Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to an electromagnetic wave detection apparatus and an information acquisition system.

Devices such as a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) that include an element for changing a progression direction of electromagnetic waves incident on each pixel are known. For example, an apparatus that forms a primary image of an object on a surface of a DMD and then forms a secondary image of the primary image formed on the surface of the DMD on a surface of a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) via a lens is known (see PTL <NUM> set forth below).

<CIT> Al discloses an arrangement for reading out the fluorescent radiation of specimen carriers with a plurality of individual specimens which for purposes of exciting fluorescent radiation in selected individual specimens comprises: a switchable electro-optical matrix for generating illumination which is limited in a spatially defined manner; an optical system for imaging the electro-optical matrix on the specimen carrier, wherein exchangeable excitation filters are arranged in the beam path in front of the specimen carrier for optimal excitation of fluorescence; and a high-sensitivity photoreceiver for integral measurement of the fluorescent radiation of the excited individual specimens of the specimen carrier; said electro-optical matrix being arranged in the object plane of the optical system and said specimen carrier being arranged in the image plane; said electro-optical matrix and the specimen carrier being inclined relative to the optical axis of the optical system and are subject to a Scheimpflug condition, so that the object plane and object-side principal plane and the image plane and image-side principal plane of the optical system have two section lines lying in the same plane parallel to the optical axis; and the angles of inclination of the electro-optical matrix and of the specimen carrier being selected such that the excitation radiation coming from the light source unit and reflected by the electro-optical matrix and imaged on the specimen carrier by the optical system is reflected at the specimen carrier in such a way that essentially no excitation radiation reaches the detection beam path.

<CIT>discloses a confocal optical imaging system comprising: light source means; detector means with at least one two-dimensional detector camera; and spatial light modulator means with a first and a second group of modulator elements, wherein the first group of modulator elements is adapted to illuminate an object to be investigated according to a predetermined pattern sequence of illumination spots focused to conjugate locations of the object, wherein detection light from the conjugate locations forms a first image at the detector means, and wherein the second group of elements is adapted to collect light at non-conjugate locations of the object wherein detection light from the non-conjugate locations forms a second image at the detector means.

The present invention provides an electromagnetic wave detection apparatus according to claim <NUM>, and an information acquisition system according to claim <NUM>. Further embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

It is advantageous to homogenize the intensity of electromagnetic waves of a secondary image while downsizing an entire apparatus. The present disclosure relates to homogenization of the intensity of electromagnetic waves of a secondary image without enlarging an apparatus. The intensity of electromagnetic waves of a secondary image may be homogenized. Hereinafter, embodiments of an electromagnetic wave detection apparatus that apply the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. An electromagnetic wave detection apparatus includes a primary image forming optical system configured to form an image of electromagnetic waves incident thereon, a progression unit configured to direct electromagnetic waves having propagated from the primary image forming optical system and being incident on a reference surface in a direction different from an incident direction using each pixel, a secondary image forming optical system configured to cause a detector to form an image of electromagnetic waves formed on the reference surface by the progression unit, and the detector. The electromagnetic wave detection apparatus can cause the detector to detect electromagnetic waves of the secondary image. Unlike a relay lens, however, the progression unit does not refract electronic waves incident thereon. Thus, an image of electromagnetic waves formed on the reference surface progresses in a progression direction while spreading. Accordingly, in order to cause the electromagnetic waves incident on the progression unit to be incident on the secondary image forming optical system without leakage, it is necessary to adopt a large secondary image forming optical system <NUM>' as illustrated in <FIG>, which hinders downsizing of the entire apparatus. Further, in a configuration that applies a DMD as the progression unit, the large secondary image forming optical system <NUM>' may interfere with a primary image forming optical system <NUM>' and complicate actual manufacture. This is due to a relatively small switching angle of the DMD, whereby an angle formed by a direction of electromagnetic waves that are progressed to the DMD from the primary image forming optical system <NUM>' and a direction of electromagnetic waves that are progressed by the DMD is also small. As illustrated in <FIG>, meanwhile, by reducing a length of a back flange of a primary image forming optical system <NUM>" and downsizing a secondary image forming optical system <NUM>", downsizing of an apparatus may be realized while avoiding interference between the primary image forming optical system <NUM>" and the secondary image forming optical system <NUM>". However, vignetting can occur to electromagnetic waves reflected by some pixels, and a secondary image may have uneven intensity. As such, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus applying the present disclosure can suppress the spread of electromagnetic waves advancing in the progression direction from the reference surface and reduce the probability of the occurrence of vignetting caused by some pixels, without adopting a large secondary image forming optical system.

An information acquisition system <NUM> that includes an electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, an irradiator <NUM>, a reflector <NUM>, and a control apparatus <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In subsequent drawings, a broken line connecting functional blocks indicates a flow of a control signal or communicated information. Communication represented by a broken line may be wired communication or wireless communication. A solid line projecting from each functional block indicates a beam of electromagnetic waves.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus <NUM> includes a first aperture <NUM>, a first image forming unit <NUM>, a separator <NUM>, a progression unit <NUM>, a second image forming unit <NUM>, a first detector <NUM>, a third image forming unit <NUM>, a second detector <NUM>, and a third detector <NUM>.

The first aperture <NUM> defines, for example, an aperture and allows a portion of electromagnetics wave incident on the aperture to pass therethrough. The first aperture <NUM> may be, for example, an aperture stop and may function as a diaphragm for the first image forming unit <NUM> configured to adjust an amount of electromagnetic waves to pass therethrough.

