UB project receives grant to develop more affordable, easier-to-implement full polarization vision system
Most current imaging systems do not take into account the polarization of light, an electromagnetic property that reveals additional information encoded in the light itself and that allows to significantly improve image quality, among other utilities.
Now, researchers at the University of Barcelona (UB), led by Oriol Arteaga, professor at the Faculty of Physics and the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB) of the UB, have developed a system that offers a complete polarization view that is easier to implement than the current ones, with applications in fields such as biomedicine, materials analysis or environmental monitoring. This technology has received a grant from the Department of Research and Universities of the Generalitat de Catalunya to promote its commercialization.
Current commercial polarization cameras detect linear polarization, but do not usually provide full polarization information, i.e., they do not detect circular polarization states. The new POLVISION system is not only able to fully utilize the information contained in polarized light, but does so in a practical and comprehensive manner. That is, unlike existing methods, which rely on complex setups involving multiple components and detectors, the researchers have introduced a much simpler configuration. “This makes the system more accessible and easier to implement, reducing adoption barriers for researchers and practitioners interested in polarization imaging,” explains Dr. Arteaga.
The simplicity and efficiency of the new system facilitate integration with existing commercial technologies, improving the cost-effectiveness of the product. By taking advantage of the color sensitivity inherent in the camera’s sensors, POLVISION can fit seamlessly with current cameras or microscopes without requiring extensive modifications or specialized components. “This compatibility improves the feasibility of adopting the system in various applications and industries where polarization imaging is relevant,” the researcher stresses.
From medical research to the automotive industry
In this sense, the impact of POLVISION is multifaceted, with multiple potential applications spanning different fields, from medical research to materials analysis. For example, in biomedicine, polarization imaging can differentiate between various types of tissue and identify abnormalities such as tumors or fibrotic tissue that may not be visible with conventional imaging methods that rely only on intensity and wavelength information.
Another advantage is that the technique developed by UB researchers can be used to study dynamic processes such as blood flow, tissue perfusion and cellular interactions in real time. “This is especially beneficial for research in areas such as cancer progression, wound healing and the effects of therapeutic interventions,” stresses Dr. Arteaga.
In the field of materials analysis, POLVISION allows the detection of changes in polarization characteristics that occur when materials are subjected to mechanical stresses. This enables real-time mapping of these changes, providing a detailed visualization of stress distributions and identifying areas at risk of failure. “This application is especially valuable in sectors such as civil engineering, aeronautics and the automotive industry, where understanding stress patterns can contribute to the development of more robust and durable structures,” adds the researcher.
Also in the field of environmental monitoring, POLVISION can improve the accuracy of remote sensing data for assessing water quality, pollution levels and autonomous driving.
The project team has already developed a prototype, which serves as a proof of concept, to demonstrate the feasibility and functionality of the system. With the new grant, the goal is to conduct validation tests to ensure accuracy and reliability, work on refining the software to improve its functionality and usability to streamline operation and integration in various environments and industries.
The project, with file number 2024 PROD 00116, has received a grant from AGAUR under the modality “Ayudas Producto para proyectos innovadores con potencial de incorporación al sector productivo” (Product Aid for innovative projects with potential for incorporation into the productive sector).