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Article The Improvement on the Performance of DMD Hadamard Transform Near-Infrared Spectrometer by Double Filter Strategy and a New Hadamard Mask
Zifeng Lu 1,2, Jinghang Zhang 1, Hua Liu 1,2,*, Jialin Xu 3 and Jinhuan Li 1,2
1 Center for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research, and Key Laboratory for UV-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, 5268 Renmin Street, Changchun 130024, China; [email protected] (Z.L.); [email protected] (J.Z.); [email protected] (J.L.) 2 Demonstration Center for Experimental Physics Education, Northeast Normal University, 5268 Renmin Street, Changchun 130024, China 3 Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130033, China; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-180-0443-0180
Received: 7 December 2018; Accepted: 15 February 2019; Published: 23 February 2019
Abstract: In the Hadamard transform (HT) near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer, there are defects that can create a nonuniform distribution of spectral energy, significantly influencing the absorbance of the whole spectrum, generating stray light, and making the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the spectrum inconsistent. To address this issue and improve the performance of the digital micromirror device (DMD) Hadamard transform near-infrared spectrometer, a split waveband scan mode is proposed to mitigate the impact of the stray light, and a new Hadamard mask of variable-width stripes is put forward to improve the SNR of the spectrometer. The results of the simulations and experiments indicate that by the new scan mode and Hadamard mask, the influence of stray light is restrained and reduced. In addition, the SNR of the spectrometer also is increased.
Keywords: spectrometer; infrared; digital micromirror device (DMD); signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); stray light
1. Introduction In the 1970s, the Hadamard transform (HT) was proposed and developed into a relatively mature theory [1]. With the emergence of the mechanical encoding mask, the HT was applied to the near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer. The encoding mask is a key device in spectrometers. However, adopting the mechanical mask, the spectrometer exhibits a complex structure, low resolution, and short life. Compared with the traditional instrument, it possesses no advantage. The development of HT spectrometers is restricted by the encoding mask. Later, the digital micromirror device (DMD) was developed and applied to the HT spectrometer as an encoding mask. Because the HT spectrometer based on the DMD has several advantages such as a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), wider spectral range, and low cost [2,3], DMD-based HT spectrometers have attracted significant research attention. At present, the performance of HT spectrometers has been greatly improved, but they still have defects, such as the grating diffraction of the spectrometer, the two-dimensional grating diffraction of the DMD, and the poor spectral efficiency of the light source; these defects can make the spectral energy distribution uneven. Thus, the influence of stray light on the absorbance of the whole spectrum is varied; the lower the spectral energy is, the greater the influence by stray light is. The low-energy spectral band exhibits a low SNR, nonlinearity, whereas the high-energy spectral
Micromachines 2019, 10, 149; doi:10.3390/mi10020149 www.mdpi.com/journal/micromachines MicromachinesMicromachines 20182019,, 910, x, 149FOR PEER REVIEW 2 2 of of 13 13 low-energy spectral band exhibits a low SNR, nonlinearity, whereas the high-energy spectral band performsband performs well in wellthose in aspects. those aspects.To improve To improvethe energy the of energythe entire of thespectrum, entire Wang spectrum, and colleagues Wang and proposedcolleagues a proposedspectrum-folded a spectrum-folded structure of a structure HT spectr ofometer a HT and spectrometer a special illumination and a special optical illumination device, butoptical the device,structure but of the the structure spectrometer of the was spectrometer complex [4,5]. was complexZhang et [ 4al.,5 ].proposed Zhang et a al. new proposed algorithm a new to realizealgorithm energy to realize compensation energy compensation of the spectrum of and the spectrumanalyzed andthe effect analyzed of the the HT effect on the of thenoise HT without on the consideringnoise without the considering noise distribution the noise [6]. distribution Quan et [6al.]