Adaptive Optic Aberration Correction via Signal Saturation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for correcting aberration-induced imaging errors in optical systems, such as those used in STED microscopy, are limited in their ability to continuously correct imaging errors for different areas of a sample during ongoing imaging or measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves selecting light and a sample such that the light reduces or leads the measurement signal towards saturation, with a relative variation dependent on light intensity. This method registers measurement signals over different time periods, calculates a measure value based on the relative variation, and uses this value to control an adaptive optic to optimize the focus quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for correcting aberration-induced imaging errors are used, then imaging errors can be corrected, but the correction cannot be continuously performed for different areas of the sample during ongoing imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous aberration correction by performing the correction process during the imaging process itself. The adaptive optic is adjusted continuously based on real-time measurement signals from different areas of the sample, enabling uninterrupted correction across the entire sample area without requiring separate correction steps before or after imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures aberration-induced imaging errors in advance for different areas of the sample before the actual imaging is performed. By pre-determining the aberration characteristics and preparing correction parameters in advance, the system can quickly apply corrections during imaging without delaying the overall imaging process.
2Manufacturing precision
If aberration correction is performed for different areas of the sample, then imaging quality improves, but the process takes time and may deteriorate image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic measurement and correction cycles where aberration errors are measured, correction parameters are calculated, and the adaptive optic is adjusted in repeated cycles across different areas of the sample. This periodic process ensures that each area receives appropriate correction while maintaining a rhythmic workflow that prevents excessive time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses measurement signals from the sample to provide feedback on aberration-induced imaging errors. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously monitor imaging quality and adjust the adaptive optic in real-time, ensuring high imaging precision while minimizing the time required for correction through rapid iterative optimization.
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
The method effectively corrects aberration-induced imaging errors by optimizing the focus quality, allowing for continuous correction across different areas of the sample without deteriorating image quality.
Implementation Method 1
modifying a phase distribution of the light by means of the adaptive optic
Implementation Method 2
the light, in acting upon the sample, either reduces a measurement signal from the sample, or leads a measurement signal from the sample towards a saturation value from below
Data Source
AI summary
For correcting aberration-induced imaging errors of an optical system which includes an objective (14) and an adaptive optic (18), light (5) and a sample (20) are selected such that the light (5), in acting upon the sample (20), reduces a measurement signal (28) from the sample (20), wherein a relative variation of the measurement signal (28) depends on the intensity of the light (5). The measurement signal (28) from a focal area of the optical system in the sample (20) is registered over a first and a later second period of time (38, 37) to determine a first measurement value and a second measurement value. Over a third period of time (39) which overlaps with the first and/or the second period of time, the light (5) is focused into the focal area by means of the optical system. A measure value for the relative variation of the measurement signal (28) is determined from the first and the second measurement values and used in controlling the adaptive optic (18) as a metric to be optimized.