The first aperture <NUM> is arranged at a location in the vicinity of a front focal point of the first image forming unit <NUM>. The "location in the vicinity of the front focal point" is a location of the aperture where an angle formed by a principal ray of each angle of view on an image side of the first image forming unit <NUM> and a principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. In other words, the "location in the vicinity of the front focal point" is a location of the aperture where an angle formed by a principal ray of a largest angle of view on the image side of the first image forming unit <NUM> and the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value. The predetermined value may be, for example, <NUM>°. Further, the first aperture <NUM> may be arranged at the front focal point of the first image forming unit <NUM>, and constitutes an image side telecentric optical system, together with the first image forming unit <NUM>. When progression axes of angles of view of electromagnetic waves having passed through the first image forming unit <NUM> are approximately parallel to one another as illustrated in <FIG>, the first aperture <NUM> does not need to constitute the image side telecentric optical system, together with the first image forming unit <NUM>.

The first image forming unit <NUM> forms an image of incident electromagnetic waves from the first aperture <NUM>. The first image forming unit <NUM> is arranged in such a manner that an angle formed by a progression axis of electromagnetic waves with each angle of view having passed through the first image forming unit <NUM> and a principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value mentioned above. The first image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged such that the progression axis and the principal axis are parallel to each other. For example, the first image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged such that the progression axis of incident electromagnetic waves with each angle of view sequentially pass through a center of an image forming part on a preceding stage and then an image forming part on a subsequent stage, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The first image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged at a location opposing an aperture ap formed in a housing of the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> in such a manner that an axis of the aperture ap and the principal axis are parallel to each other. Note that, in a configuration in which the aperture ap is defined by a cylinder such as a barrel, the axis of the aperture ap is an axis of the cylinder. In a configuration in which the aperture ap is formed by the housing itself, the axis of the aperture ap is a line that passes through the center of the aperture ap and is perpendicular to a wall surface of the housing surrounding the aperture ap. Although the aperture ap is different from the opening defined by the first aperture <NUM>, the aperture ap may be the opening defined by the first aperture <NUM>.

The first image forming unit <NUM> includes, for example, at least one of a lens and a mirror. The first image forming unit <NUM> forms an image of incident electromagnetic waves that have passed through the first aperture <NUM> from an object ob serving as a subject. The fist image forming unit <NUM> may be a retrofocus lens system.

The separator <NUM> is arranged between the first image forming unit <NUM> and a primary image forming location where an image of the object ob is formed by the first image forming unit <NUM>. The separator <NUM> separates incident electromagnetic waves from the first image forming unit <NUM> into electromagnetic waves that progress in a progression unit direction da towards the progression unit <NUM> and electromagnetic waves that progress in a third progression direction d3 towards the third detector <NUM>. The separator <NUM> may separate electromagnetic waves such that incident electromagnetic waves of a first frequency progress in the progression unit direction da and incident electromagnetic waves of a second frequency progress in the third direction d3.

The separator <NUM> separates incident electromagnetic waves into electromagnetic waves that progress in the third direction d3 and electromagnetic waves that progress in the progression direction, by employing at least one of reflection, separation, and refraction. The separator <NUM> reflects some of incident electromagnetic waves in the third direction d3 and transmits other incident electromagnetic waves in the progression unit direction d3, by way of example. For example, the separator <NUM> may transmit some of incident electromagnetic waves in the third direction d3 and reflect other incident electromagnetic waves in the progression unit direction da. For example, the separator <NUM> may refract some of incident electromagnetic waves in the third direction d3 and transmit other incident electromagnetic waves in the progression unit direction da. For example, the separator <NUM> may transmit some of incident electromagnetic waves in the third direction d3 and refract other incident electromagnetic waves in the progression unit direction da. For example, the separator <NUM> may refract some of incident electromagnetic waves in the third direction d3 and refract other incident electromagnetic waves in the progression unit direction da.

The separator <NUM> may include at least one of, for example, a half mirror, a beam splitter, a dichroic mirror, a cold mirror, a hot mirror, a meta surface, a deflecting element, and a prism.

The progression unit <NUM> is arranged on a path of electromagnetic waves progressing in the progression unit direction da from the separator <NUM>. Further, the progression unit <NUM> is arranged at or in the vicinity of the primary image forming location of the object ob in the progression unit direction da by the first image forming unit <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, the progression unit <NUM> is arranged at the primary image forming location. The progression unit <NUM> has a reference surface ss on which electromagnetic waves having passed through the first image forming unit <NUM> and the separator <NUM> are to be incident. The reference surface ss is composed of a plurality of pixels px arranged in a two-dimensional manner. The reference surface ss is a surface that causes effects such as, for example, reflection and transmission of an electromagnetic wave in at least one of a first state and a second state, which will be described later. The reference surface ss may be perpendicular to a central axis of electromagnetic waves that progress in the progression unit direction da from the separator <NUM>.

The progression unit <NUM> can switch each of the pixels px between the first state in which electromagnetic waves incident on the reference surface ss are caused to progress in a first direction d1 and the second state in which electromagnetic waves incident on the reference surface ss are caused to progress in a second direction d2. The first state is a first reflection state in which electromagnetic waves incident on the reference surface ss are reflected in the first direction d1. The second state is a second reflection state in which electromagnetic waves incident on the reference surface ss are reflected in the second direction d2.

The progression unit <NUM> includes, in particular, a reflection surface for each of the pixels px to reflect electromagnetic waves. The progression unit <NUM> switches between the first reflection state and the second reflection state by changing an orientation of the reflection surface for each of the pixels px.

The progression unit <NUM> includes, for example, a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device). The DMD can drive minute reflection surfaces constituting the reference surface ss such that the reflection surface for each of the pixels px is inclined at +<NUM>° or -<NUM>° with respect to the reference surface ss. The reference surface ss is parallel to a plate surface of the substrate having the minute reflection surfaces mounted thereon.