. Quananalyzed et al. the analyzed spectral the distortion spectral distortion in the HT in spectrometerthe HT spectrometer and presented and presented a correction a correction approach approach [7]. However, [7]. However, for forthe the analysis analysis of of stray stray light, light, especiallyespecially thatthat with with a higha high correlation correlation of energy of distribution,energy distribution, their processing their effectprocessing was unsatisfactory. effect was unsatisfactory.Xu et al. analyzed Xu et the al. influence analyzed of the the influence HT on the of noisethe HT before on the and noise after before coding. and They after also coding. proposed They alsoa new proposed encoding a new mask encoding to correct mask the anomalyto correct inthe the anomaly spectra in caused the spectra by optical caused defects by optical [8]. With defects the [8].variation With the in variation the height inof the the heig stripes,ht of the their stripes, new their encoding new encodi maskng exhibited mask exhibited a low utilization a low utilization rate of ratethe DMD.of the DMD. ToTo improve the performance of the DMD HT NIR spectrometer, a new method of the split waveband scanning is proposed in this paper to mitigate the impact of the stray light. It It can can not not only only reducereduce the influenceinfluence ofof stray stray light light on on the the low-energy low-energy spectral spectral bands, bands, but but also also improve improve the linearitythe linearity and andaccuracy accuracy of absorbance of absorbance in the in low-energy the low-energy spectral spectral bands. bands. On the On other the other hand, hand, a new a Hadamardnew Hadamard mask maskof variable of variable width-stripe width-stripe matching matching with each with scanning each scanning area is area presented is presented to improve to improve SNR.Based SNR. onBased the onnew the scanning new scanning method method and coding and coding mask, the mask, simulation the simulation and experimental and experimental results indicate results thatindicate the straythat thelight stray is suppressed light is suppressed and the spectral and the energy spectral distribution energy distribution is more uniform. is more Theuniform. SNR ofThe the SNR spectrum of the spectrumis also improved, is also especiallyimproved, in especially the low-energy in the spectral low-energy band thespectral SNR isband increased the SNR significantly. is increased It is significantly.demonstrated It thatis demonstrated by the proposed that approach,by the proposed the minimum approach, SNR the in minimum the low-energy SNR in spectralthe low-energy band is spectralimproved band by ais factor improved of 7.434 by a greater factor thanof 7.434 that greater of the traditionalthan that of HT the method. traditional HT method.
2. Theory of Hadamard Transform (HT) Spectrometer with Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) 2. Theory of Hadamard Transform (HT) Spectrometer with Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) AA schematic of the spectrometer designed by us is illustrated in Figure 11a.a. TheThe incidentincident lightlight emittedemitted from thethe samplesample poolpool is is dispersed dispersed by by the the grating, grating, and and the the dispersion dispersion spectrum spectrum imaged imaged on theon theDMD DMD plane plane by theby the imaging imaging lens lens is encoded is encoded and and reflected. reflected. Then, Then, the the reflected reflected light light is focused is focused onto onto the thedetector detector by the by convergingthe converging lens. Finally,lens. Finally, the detector the detector signal issignal decoded is decoded and processed and processed by a computer. by a computer.Because DMD Because is programmable, DMD is programmable, multiple scan multiple modes scan are availablemodes are to available the spectrometer to the spectrometer such as the suchcolumn as the scan column mode, scan the Hadamard mode, the scanHadamard mode, andscan other mode, multiplexed and other scanmultiplexed mode. To scan our mode. spectrometer, To our spectrometer,the major scan the mode major is Hadamardscan mode scan. is Hadamard The coding scan. matrix The of coding the Hadamard matrix spectrometerof the Hadamard is an spectrometerS-matrix determined is an S-matrix by quadratic determined residue by quadrati methodc andresidue can method be used and to describecan be used the to patterns describe to the be patternsdisplayed to onbe thedisplayed DMD [ 9on]. Bythe thisDMD approach, [9]. By this the approach, spectrum canthe bespectrum modified. can be modified.
FigureFigure 1. 1. (a()a )Optical Optical system system of of Hadamard Hadamard transform transform (HT) (HT) spectrometer. spectrometer. (b) (Opticalb) Optical structure structure of HT of spectrometer.HT spectrometer.
Based on our theory, the HT NIR spectrometer with a DMD can be realized. The photograph of the spectrometer is shown in Figure1b. The parameters of the spectrometer are listed in Table1. Before the spectrometer is used, the calibration must be performed to get the relationship between
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Table 1. Parameters of the HT near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer.
