Mueller matrix microscope
Key features
- High sensitivity and repeatability in distinguishing specific, low-level Mueller matrix elements.
- Simultaneous measurement of 12 Mueller matrix elements within a rapid timeframe of less than 3 seconds.
- Real-time measurement capabilities operating at video-rate speed, specifically capturing 2 Mueller matrix elements for linear birefringence assessments, covering both magnitude and orientation.
Reference
UBTT0504
Contact
Dr. Sancho Moro
Email: smoro@fbg.ub.edu
Mueller matrix microscope
The challenge
Currently, polarization information is useful in microscopy applications to obtain quantitative measurements and details from the studied samples. This data is generally acquired by using polarization cameras with sensor-integrated polarizing filters. However, the available systems in the state-of-the-art can have issues obtaining this information in dynamic environments, being unable to read data at high speeds.
To solve this issue, researchers from the Universidad de Barcelona have developed a Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter which uses a polarization camera as a detector. The system is based on commercial elements and is supported by proprietary algorithms that allow to perform the polarimetric analysis with faster acquisition times, while allowing to perform real time birefringence imaging of transparent samples.
System description
The instrument setup comprises a high-contrast linear polarizing film and an achromatic compensator to generate the polarization state between the light source and the sample. A rotation mount is installed to control the angle of a second retarder film. Additionally, the use of a polarization camera reduces the number of optical elements installed in the system, ensuring the quality of the obtained images.
The hardware is complemented with software packages that have specific data analysis features for the polarization parameters.
Represented Institution and inventors
The researchers behind the innovation belong to the Polarized Light Applications & Technologies (PLAT) research group from the Department of Applied Physics of Universitat de Barcelona. The principal researcher behind this technology is Oriol Arteaga Barriel, expert in polarization of light and optical characterization of materials.
Objective of the collaboration
The represented institution is seeking a collaboration that paves the way for the commercial exploitation of the presented invention. The institution’s preferred scenario involves reaching an agreement for technology transfer through either sale or licensing (exclusive or non-exclusive) and collaborating in the development of the technology for practical applications. However, the specific form, terms, and conditions of this collaboration can be openly discussed if the presented technology is of interest.
Stage of development
The current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the invention is TRL 4-5 since it has been already tested in the laboratory to perform live birefringence measurements in different types of samples.