The progression unit <NUM> switches each of the pixels px between the first state and the second state, based on control by the control apparatus <NUM>, as will be described later. For example, the progression unit <NUM> can simultaneously switch some of the pixels px to the first state such that electromagnetic waves incident thereon are caused to progress in the first direction d1 and switch other pixels px to the second state such that electromagnetic waves incident thereon are caused to progress in the second direction d2.

The second image forming unit <NUM> is arranged in the first direction d1 from the progression unit <NUM>. The second image forming unit <NUM> includes, for example, at least one of a lens and a mirror. The second image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged such that a principal plane thereof is inclined with respect to the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>. Also, the second image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged such that the principal axis thereof passes through a region of the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>. Further, the second image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged such that the principal axis thereof passes through a center of the reference surface ss, i.e., a central pixel px. The second image forming unit <NUM> forms an image of the object ob from electronic waves for which the progression direction is switched by the progression unit <NUM>.

The first detector <NUM> is arranged on a path of electromagnetic waves progressing from the second image forming unit <NUM> after progressing in the first direction d1 by virtue of the progression unit <NUM>. The first detector <NUM> is arranged at or in the vicinity of a secondary image forming location where an image of electromagnetic waves formed on the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM> is formed by the second image forming unit <NUM>. The first detector <NUM> may be arranged such that a detection surface thereof is inclined with respect to the reference surface ss, that is, such that an extension surface of the detection surface and an extension surface of the reference surface ss intersect each other. The first detector <NUM> may be arranged to incline with respect to a principal plane of the second image forming unit <NUM>. The first detector <NUM> may be arranged such that a principal axis of the second image forming unit <NUM> passes through a range of the detection surface of the first detector <NUM>. Further, the first detector <NUM> may be arranged such that the principal axis of the second image forming unit <NUM> pass through a center of the detection surface of the first detector <NUM>.

The first detector <NUM> may be arranged such that an extension surface of its detection surface intersects an extension surface of the reference surface ss and an extension surface of the principal plane of the second image forming unit <NUM> on a single straight line. Accordingly, the reference surface ss, the principal plane of the second image forming unit <NUM>, and the detection surface of the first detector <NUM> may be arranged in a manner satisfying the Scheimpflug principle. The first detector <NUM> detects electromagnetic waves having passed through the second image forming unit <NUM>, i.e., electromagnetic waves progressing in the first direction d1.

The first detector <NUM> is a passive sensor. The first detector <NUM> includes, in particular, an element array. For example, the first detector <NUM> including an image sensor or an imaging array captures an image of electromagnetic waves formed on the detection surface and generates image information regarding the captured object ob.

The first detector <NUM> captures, in particular, an image of visible light. The first detector <NUM> generates the image information and transmits a signal representing the image information to the control apparatus <NUM>.

The first detector <NUM> may capture an image of infrared light, ultraviolet, radio waves, or the like rather than an image of visible light. The first detector <NUM> may include a distance measuring sensor. In this configuration, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can acquire distance information in the form of an image using the first detector <NUM>. The first detector <NUM> may include a temperature sensor or the like. In this configuration, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can acquire temperature information in the form of an image using the first detector <NUM>.

The third image forming unit <NUM> is arranged in the second direction d2 from the progression unit <NUM>. The third image forming unit <NUM> includes, for example, at least one of a lens and a mirror. The third image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged such that a principal plane thereof is inclined with respect to the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>. The third image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged such that its principal axis passes through a region of the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>. Further, the third image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged such that its principal axis passes through the center of the reference surface ss, i.e., the central pixel px. The third image forming unit <NUM> forms an image of electromagnetic waves from the object ob for which the progression direction is changed by the progression unit <NUM>.

The second detector <NUM> is arranged on the path of electromagnetic waves progressing from the third image forming unit <NUM> after progressing in the second direction d2 by virtue of the progression unit <NUM>. The second detector <NUM> is arranged at or in the vicinity of the secondary image forming location where an image of electromagnetic waves formed on the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM> is formed by the third image forming unit <NUM>. The second detector <NUM> may be arranged such that a detection surface thereof is inclined with respect to the reference surface ss, that is, such that an extension surface of the detection surface and the extension surface of the reference surface ss intersect each other. The second detector <NUM> may be arranged to incline with respect to the principal plane of the third image forming unit <NUM>. The second detector <NUM> may be arranged such that a principal axis of the third image forming unit <NUM> passes through a region of the detection surface of the second detector <NUM>. Further, the second detector <NUM> may be arranged such that the principal axis of the third image forming unit <NUM> passes through the center of the detection surface of the second detector <NUM>.

The second detector <NUM> may be arranged such that an extension surface of its detection surface intersects the extension surface of the reference surface ss and an extension surface of the third image forming unit <NUM> on a single straight line. Thus, the reference surface ss, the principal plane of the third image forming unit <NUM>, and the detection surface of the second detector <NUM> may be arranged in a manner satisfying the Scheimpflug principle. The second detector <NUM> detects electromagnetic waves having passed the third image forming unit <NUM>, i.e., electromagnetic waves progressing in the second direction d2.

The second detector <NUM> is an active sensor configured to detect electromagnetic waves reflected from the target ob after being radiated toward the object ob by the irradiator <NUM>. The second detector <NUM> detects electromagnetic waves that are reflected from the object ob after being radiated by the irradiator <NUM>, reflected by the reflector <NUM>, and then progress to the object ob. As will be described below, the electromagnetic waves radiated by the irradiator <NUM> are at least one of infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet, and radio waves. The second detector <NUM> is a sensor of a type that is the same as or a different from that of the first detector <NUM>, and detects electromagnetic waves of a different type or the same type.