Components Micromachines 2019, 10, 149 Model/Parameters Technical Indexes Parameters 3 of 13 Light source Tungsten lamp Spectral range 1350–2450 nm the wavelengthSlit and the pixel 50 location µm in the DMD column. Spectral resolution Three lasers ≤ 8 whose nm wavelengths are respectively 1550Grating nm, 1625 nm, 200 and lines/mm 2210 nm are used DMD to calibrate resolution approximately 912 × 1140 the spectrometer, and a Xenon CalibrationDMD Light DLP4500NIR Source of Ocean Optics Sampling is used rate to perform 1 s the accuracy calibration. The detailed calibration process of the spectrometer can be found in reference [10]. DMD mirrors Aluminum micromirror OpticalTable fibers 1. Parameters Infrared quartz of the HT near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer.
ComponentsDetector InGaAs Model/Parameters R = 3mm Technical Indexes Parameters Light source Tungsten lamp Spectral range 1350–2450 nm BasedSlit on our theory, the50 HTµm NIR spectrometer wi Spectralth a DMD resolution can be realized.≤ 8 nm The photograph of the spectrometerGrating is shown in200 Figure lines/mm 1b. The parame DMDters of resolution the spectrometer 912 × are1140 listed in Table 1. Before theDMD spectrometer is used,DLP4500NIR the calibration must Samplingbe performed rate to get 1 the s relationship between the wavelengthDMD mirrorsand the pixelAluminum location micromirrorin the DMD column. - Three lasers - whose wavelengths are Infrared quartz - - respectivelyOptical 1550 fibersnm, 1625 nm, and 2210 nm are used to calibrate approximately the spectrometer, Detector InGaAs R = 3 mm - - and a Xenon Calibration Light Source of Ocean Optics is used to perform the accuracy calibration. The detailed calibration process of the spectrometer can be found in reference [10]. TheThe spectrumspectrum of the the light light source source tested tested by bythe the spec spectrometertrometer designed designed by us by is uspresented is presented in Figure in Figure2. The2 relative. The relative spectral spectral energy energy is high isin highthe range in the of range 1350–2200 of 1350–2200 nm and nmlow andin the low range in the of 2200–2450 range of 2200–2450nm. The spectral nm. The curves spectral tested curves by some tested other by some spectrometers other spectrometers with different with designs different may designs have maysome havedifferences, some differences, but the spectral but the distribution spectral distribution is the same. is the The same. energy The in energy the central in the wavelength central wavelength band of bandthe spectrum of the spectrum is high isand high those and on those the two on the edges two are edges low. are low.
Figure 2. Light source spectrum. Figure 2. Light source spectrum. 3. The Measurement Result Increase in the Low-Energy Spectral-Band Absorbance 3. The Measurement Result Increase in the Low-Energy Spectral-Band Absorbance 3.1. Impact of Stray Light on the Spectral Band with Different Energies 3.1. Impact of Stray Light on the Spectral Band with Different Energies Stray light is an important measurement parameter of the spectrometers. The existence of the stray light resultsStray light in the is significant an important measurement measurement errors parameter [11]. Especially of the to spectrometers. the dispersive spectrometer,The existence it of may the causestray thelight nonlinear results problems in the ofsignificant the instrument. measurement Thus, it iserrors critical [11]. to suppressEspecially the strayto the light. dispersive In this study,spectrometer, the stray it light may originates cause the mainly nonlinear from problems the scattered of the light instrument. and reflected Thus, light it is of critical the spectrometer. to suppress Whenthe stray the detectorlight. In receivesthis study, a certain the stray wavelength light originates signal, it mainly always from mixes the with scattered some stray light light, and whichreflected is notlight part of ofthe the spectrometer. signal. The existence When the of detector stray light receiv willes reduce a certain the measuredwavelength absorbance, signal, it always especially mixes in spectralwith some bands stray with light, strong which absorption is not part [8]. of the signal. The existence of stray light will reduce the measuredThis type absorbance, of stray especially light is very in spectral complex. bands It maywith leadstrong to absorption a test result [8]. with a homogeneous background. The background values can be measured before beginning the spectral test. When the DMD is closed, the signals received by the detector are the background values. By subtracting the background values from the spectral test signals, the influence of a large proportion of stray light can be corrected. Thus, its performance optimization may be less expensive than other spectrum analysis Micromachines 2019, 10, 149 4 of 13 systems. Beyond that, there is still a fraction of stray light remaining in the energy distribution of the spectrum that cannot be corrected by this method. Using the Zemax software, we can build a nonsequence mode of the optical structure of the spectrometer. By this mode, the energy distribution of the slit images can be obtained in different wavelength bands on the surface of the DMD. The irradiance of the slit image at a wavelength of 1600 nm is shown in Figure3. In