or rejects the radiation from any arbitrary combination of elements of said mirror array; and    wherein said mirror array and said dispersion device are disposed so that different bands of said wavelengths of radiation are reflected upon corresponding separate columns or rows of said mirror array.    
   
   
       11 . The spectral filter of  claim 10 , wherein said mirror array is disposed so that different spatial resolution elements are reflected upon corresponding separate rows or columns of said mirror array.  
   
   
       12 . The spectral filter of  claim 11 , wherein said different spatial resolution elements are reflected upon corresponding separate rows if said different bands of said wavelengths are reflected upon corresponding separate columns; and wherein said different spatial resolution elements are reflected upon corresponding separate columns if said different bands of said wavelengths are reflected upon corresponding separate rows.  
   
   
       13 . The spectral filter of  claim 12 , wherein said controller is disposed to control said mirror array so that the array passes or rejects any arbitrary combination of said bands of said wavelengths of radiation and any arbitrary combination of said spatial resolution elements.  
   
   
       14 . A spectral measurement system for measuring compounds of interest comprising the spectral filter of  claim 13  and a detector; and wherein said controller is disposed to control said mirror array so that spectral resolution elements of said mirror array corresponding to said compounds of interest and spatial resolution elements corresponding to said compounds of interest are directed simultaneously to said detector for measurement.  
   
   
       15 . The spectral filter of  claim 10 , wherein said mirror array is a 2D micro-mirror array spatial light modulator.  
   
   
       16 . A spectral filter comprising: 
 a mirror array comprised of a plurality of fixed mirror elements;    a dispersion device for dispersing a range of wavelengths of radiation; and    wherein said mirror array and said dispersion device are disposed so that different bands of said wavelengths of radiation are reflected upon corresponding separate columns or rows of said mirror array so that said spectral filter passes or rejects the radiation from a predetermined combination of elements of said mirror array.    
   
   
       17 . The spectral filter of  claim 16 , wherein the position of at least some of said fixed mirror elements and the absence of mirror elements in at least one other position, influences the wavelengths of light passed by said spectral filter.  
   
   
       18 . A spectrally tunable light source, comprising the spectral filter of  claim 16  and a broadband radiation source; and wherein an input to said spectral filter comprises radiation from said broadband radiation source; and wherein said spectrally tunable light source is operable to pass or reject the radiation form a predetermined combination of elements of said mirror array.  
   
   
       19 . The spectrally tunable light source of  claim 18 , wherein the position of at least some of said fixed mirror elements and the absence of mirror elements in at least one other position, influences the wavelengths of light output by said spectrally tunable light source.  
   
   
       20 . A spectrally tunable light source, comprising: 
 a broadband radiation source;    a mirror array;    a dispersion device dispersing a range of wavelengths of radiation; and    a controller for controlling said mirror array so that the array passes or rejects the radiation from any arbitrary combination of elements of said mirror array; and    wherein said mirror array and said dispersion device are disposed so that different bands of said wavelengths of radiation are reflected upon corresponding separate columns or rows of said mirror array.    
   
   
       21 . The spectrally tunable light source of  claim 20 , wherein said mirror array is disposed so that different spatial resolution elements are reflected upon corresponding separate rows or columns of said array.  
   
   
       22 . The spectrally tunable light source of  claim 21 , wherein said different spatial resolution elements are reflected upon corresponding separate rows if said different bands of said wavelengths are reflected upon corresponding separate columns; and wherein said different spatial resolution elements are reflected upon corresponding separate columns if said different bands of said wavelengths are reflected upon corresponding separate rows.  
   
   
       23 . The spectrally tunable light source of  claim 22 , wherein said controller is disposed to control said mirror array so that the array passes or rejects any arbitrary combination of said bands of said wavelengths of radiation and any arbitrary combination of said spatial resolution elements.  
   
   
       24 . A spectral measurement system for measuring compounds of interest comprising the spectrally tunable light source of  claim 23  and a detector; and 
 wherein said controller is disposed to control said mirror array so that spectral resolution elements of said mirror array corresponding to said compounds of interest and spatial resolution elements corresponding to said compounds of interest are directed simultaneously to said detector for measurement.    
   
   
       25 . The spectrally tunable light source of  claim 20 , wherein said mirror array is a 2D micro-mirror array spatial light modulator.