The second detector <NUM> includes, in particular, an element constituting the distance measuring sensor. For example, the second detector <NUM> includes an element such as an APD (Avalanche PhotoDiode), a PD (PhotoDiode), an SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode), a millimeter wave sensor, a submillimeter-wave sensor, or a distance image sensor. The second detector <NUM> may include an element array such as an APD array, a PD array, an MPPC (Multi Photon Pixel Counter), a distance measuring imaging array, or a distance measuring image sensor.

The second detector <NUM> transmits, as a signal, detection information indicating that electromagnetic waves reflected from the subject are detected to the control apparatus <NUM>. The second detector <NUM> is, in particular, an infrared sensor configured to detect electromagnetic waves in the infrared spectrum.

The second detector <NUM> composed of one element constituting the distance measuring sensor as described above simply needs to be able to detect electromagnetic waves and does not need to form an image on the detection surface. Thus, the second detector <NUM> does not necessarily need to be arranged at or in the vicinity of the second image forming location where an image is formed by the third image forming unit <NUM>. That is, in this configuration, provided that electromagnetic waves from all angles of view can be incident on the detection surface of the second detector <NUM>, the second detector <NUM> may be arranged at any location on the path of electromagnetic waves progressing from the third image forming unit <NUM> after progressing in the progression unit direction da by virtue of the progression unit <NUM>.

The third detector <NUM> is arranged on the path of electromagnetic waves that progress in the third direction d3 from the separator <NUM>. Further, the third detector <NUM> is arranged at or in the vicinity of the image forming location of the object ob by the first image forming unit <NUM> in the third direction d3 from the separator <NUM>. The third detector <NUM> detects electromagnetic waves progressing in the third direction d3 from the separator <NUM>.

The third detector <NUM> is a passive sensor. The third detector <NUM> includes, in particular, an element array. For example, the third detector <NUM> includes an image sensor or an imaging array and is configured to capture an image of electromagnetic waves formed on the detection surface and generate image information regarding the captured object ob.

The third detector <NUM> captures, in particular, an image of visible light. The third detector <NUM> transmits, as a signal, the generated image information to the control apparatus <NUM>.

The third detector <NUM> may capture an image of infrared light, ultraviolet, or radio waves, other than an image of visible light. The third detector <NUM> may include a distance measuring sensor. In this configuration, the electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus <NUM> can acquire distance information in the form of an image using the third detector <NUM>. The third detector <NUM> may include a distance measuring sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like. In this configuration, the electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus <NUM> can acquire temperature information in the form of an image using the third detector <NUM>.

The irradiator <NUM> radiates at least one of infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet, and radio waves. The irradiator <NUM> radiates infrared light. The irradiator <NUM> irradiates the object ob with electromagnetic waves, directly or indirectly via the reflector <NUM>. The irradiator <NUM> irradiates the object ob with electromagnetic waves indirectly via the reflector <NUM>.

The irradiator <NUM> radiates a narrow beam of electromagnetic waves having a beam spread of, for example, <NUM>°. The irradiator <NUM> can radiate an electromagnetic wave in pulses. For example, the irradiator <NUM> includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode). The irradiator <NUM> switches between radiating and not radiating electromagnetic waves, based on control by the control apparatus <NUM>.

The reflector <NUM> changes an irradiation location of electromagnetic waves which irradiate the object ob by reflecting electromagnetic waves radiated from the irradiator <NUM> while changing the direction thereof. That is, the reflector <NUM> scans the object ob using electromagnetic waves radiated from the irradiator <NUM>. Accordingly, the second detector <NUM> constitutes a scanning type distance measuring sensor, together with the reflector <NUM>. The reflector <NUM> scans the object ob in a one-dimension or in two-dimensions. The reflector <NUM> scans the object ob in two-dimensions.

The reflector <NUM> is configured such that at least a portion of an irradiation region of electromagnetic waves that are radiated from the irradiator <NUM> and reflected by the reflector <NUM> is included in a detection region of electromagnetic waves in the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>. Thus, at least some of electromagnetic waves radiated to the object ob via the reflector <NUM> can be detected by the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>.

The reflector <NUM> is configured such that at least a portion of the irradiation region of electromagnetic waves that is radiated from the irradiator <NUM> and reflected by the reflector <NUM> is included in a detection region of the second detector <NUM>. Thus, at least some of electromagnetic waves radiated to the object ob via the reflector <NUM> can be detected by the second detector <NUM>.

The reflector <NUM> includes, for example, a MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems) mirror, a polygon mirror, a galvanometer mirror, or the like. The reflector <NUM> includes the MEMS mirror.

The reflector <NUM> changes a reflection direction of electromagnetic waves, based on control by the control apparatus <NUM>, which will be described later. The reflector <NUM> may include an angle sensor such as, for example, an encoder and notify the control apparatus <NUM> of an angle detected by the angle sensor as direction information used for reflecting electromagnetic waves. In this configuration, the control apparatus <NUM> can calculate the irradiation location, based on the direction information acquired from the reflector <NUM>. Alternatively, the control apparatus <NUM> can calculate the irradiation location, based on a driving signal input to cause the reflector <NUM> to change the reflection direction of electromagnetic waves.

The control apparatus <NUM> includes one or more processors and a memory. The processor may include a general purpose processor configured to read a specific program and perform a specific function, or a specialized processor dedicated for specific processing. The specialized processor may include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor may include a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). The PLD may include an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control apparatus <NUM> may include at least one of a SoC (System-on-a-Chip) that includes one or more cooperating processors or a SiP (System in a Package).