this Figure, the energy of the slit image is the highest and there exist other stray lights with a lower energy around the slit image, except for the background light. Because of the secondary reflection of the devices in the spectrometer, there are two energy circles around the slit image, which may be related to the energy distribution of the slit. The secondary reflection mainly comes from the front and rear surfaces of the DMD window. In addition, ghosting can be observed under the slit image, which is formed by the window of the DMD. Because the micromirrors of DMD are easily broken, the optical window is a must to protect them from the surroundings and permit the light of a certain wavelength range to transmit. The material of the DMD window is a kind of optical glass (Corning 7056) whose main constituent is SiO2. For visible, near infrared and ultraviolet wavebands, the anti-reflection films covered on the glasses are different. The refractive index of this type of glass is 1.487 at the wavelength of 545 nm, and the cutoff wavelength for transmission is 2.7 µm. Because the transmission of the DMD window in 1700–2500 nm is reduced, the absorption and reflection are strengthened. So, ghosting can’t be avoided in a carefully designed spectrometer because of the characteristics of DMD. The stray lights formed by the secondary reflection have a great influence on the absorbance measurements of the low-energy spectrumMicromachines [7 2018]. , 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 13
Figure 3. Incoherent radiation of slit image.
Therefore,This type of we stray conduct light some is very analyses complex. to determine It may lead the influence to a test ofresult stray with light. a The homogeneous absorption spectrumbackground. of The 95% background ethanol is values respectively can be measuredmeasured before by our beginni spectrometerng the spectral and UV-Visible/NIR test. When the SpectrophotometerDMD is closed, the UH4150signals received produced by bythe Hitachi detector High are the Technologies background Corporation values. By (Tokyo,subtracting Japan), the asbackground shown in Figurevalues 4from. From the Figure spectral4, wetest can signals, see some the influence stronger of absorption a large proportion peaks of theof stray C–H, light C–H can2, andbe corrected. O–H bending Thus, its and performance harmonic vibrationoptimization in ethanol may be alwaysless expensive exist in than the other long-wavelength spectrum analysis band. However,systems. Beyond some peakthat, there values is arestill less a fraction accurate of stray than light the reference remaining and in the some energy weak distribution peaks cannot of the be observed.spectrum that In 2200–2450 cannot be nm, corrected the three by peaksthis me shownthod. byUsing black the line Zemax B move software, about 1–1.5we can nm build in the a directionnonsequence of long mode wave of the and optical two structure peaks at 2280of the and spectrometer. 2297 nm are By notthis observedmode, the comparedenergy distribution with the blueof the line slit A; images In 1400–2200 can be obtained nm, there in is different also a red wavelength shift of 1.3–3 bands nm on at allthe peaks surface except of the at 1693,DMD. 1760, The andirradiance 1937 nm of the compared slit image with at a the wavelength reference spectrum.of 1600 nmIt ismay shown be in caused Figure by 3. the In this inaccurate Figure, calibrationthe energy of the slit spectrometer image is the and highest the lack and of there the data exist points other stray collected lights by with our a spectrometer. lower energyComparing around the theslit measuredimage, except spectrum for the with background the reference light. spectrum, Because itof showsthe secondary some deviations reflection of of absorption the devices intensity in the betweenspectrometer, the test there values are andtwo theenergy reference circles in around whole wavelengththe slit image, band, which and may the differencebe related ofto absorptionthe energy intensitiesdistribution in of 2200–2450 the slit. The nm secondary is greater than reflection that in mainly 1400–2200 comes nm. from An importantthe front and factor rear is surfaces the stray of light. the WeDMD suppose window that. In when addition, testing ghosting the sample can spectrum,be observed the under low-energy the slit waveband image, which might is be formed disturbed by the by window of the DMD. Because the micromirrors of DMD are easily broken, the optical window is a must to protect them from the surroundings and permit the light of a certain wavelength range to transmit. The material of the DMD window is a kind of optical glass (Corning 7056) whose main constituent is SiO2. For visible, near infrared and ultraviolet wavebands, the anti-reflection films covered on the glasses are different. The refractive index of this type of glass is 1.487 at the wavelength of 545 nm, and the cutoff wavelength for transmission is 2.7 µm. Because the transmission of the DMD window in 1700–2500 nm is reduced, the absorption and reflection are strengthened. So, ghosting can’t be avoided in a carefully designed spectrometer because of the characteristics of DMD. The stray lights formed by the secondary reflection have a great influence on the absorbance measurements of the low-energy spectrum [7].
