Acousto-Optic Microscope Detection for Spectral Light Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image scanning microscopes have limited usability for quantifying the spectral content of emitted fluorescence light due to the use of photodetectors that are limited to a narrow band of the visible light spectrum and suffer from light loss through higher diffraction orders and single polarization state limitations.
Innovation Solution
A detection arrangement for optical scanning microscopes using an acousto-optical device to split detection light into multiple wavelength ranges, each directed into separate beam paths with array detectors, allowing for high spatial resolution and spectral imaging without significant light loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single photodetector element is used to detect fluorescent light, then the device complexity is reduced, but the spectral quantification capability is limited and light loss occurs due to higher diffraction orders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent photodetector elements (first and second photodetector elements) that can detect different polarization states and wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows each detector to specialize in specific spectral regions, improving spectral quantification capability while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization state as an additional detection dimension alongside wavelength. By using photodetector elements sensitive to different polarization states (first and second polarization states), the system achieves spectral quantification in an expanded parameter space, enabling discrimination between excitation light and fluorescence across multiple dimensions.
2Device complexity
If a single polarization state is detected, then the device complexity is reduced, but light loss occurs due to rejection of other polarization states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polarization detection function by using separate photodetector elements for different polarization states. The first photodetector element detects the first polarization state while the second photodetector element detects the second polarization state, ensuring complete light collection without rejection and eliminating the light loss associated with single-polarization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding light in other polarization states (which causes light loss), the patent recovers all incident light by detecting both polarization states simultaneously. The system recovers energy that would otherwise be lost by using photodetector elements sensitive to multiple polarization states, improving overall detection efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a narrow band photodetector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the spectral content quantification is limited to a narrow visible light range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral detection range by using multiple photodetector elements with different spectral sensitivities. The first photodetector element is optimized for a first wavelength range while the second photodetector element covers a second wavelength range, enabling broad spectral quantification capability through combination of specialized detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection system where multiple photodetector elements work together to cover the entire visible light spectrum and beyond. Each photodetector element serves multiple functions by detecting different polarization states and wavelength ranges, making the overall system adaptable to various spectral quantification requirements.
4Measurement precision
If multiple photodetector elements are used to increase spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple photodetector elements into a coordinated detection system where the first and second photodetector elements work together to detect both polarization states and wavelength ranges. This merging approach achieves high spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio through combined detection capability while managing device complexity through integrated control and processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio imaging with improved spectral quantification capabilities, allowing for flexible excitation wavelengths and reduced false signals from excitation light.
Implementation Method 1
an acousto-optical device configured to receive descanned detection light, and to direct a first part of the detection light into the first beam path. The first part of the detection light includes at least one selected wavelength range determined by at least one frequency of acoustic waves generated by a transducer of the acousto-optical device
Data Source
AI summary
A detection arrangement for an optical scanning microscope includes a first beam path comprising a first array detector, and an acousto-optical device configured to receive descanned detection light, and to direct a first part of the detection light into the first beam path. The first part of the detection light includes at least one selected wavelength range determined by at least one frequency of acoustic waves generated by a transducer of the acousto-optical device. The detection arrangement further includes a controller configured to control the transducer of the acousto-optical device for determining the at least one selected wavelength range.