The control apparatus <NUM> acquires information regarding the surroundings of the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, based on electromagnetic waves respectively detected by the first detector <NUM>, the second detector <NUM>, and the third detector <NUM>. The information regarding the surroundings is, for example, image information, distance information, temperature information, or the like. The control apparatus <NUM> acquires electromagnetic waves detected as an image by the first detector <NUM> or the third detector <NUM> serving as the image information, as described above. Further, the control apparatus <NUM> acquires the distance information regarding the irradiation location irradiated by the irradiator <NUM> using a ToF (Time-of-Flight) method, which will be described later, based on the detection information detected by the second detector <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the control apparatus <NUM> causes the irradiator <NUM> to emit electromagnetic waves in pulses by inputting an electromagnetic wave radiation signal to the irradiator <NUM> (see "ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE RADIATION SIGNAL" field). The irradiator <NUM> emits electromagnetic waves, based on the electromagnetic wave radiation signal (see "IRRADIATOR RADIATION AMOUNT" field). The electromagnetic waves that have been radiated by the irradiator <NUM>, reflected by the reflector <NUM>, irradiate any irradiation region are reflected in the irradiation region. The control apparatus <NUM> changes at least some of the pixels px within an image formation region of the progression unit <NUM> for an image of the reflected wave from the irradiation region formed by the first image forming unit <NUM> to the first state, and changes other pixels px to the second state. Then, when the first detector <NUM> detects electromagnetic waves reflected from the irradiation region (see "ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE DETECTION AMOUNT" field), the first detector <NUM> notifies the control apparatus <NUM> of the detection information, as described above.

The control apparatus <NUM> includes, for example, a time measuring LSI (Large Scale Integrated circuit) and measures a time ΔT from a time T1 at which the control apparatus <NUM> causes the irradiator <NUM> to radiate electromagnetic waves to a time T2 at which the detection information is acquired (see "ACQUISITION OF DETECTION INFORMATION"). The control apparatus <NUM> calculates a distance to the irradiation location by multiplying the time ΔT by the speed of light and then dividing an acquired value by <NUM>. The control apparatus <NUM> calculates the irradiation location, based on the direction information acquired from the reflector <NUM> or the driving signal input to the reflector <NUM> by the control apparatus <NUM>, as described above. The control apparatus <NUM> calculates a distance to an irradiation location while changing the irradiation location, and thus generates the distance information in the form of an image.

The information acquisition system <NUM> is configured to generate the distance information employing a Direct ToF technique that directly measures the time period for radiated electromagnetic waves to return, as described above. However, the information acquisition system <NUM> is not limited to this configuration. For example, the information acquisition system <NUM> may be configured to generate the distance information employing a Flash ToF technique that radiates electromagnetic waves in a constant cycle and indirectly measures the time period for the electromagnetic waves to return, based on a phase difference between the radiated electromagnetic waves and returned electromagnetic waves. The information acquisition system <NUM> may generate the distance employing another ToF technique such as, for example, a Phased ToF technique.

The electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus <NUM> configured as described above causes electromagnetic waves incident on the first image forming unit <NUM> to be incident on the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>, and the angle formed by the progression angle of each angle of view of the first image forming unit <NUM> and the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value. Thus, in the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, a principal ray of each angle of view at the first image forming unit <NUM> has relatively small spread from the principal axis, as illustrated in <FIG>. Accordingly, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can suppress the spread of electromagnetic waves that progress toward the second image forming unit <NUM> and the third image forming unit <NUM> from the reference surface ss. As a result, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can avoid enlargement of the second image forming unit <NUM> and the third image forming unit <NUM> that cause electromagnetic waves incident on the progression unit <NUM> to be incident thereon without causing vignetting. Thus, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can homogenize the intensity of electromagnetic waves of the secondary images formed by the second image forming unit <NUM> and the third image forming unit <NUM>, without enlarging the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> in its entirety. Such configuration and effect are applicable also to an electromagnetic wave detection apparatus according to a second embodiment, which will be described later.

In the electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus <NUM>, further, the first aperture <NUM> and the first image forming unit <NUM> are arranged to constitute the image-side telecentric optical system. The electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus <NUM> having this configuration enables minimization of the spread of electromagnetic waves that progress in the progression unit direction da from the reference surface ss. Accordingly, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can homogenize the intensity of electromagnetic waves of the secondary images formed by the second image forming unit <NUM> and the third image forming unit <NUM> while avoiding enlargement of the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> in its entirety. Such configuration and effect are applicable also to the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus according to <FIG>, which will be described later.

In the electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus <NUM> of an embodiment, further, the progression unit <NUM>, the second image forming unit <NUM>, and the first detector <NUM> are arranged such that the extension surface of the reference surface ss and the extension surface of the detection surface of the first detector <NUM> intersect each other and the principal axis of the second image forming unit <NUM> passes through the reference surface ss and the detection surface of the first detector <NUM>. As a configuration different from the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, a configuration illustrated in <FIG> in which a principal plane of a primary image forming optical system <NUM>‴ for forming an image of electromagnetic waves on a reference surface of a progression unit <NUM>‴, a reference surface of the progression unit <NUM>‴, a principal plane of a secondary image forming optical system <NUM>‴, and a detection surface of a detector <NUM>‴ are parallel to one another may be conceived. In this configuration, a range of an angle of view of the secondary image forming optical system <NUM>‴ spaced apart from the principal axis is used for detection. Generally, a resolution in a range of an angle of view spaced apart from a principal axis of an image forming system is lower than that of around the principal axis. On the other hand, the first embodiment has the above configuration in which the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>, the principal plane of the second image forming unit <NUM>, and the detection surface of the first detector <NUM> can be arranged in a manner so as to satisfy the Scheimpflug principle. Accordingly, in the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, even when the second image forming unit <NUM> is deviated from the location opposing the progression unit <NUM>, an image of electromagnetic waves in the vicinity of the principal axis of the second image forming unit <NUM> associated with an image formed by the first image forming unit <NUM> on the reference surface ss can be included in the detection surface of the first detector <NUM> and formed. Thus, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can improve the resolution of the image of electromagnetic waves detected by the first detector <NUM>. Such configuration and effect are applicable also to the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus according to the second embodiment, which will be described later.