Micromachines 2019, 10, 149 5 of 13 theMicromachines stray light 2018 from, 9, x the FOR high-energy PEER REVIEW waveband, and the high energy waveband will be affected by 5 the of 13 stray light from the low energy waveband. The influence of the test results cannot be ignored.
4 B A
3
2
Absorbance (AU) 1
0 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 wavelength(nm)
Figure 4. Absorbance spectrum of 95% ethanol. The blue line A is the reference spectrum tested by the UV-visible/NIRFigure 4. Absorbance spectrophotometer spectrum of UH4150.95% ethanol. The blackThe blue line Bline is theA is absorbance the reference curve spectrum of the tested tested by by thethe traditional UV-visible/NIR scan method. spectrophotometer UH4150. The black line B is the absorbance curve of the tested by the traditional scan method. Then, we perform simulation analysis to verify this hypothesis. The light source is absorbed by the sample.Therefore, The transmission we conduct spectrum some isanalyses received to by determin the detector,e the andinfluence the energy of stray of the light. spectrum The absorption contains twospectrum parts. Oneof is95% from ethanol the transmission is respectively light (Tmeasλ) andured the otherby our is strayspectrometer light (Sλ). and The absorbanceUV-Visible/NIR of a certainSpectrophotometer wavelength of UH4150 the spectrum produced can beby calculatedHitachi Hi bygh theTechnologies following equations:Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), as shown in Figure 4. From Figure 4, we can see some stronger absorption peaks of the C–H, C–H2, and I O–H bending and harmonic vibration inA ethanol= lg alwaλ ys exist, in the long-wavelength band. However, (1) some peak values are less accurate than the referenceTλ + S andλ some weak peaks cannot be observed. In 2200–2450 nm, the three peaks shown by black line B move about 1–1.5 nm in the direction of long Sλ = ∑ kmTλm, (2) wave and two peaks at 2280 and 2297 nm are notm observed compared with the blue line A; In 1400– 2200 nm, there is also a red shift of 1.3–3 nm at all peaks except at 1693, 1760, and 1937 nm compared where I is the spectral intensity at wavelength λ and S denotes the total stray light intensity of the with theλ reference spectrum. It may be caused by the inaccurateλ calibration of the spectrometer and high-energy wavelength band (or low-energy wavelength band). T m is the corresponding intensity the lack of the data points collected by our spectrometer. Comparingλ the measured spectrum with of the sampling points of the transmission light and m is the spectral sampling number. km is the the reference spectrum, it shows some deviations of absorption intensity between the test values and proportion coefficient between the stray light intensity and spectral intensity at a given wavelength. the reference in whole wavelength band, and the difference of absorption intensities in 2200–2450 nm Because each proportion coefficient km is different and complex, we perform simulation experiments is greater than that in 1400–2200 nm. An important factor is the stray light. We suppose that when under the ideal condition, which state that in the same spectral band, the proportion coefficient km of testing the sample spectrum, the low-energy waveband might be disturbed by the stray light from the stray light intensity of each sampling point is replaced by the same coefficient k (k = 0.01, 0.001, the high-energy waveband, and the high energy waveband will be affected by the stray light from 0.0001). To simplify the analysis process, the spectrum is divided into two parts: the high-energy the low energy waveband. The influence of the test results cannot be ignored. wavelength band (1350–2200 nm) and low-energy wavelength band (2200–2450 nm). By this analysis, Then, we perform simulation analysis to verify this hypothesis. The light source is absorbed by we suppose that the stray lights produced by the high-energy wavelength band and low-energy the sample. The transmission spectrum is received by the detector, and the energy of the spectrum wavelength band have different impacts on each other. contains two parts. One is from the transmission light (𝑇 ) and the other is stray light (𝑆 ). The First, we analyze the influence of stray light on the low-energy wavelength band. According to absorbance of a certain wavelength of the spectrum can be calculated by the following equations: the spectrum presented in Figure2, the range of spectral intensity (Iλ) is between 10,000 and 40,000. Assume that the absorbance value of low-energyA=lg wavelengthλ , band is fixed, and set it to be 1. Then the(1) λ intensity of transmission light at a given wavelength: Tλ = 0.1Iλ. In the high-energy wavelength ∑ band, the range of Tλ is between 40,000 and 𝑆 80,000.