In the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, the principal axis of the second image forming unit <NUM> passes through the center of the reference surface ss and the center of the detection surface of the first detector <NUM>. The electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> having this configuration can cause an image of electromagnetic waves in a region close to the principal axis of the second image forming unit <NUM> to be preferentially included in the detection surface of the first detector <NUM> and formed. Thus, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can maximize the resolution of the image of electromagnetic waves detected by the first detector <NUM>. Such configuration and effect are applicable also to the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus according to the second embodiment, which will be described later.

In the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> of an embodiment, the extension surface of the reference surface ss, the extension surface of the principal plane of the second image forming unit <NUM>, and the extension surface of the detection surface of the first detector <NUM> intersect one another on the same straight line. In the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> having this configuration, the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>, the principal plane of the second image forming unit <NUM>, and the detection surface of the first detector <NUM> satisfy the Scheimpflug principle. Accordingly, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> reliably improves the resolution of the image of electromagnetic waves detected by the first detector <NUM>. Such configuration and effect are applicable also to the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus according to the second embodiment, which will be described later.

In the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> of an embodiment, electromagnetic waves can be switched between the first state and the second state for each of the pixels px. The electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> having this configuration can cause the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> to coincide with the principal axis of the second image forming unit <NUM> in the first direction d1 in which electromagnetic waves are caused to progress in the first state and the principal axis of the third image forming unit <NUM> in the second direction d2 in which electromagnetic waves are caused to progress in the second state. Thus, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can suppress a deviation between the principal axis of the first detector <NUM> and the principal axis of the second detector <NUM> by switching the pixels px of the progression unit <NUM> to one of the first state and the second state. In this way, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can suppress a deviation between coordinate systems in a detection result by the first detector <NUM> and a detection result by the second detector <NUM>. Such configuration and effect are applicable also to the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus that will be described later.

The electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> of an embodiment includes the third image forming unit <NUM> and the second detector <NUM>. The electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> having this configuration can enable the second detector <NUM> to detect information based on electromagnetic waves from each portion of the object ob that reflects electromagnetic waves to be incident on each of the pixels px. Such configuration and effect are applicable also to the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus that will be described later.

In the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, the progression unit <NUM>, the third image forming unit <NUM>, and the second detector <NUM> are arranged such that the extension surface of the reference surface ss, the extension surface of the principal plane of the third image forming unit <NUM>, and the extension surface of the detection surface of the second detector <NUM> intersect one another on the same straight line. This configuration enables the arrangement of the reference surface ss, the principal plane of the third image forming unit <NUM>, and the detection surface of the second detector <NUM> that satisfies the Scheimpflug principle. Thus, in the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, even when the third image forming unit <NUM> is deviated from the location opposing the progression unit <NUM>, an image of electromagnetic waves in the vicinity of the principal axis of the third image forming unit <NUM> may be detected on the detection surface of the second detector <NUM>. Accordingly, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can improve the resolution of the image of electromagnetic waves detected by the second detector <NUM>.

In the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> of an embodiment, electromagnetic waves progressing from the first image forming unit <NUM> are separated into electromagnetic waves progressing in the progression unit direction da and electromagnetic waves progressing in the third direction d3. The electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> having this configuration can cause the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> to coincide with the central axis of electromagnetic waves caused to progress in the progression unit direction da and the central axis of electromagnetic waves caused to progress in the third direction d3. Thus, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can suppress a deviation between the coordinate systems of the first detector <NUM> and the second detector <NUM> and the coordination system of the third detector <NUM>. Such configuration and effect are applicable also to the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus, that will be described later.

The electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> of an embodiment includes the third detector <NUM>. The electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> having this configuration can separately detect electromagnetic waves of an image the same as the image formed by the first detector <NUM>. Such configuration and effect are applicable also to the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus that will be described later.

In the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, the first image forming unit <NUM> is a retrofocus lens system. In the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> having this configuration, the first image forming unit <NUM> has a short focal length and a long flange focal distance. Thus, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can reduce the probability of interference between electromagnetic waves progressing in the first direction d1 or the second direction d2 by the progression unit <NUM> and the first image forming unit <NUM>, while employing the first image forming unit <NUM> having a wide angle.

In the information acquisition system <NUM> of an embodiment, the control apparatus <NUM> acquires the information regarding the surroundings of the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, based on electromagnetic waves respectively detected by the first detector <NUM>, the second detector <NUM>, and the third detector <NUM>. The information acquisition system <NUM> having this configuration can provide useful information based on detected electromagnetic waves.

Next, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the orientations of the progression unit and the third detector with respect to the first image forming unit are different from those of the first embodiment, and the locations and the orientations of the third image forming unit and the second detector with respect to the progression unit are different from those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described focusing on aspects different from the first embodiment. Note that elements having the same configurations of the elements of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference signs.

An electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment includes the first aperture <NUM>, a first image forming unit <NUM>, the separator <NUM>, a progression unit <NUM>, the second image forming unit <NUM>, the first detector <NUM>, a third image forming unit <NUM>, a second detector <NUM>, and a third detector <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Note that the information acquisition system <NUM> of the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, except for the configuration of the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>. The configurations and functions of the first aperture <NUM>, the separator <NUM>, the second image forming unit <NUM>, and the first detector <NUM> are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the first image forming unit <NUM> can be arranged such that a principal axis thereof is inclined with respect to the axis of the aperture ap and, simultaneously, passes through the aperture ap, in a manner different from the first embodiment. The configuration and the function of the first image forming unit <NUM> are the same as those of the first image forming unit <NUM> of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the progression unit <NUM> may be arranged in a manner different from the first embodiment, such that the reference surface ss is inclined with respect to a virtual plane vp on which a principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> extends, that is, such that an extension surface of the virtual plane vp and an extension surface of the reference surface ss intersect each other. Note that the virtual plane vp may be a plane that is spaced apart from the first image forming unit <NUM> by a predetermined distance and perpendicular to the axis of the aperture ap. The predetermined distance is a distance to an object surface from the first image forming unit <NUM> that is located at a predetermined distance from the progression unit <NUM> and uses the reference surface ss as an image surface.

The progression unit <NUM> may be arranged such that an extension surface of the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM> and an extension surface of the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM> intersect each other, that is, such that the reference surface ss is inclined with respect to the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM>. Such an inclined arrangement in which the reference surface ss is inclined with respect to the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM> means, in a case in which the separator <NUM> refracts the electromagnetic waves into the progression unit direction da for the separation, an inclined arrangement in which the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM> rotated about the location of the separator <NUM> by an amount ("angle of incidence" - "refraction angle") in a direction opposite to the refraction is inclined with respect to the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM>. Such an inclined arrangement in which the reference surface ss is inclined with respect to the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM> means, in a case in which the separation in the progression unit direction da by the separator <NUM> is performed by reflection, an inclined arrangement in which the reference surface ss in a plane-symmetrical orientation with respect to the reflection surface of the separator <NUM> is inclined with respect to the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM>.

The progression unit <NUM> may be arranged such that the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> passes within a region of the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>. Further, the progression unit <NUM> may be arranged such that the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> passes the center of the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>.

The progression unit <NUM> may be arranged such that the extension surface of the reference surface ss intersect the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM> and the virtual plane vp on one straight line. Thus, the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM>, the reference surface ss, and the virtual plane vp are arranged in a manner so as to satisfy the Scheimpflug principle.

Further, the progression unit <NUM> may be arranged such that the second direction d2 in which the progression unit <NUM> causes progression is perpendicular to the reference surface ss. The configuration and the function of the progression unit <NUM> other than the orientation described above are the same as the progression unit <NUM> of the first embodiment.

The second image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged in the first direction d1 in which the progression unit <NUM> causes progression such that the principal plane thereof is inclined with respect to the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>, in a manner similar to the first embodiment. Other arrangement conditions, configurations, and functions of the second image forming unit <NUM> of the second embodiment are the same as the second image forming unit <NUM> of the first embodiment.

The first detector <NUM> is arranged at or in the vicinity of the secondary image forming location of the second image forming unit <NUM> for an image of electromagnetic waves formed on the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>, in a manner similar to the first embodiment. The first detector <NUM> may be arranged in a manner similar to the first embodiment, such that the extension surface of the detection surface of the first detector <NUM> intersects the extension surface of the reference surface ss and the extension surface of the principal plane of the second image forming unit <NUM> on one straight line. The reference surface ss, the principal plane of the second image forming unit <NUM>, and the detection surface of the first detector <NUM> may be arranged in a manner so as to satisfy the Scheimpflug principle, in a manner similar to the first embodiment. Other arrangement conditions, configurations, and functions of the first detector <NUM> are the same as the first detector <NUM> of the first embodiment.

The third image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged such that the principal plane thereof is parallel to the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>, in a manner different from the apparatus according to <FIG>. Other arrangement conditions, configurations, and functions of the third image forming unit <NUM> of the second embodiment are the same as the third image forming unit <NUM> of the first embodiment.

The second detector <NUM> may be arranged such that the detection surface thereof is perpendicular to the principal axis of the third image forming unit <NUM>, in a manner different from the first embodiment. Other arrangement conditions, configurations, and functions of the second detector <NUM> of the second embodiment are the same as the second detector <NUM> of the first embodiment.

The third detector <NUM> may be arranged such that the extension surface of the first image forming unit <NUM> and the extension surface of the detection surface of the third detector <NUM> intersect each other, in a manner different from the first embodiment. That is, the detection surface may be arranged to incline with respect to the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM>. Such an inclined arrangement of the detection surface inclined with respect to the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM> means, in a case in which the separator <NUM> separates electromagnetic waves in the third direction d3 by refraction, an inclined arrangement in which the detection surface of the third detector <NUM> rotated about the location of the separator <NUM> by the amount ("angle of incidence" - "refraction angle") in a direction opposite to the refraction is inclined with respect to the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM>. Also, such an inclined arrangement of the detection surface inclined with respect to the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM> means, in a case in which the separator <NUM> reflects the electromagnetic waves into the third direction d3 for the separation, an inclined arrangement in which the detection surface in a plane-symmetry orientation with respect to the reflection surface of the separator <NUM> is inclined with respect to the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM>.

The third detector <NUM> and the first image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged such that the extension surface of the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM> and the extension surface of the detection surface of the third detector <NUM> intersect each other on the virtual plane vp. Thus, the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM>, the detection surface of the third detector <NUM>, and the virtual plane vp may be arranged in a manner so as to satisfy the Scheimpflug principle. Other arrangement conditions, configurations, and functions of the third detector <NUM> of the second embodiment are the same as the third detector <NUM> of the first embodiment.