= 𝑘 By 𝑇 solving, Equations (1) and (2), the curve(2) of the intensity effect on the absorbance obtained by the simulation is shown in Figure5. The purple Where 𝐼 is the spectral intensity at wavelength λ and 𝑆 denotes the total stray light intensity of line is the real absorbance. We can see that the lower the transmission light intensity is, the greater the high-energy wavelength band (or low-energy wavelength band). 𝑇 is the corresponding the influence of stray light from the high-energy wavelength band is. The tested values deviate from intensity of the sampling points of the transmission light and m is the spectral sampling number. 𝑘 theis realthe proportion value. Next, coefficient we analyse between the influence the stray of straylight lightintensity on the and high-energy spectral intensity wavelength at a band.given The range of spectral intensities (I ) is between 40,000 and 80,000. Assume that the absorbance value wavelength. Because each proportionλ coefficient 𝑘 is different and complex, we perform ofsimulation high-energy experiments wavelength under band isthe fixed, ideal and condition, set it to bewhich 0.155. state Then that the in intensity the same of transmissionspectral band, light the at a given wavelength: T = 0.7I . In the low-energy wavelength band, the range of T is between proportion coefficient 𝑘λ of theλ stray light intensity of each sampling point is replacedλ by the same coefficient k (k = 0.01, 0.001, 0.0001). To simplify the analysis process, the spectrum is divided into two parts: the high-energy wavelength band (1350–2200 nm) and low-energy wavelength band (2200–
Micromachines 2018, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 13
2450 nm). By this analysis, we suppose that the stray lights produced by the high-energy wavelength band and low-energy wavelength band have different impacts on each other. MicromachinesFirst, we analyze2018, 9, x FOR the PEER influence REVIEW of stray light on the low-energy wavelength band. According 6 of 13 to the spectrum presented in Figure 2, the range of spectral intensity (𝐼 ) is between 10,000 and 40,000. 2450 nm). By this analysis, we suppose that the stray lights produced by the high-energy wavelength Assume that the absorbance value of low-energy wavelength band is fixed, and set it to be 1. Then band and low-energy wavelength band have different impacts on each other. the intensity of transmission light at a given wavelength: 𝑇 =0.1𝐼. In the high-energy wavelength First, we analyze the influence of stray light on the low-energy wavelength band. According to band, the range of 𝑇 is between 40,000 and 80,000. By solving Equations (1) and (2), the curve of the the spectrum presented in Figure 2, the range of spectral intensity (𝐼 ) is between 10,000 and 40,000. intensityAssume effect that on the the absorbance absorbance value obtained of low-energy by the wavesimulationlength bandis shown is fixed, in Figure and set 5. it The to be purple 1. Then line is the thereal intensity absorbance. of transmission We can seelight that at a thegiven lower wavelength: the transmission 𝑇 =0.1𝐼 . lightIn the intensityhigh-energy is, wavelengththe greater the influenceband, theof strayrange light of 𝑇 from is between the high-energy 40,000 and 80,000. wavele Byngth solving band Equations is. The tested (1) and values (2), the deviate curve of from the the realintensity value. Next, effect weon the analyse absorbance the influence obtained byof thestray simulation light on isthe shown high-energy in Figure 5.wavelength The purple band.line is The rangethe of real spectral absorbance. intensities We can (𝐼 )see is betweenthat the lower 40,000 th eand transmission 80,000. Assume light intensity that the is, absorbance the greater valuethe of high-energyinfluence ofwavelength stray light fromband the is fixed,high-energy and set wavele it to ngthbe 0.155. band Then is. The the tested intensity values of deviate transmission from the light real value. Next, we analyse the influence of stray light on the high-energy wavelength band. The at a given wavelength: 𝑇 =0.7𝐼 . In the low-energy wavelength band, the range of 𝑇 is between 𝐼 10,000range and of 40,000. spectral The intensities curve of ( the) is intensitybetween 40,000 that affects and 80,000. the absorbance Assume that obtained the absorbance by the simulation value of is high-energy wavelength band is fixed, and set it to be 0.155. Then the intensity of transmission light shown in Figure 6. From the magnified plot in the inset, the stray light has a small influence on the at a given wavelength: 𝑇 =0.7𝐼. In the low-energy wavelength band, the range of 𝑇 is between high-energy