As described above, in the electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus <NUM> of an embodiment, the extension surface of the reference surface ss and the extension surface of the virtual plane vp serving as the object surface of the first image forming unit <NUM>, which is located at a predetermined distance from the progression unit <NUM> and uses the reference surface ss as the image surface, intersect each other, and the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> passes through the reference surface ss. This configuration enables the arrangement in which the object surface located at the predetermined distance from the first image forming unit <NUM>, the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM>, the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>, the principal plane of the second image forming unit <NUM>, and the detection surface of the first detector <NUM> satisfy the Scheimpflug principle. Thus, even when the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> is configured such that the first image forming unit <NUM> is not arranged at the location opposing the progression unit <NUM>, an image of electromagnetic waves of an object in the vicinity of the principal axis formed by the first image forming unit <NUM> on the virtual plane vp, on which the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> passes, can be included in the reference surface ss and formed. In the electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus <NUM>, thus, the third image forming unit <NUM> may be arranged at the location opposing the progression unit <NUM>. As a result, the third image forming unit <NUM> can be arranged in such a manner that the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM> and the principal plane of the third image forming unit <NUM> are parallel to each other and, simultaneously, the principal axis of the third image forming unit <NUM> passes within the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>. In this arrangement of the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM>, an image in a range of an angle of view in the vicinity of the principal axis of the third image forming unit <NUM> may be formed by the second detector <NUM>. Thus, a resolution of an image of electromagnetic waves detected by the second detector <NUM> can be improved.

In the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> of the second embodiment, as described above, the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> passes through the center of the reference surface ss. The electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> having this configuration can cause an image of electromagnetic waves in a region close to the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> to be incident on the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM>. Thus, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can propagate the image of the electromagnetic waves in the region close to the principal axis of the first image forming unit <NUM> to the first detector <NUM> and the second detector <NUM>. Accordingly, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can maximize a resolution of an image of the electromagnetic waves detected by the first detector <NUM> and the second detector <NUM>.

In the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> of an embodiment, further, the extension surface of the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM> and the extension surface of the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM> intersect each other on the same straight line. The electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus <NUM> having this configuration enables the arrangement in which the reference surface ss of the progression unit <NUM> and the principal plane of the first image forming unit <NUM> satisfy the Scheimpflug principle. Accordingly, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> can further improve a resolution of an image of electromagnetic waves detected by the first detector <NUM> and the second detector <NUM>.

Although the disclosure has been described based on the figures and the embodiments, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be implemented based on the present disclosure by those who are ordinarily skilled in the art. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are included in the scope of the disclosure herein.

For example, although the irradiator <NUM>, the reflector <NUM>, and the control apparatus <NUM>, together with the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus <NUM> or <NUM>, constitute the information acquisition system <NUM>, the electromagnetic wave detection apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least one of them, e.g., the control apparatus <NUM> as a controller.

Although the progression unit <NUM> of and the progression unit <NUM> of the second embodiment can change the progression direction of electromagnetic waves incident on the reference surface ss between the two directions: the first direction d1 and the second direction d2, the progression units <NUM> and <NUM> may be able to change the progression direction between three or more directions, rather than two directions.

Although the first state of the progression units <NUM> and <NUM> refers the first reflection state for reflecting electromagnetic waves incident on the reference surface ss in the first direction d1, and the second state refers the second reflection state for reflecting electromagnetic waves incident on the reference surface ss in the second direction d2, these states may refer to other conditions.

For example, the first state may refer a passing state in which electromagnetic waves incident on the reference surface ss are caused to pass and progress in the first direction d1. In particular, each of the progression units <NUM> and <NUM> may include a shutter that is provided for each of the pixels px and has a reflection surface for reflecting electromagnetic waves in the second direction d2. The progression units <NUM> and <NUM> having this configuration can switch between the passing state or the transmission state serving as the first state and the reflection state serving as the second state, by opening or closing the shutter for each of the pixels px. The progression units <NUM> and <NUM> having such a configuration may include, for example, a MEMS shutter in which a plurality of shutters capable of opening and closing are arranged in an array on a plane.

Further, each of the progression units <NUM> and <NUM> may include a liquid crystal shutter that can be switched between the reflection state for reflecting electromagnetic waves and the transmission state for transmitting electromagnetic waves, in accordance with a liquid crystal alignment. The progression units <NUM> and <NUM> having this configuration can switch between the transmission state serving as the first state and the reflection state serving as the second state for each of the pixels px by switching the liquid crystal alignment for each of the pixels px.

The information acquisition system <NUM> has the configuration in which the reflector <NUM> scans a beam of an electromagnetic wave radiated by the irradiator <NUM>, and the second detectors <NUM> and <NUM> function as scanning type active sensors in cooperation with the reflector <NUM>. However, the information acquisition system <NUM> is not limited to this configuration. An effect similar to the first embodiment can be obtained by, for example, the information acquisition system <NUM> in which the reflector <NUM> is omitted and the irradiator <NUM> radiates electromagnetic waves and information is acquired without scanning.

Claim 1:
An electromagnetic wave detection apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a first image forming unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to form an image of incident electromagnetic waves;
a progression unit (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>"', <NUM>) that includes a plurality of pixels (px) arranged along a reference surface (ss) and is configured to cause electromagnetic waves incident on the reference surface (ss) from the first image forming unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) to progress in a first direction (d1) using each of the pixels (px);
a second image forming unit (<NUM>) configured to form an image of electromagnetic waves progressing in the first direction (d1); and
a first detector (<NUM>) configured to detect incident electromagnetic waves from the second image forming unit (<NUM>),
wherein an angle formed by a progression axis at each angle of view of electromagnetic waves that have passed the first image forming unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a principal axis of the first image forming unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value,
wherein the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) further comprises a first aperture (<NUM>) that is arranged in the vicinity of a front focal point of the first image forming unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) and allows some incident electromagnetic waves to pass through,
wherein the first image forming unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) forms an image of incident electromagnetic waves from the first aperture (<NUM>),
wherein the first aperture (<NUM>) and the first image forming unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) constitute an image side telecentric optical system, and
wherein the first image forming unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured such that the progression axes at each of the angles of view of the electromagnetic waves that have passed the first image forming unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) and are incident on the progression unit (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>"', <NUM>) are approximately parallel to one another.