wavelength band. Then, we must address the problem that the low-energy wavelength 10,000 and 40,000. The curve of the intensity that affects the absorbance obtained by the simulation is bandshown with in the Figure strong 6. From absorption the magnified is influenced plot in themo inset,re easily the strayby the light stray has lighta small than influence the high-energy on the wavelength band. high-energyMicromachines wavelength2019, 10, 149 band. Then, we must address the problem that the low-energy wavelength6 of 13 bandThe withsimulation the strong indicates absorption that theis influenced stray light mo hares aeasily great by influence the stray on light the than low-energy the high-energy wavelength band.wavelength In the actual band. measurement, the experimental conditions are more complicated. The intensity of 10,000 and 40,000. The curve of the intensity that affects the absorbance obtained by the simulation is The simulation indicates that the stray light has a great influence on the low-energy wavelength stray lightshown produced in Figure 6by. From each the sampling magnified point plot in has the inset,a different the stray contribution light has a small to influence the transmission on the light intensity.band.high-energy In the actual wavelength measurement, band. Then, the experimental we must address conditions the problem are more that the complicated. low-energy wavelengthThe intensity of strayband light with produced the strong by absorptioneach sampling is influenced point has more a different easily by thecontribution stray light to than the the transmission high-energy light intensity.wavelength band.
Figure 5. Influence of stray light on the low-energy wavelength band. FigureFigure 5. 5.InfluenceInfluence of of stray stray light light on thethe low-energy low-energy wavelength wavelength band. band.
Figure 6. Influence of stray light on the high-energy wavelength Band. FigureFigure 6. Influence 6. Influence of of stray stray light light onon the the high-energy high-energy wavelength wavelength Band. Band.
The simulation indicates that the stray light has a great influence on the low-energy wavelength band. In the actual measurement, the experimental conditions are more complicated. The intensity of stray light produced by each sampling point has a different contribution to the transmission light intensity.
3.2. Suppression of Stray Light by the Split Waveband Scan Method According to the analysis results, we propose a split waveband scan method. It is similar to the method of decreasing the stray light radiation. We select a filter and place it between the light source and slit. When we choose the high-pass filter, the signals only appear at the short waveband, and at the long waveband, if some signals appear at the same time, it should be the stray light produced by the short waveband. Whereas, if we select the low-pass filter, the result will be reversed. Thus, we can obtain the entire spectrum by combining the parts of two test results which have no stray light. Micromachines 2018, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 13
3.2. Suppression of Stray Light by the Split Waveband Scan Method According to the analysis results, we propose a split waveband scan method. It is similar to the method of decreasing the stray light radiation. We select a filter and place it between the light source and slit. When we choose the high-pass filter, the signals only appear at the short waveband, and at the long waveband, if some signals appear at the same time, it should be the stray light produced by the short waveband. Whereas, if we select the low-pass filter, the result will be reversed. Thus, we canMicromachines obtain the2019 entire, 10, 149 spectrum by combining the parts of two test results which have no 7stray of 13 light. This method can realize the suppression of the stray light. The switching of the filter is realized in front of DMD window by the rotor controlled by the electric system. This method can realize the suppression of the stray light. The switching of the filter is realized in front ofThe DMD absorbance window by curve the rotor of the controlled 95% ethanol by the solution electric system. is shown in Figure 7. As the requirements, our team makeThe absorbancetwo types curveof filters. of the One 95% is ethanol short-wave solution pass is shownfilter whose in Figure cutoff7. As wavelength the requirements, is 2210 nm, andour the team transmission make two typesis higher of filters. than One 95% is in short-wave 1350–2200 pass nm. filter When whose the cutoff wavelength wavelength is greater is 2210 than nm, 2210 nm,and the the transmission transmission will is higher be 0.01%. than The 95% other in 1350–2200 is a long-wave nm. When pass the filter wavelength whose cutoff is greater wavelength than is 21902210 nm, nm, and the the transmission transmission will beis higher 0.01%. Thethan other 95% is in a 2200–2500 long-wave passnm. filterWhen whose the wavelength cutoff wavelength is less than 2190is 2190nm, nm,the transmission and the transmission will be is0.01%.The higher than first 95% filter in 2200–2500 allows high-relative-power nm. When the wavelength waveband is less (1350– 2200than nm) 2190 to pass. nm, the The transmission other one allows will be 0.01%.Thelow relative-power first filter allowswaveband high-relative-power (2200–2450 nm) waveband to pass. When putting(1350–2200 the filters nm) tointo pass. the The spectrometer, other one allows the scan low relative-power waveband has waveband been divided (2200–2450 into two nm) toparts: pass. a high relative-powerWhen putting waveband the filters into and the a low spectrometer, relative-power the scan waveband. waveband At has the been high divided power into waveband, two parts: there a high relative-power waveband and a low relative-power waveband. At the high power waveband, is a noticeable difference between the two curves. This is caused by the decrease of the stray light there is a noticeable difference between the two curves. This is caused by the decrease of the stray light which originates from the low power band. At the low power waveband, the absorbance value tested which originates from the low power band. At the low power waveband, the absorbance value tested by bythe the new new method method is is greater than than that that of theof the traditional traditional method. method. This indicates This indicates that the that method the of method the of thesplit split waveband waveband scan scan can can suppress suppress parts parts of the of the impact impact of the of straythe stray light light and makeand make the measurement the measurement resultresult of ofthe the absorbance absorbance increase. increase.
FigureFigure 7. 7.AbsorbanceAbsorbance spectrum spectrum of 95%95% ethanol. ethanol. The The blue blue line line A isA the is the absorbance absorbance curve curve of the of test the by test by thethe traditional traditional scan scan method. method. The redred line line B B is is the the absorbance absorbance curve curve of the of testthe bytest the by new the scannew method. scan method. 4. SNR Improvement of Low Relative-Power Waveband by a New Hadamard Mask 4. SNR Improvement of Low Relative-Power Waveband by a New Hadamard Mask The NIR analysis technique is based on the small change detection in a strong background signal. TheThe level NIR of analysis the SNR willtechnique have an is impact based on on the the accuracy small change of the analysis detection results, in a whichstrong is background an important signal. Theindicator level of [ 8the]. In SNR part will 3, we have have an already impact provided on the aaccuracy new scan of method the analysis to suppress results, parts which of the strayis an lightimportant indicatorimpact, [8]. but In it can’tpart improve3, we have the SNRalready of the provided low-relative-power a new scan waveband. method to Thus, suppress a new parts Hadamard of the stray lightmask impact, of variable-width but it can’t stripes improve is put forwardthe SNR to addressof the low-relative-power the issue. waveband. Thus, a new Hadamard4.1. Impact mask on SNR of ofvariable-width Different Spectral stripes Energies is put forward to address the issue.
4.1. ImpactThe on noise SNR source of Different of the spectrometer Spectral Energies includes the noise from the detector circuit and light source, which determines the SNR of the HT spectrometer [6,12–15]. Assume that n is the order of Hadamard q The noise source of the spectrometer includes the noise from the detector circuit2n and light source, matrix. The root mean square (RMS) of the illumination noise after the HT will be n+1 times higher which determines the SNR of the HT spectrometer [6,12–15]. Assume that√ n is the order of Hadamard than the original [16]. That of the detector signal noise after the HT will be 2 n times higher than the √ n+1 matrix. The root mean square (RMS) of the illuminationn noise after the HT will be times higher original [15]. Further, the SNR gain becomes 2 [16]. In [8], Xu et al. concluded that if we want to give priority to select the HT scan mode, some conditions should be satisfied. When the order n is sufficiently large so that the detector noise is equal to the illumination noise, the total noise after the
HT will be lower than that after the column scan. Then, the HT scan mode will be correct. Micromachines 2018, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 13