Angle Mirror Light Sheet Generation for SPIM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SPIM microscopy techniques face challenges with complex and costly equipment, such as axicons and holographic generation using spatial light modulators, which are difficult to adjust and prone to failure, for generating illumination light sheets.
Innovation Solution
The use of an angle mirror with at least a first and a second reflective surface to deflect a light beam or light sheet, creating an interference pattern with overlapping portions that form a Bessel-like beam for improved illumination, which is simpler, less prone to failure, and requires minimal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If axicons or holographic generation using spatial light modulators are used to generate illumination light sheets, then the illumination quality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of light sheet generation from complex components (axicons, spatial light modulators) and achieves it using a simple cylindrical lens combined with a point source. This removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining the core illumination capability needed for SPIM microscopy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex optical components with inexpensive, simple elements. The cylindrical lens and point source configuration uses readily available, low-cost components that are easier to manufacture and maintain, directly addressing the cost and complexity issues.
2Illumination intensity
If axicons or spatial light modulators are used for light sheet generation, then illumination quality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex adjustment mechanisms inherent in axicons and spatial light modulators, retaining only the essential light sheet generation function through a simple cylindrical lens and point source arrangement, thereby dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Illumination intensity
If complex equipment like axicons and spatial light modulators is used, then illumination quality is improved, but reliability decreases due to being prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes fragile, complex optical components with robust, simple elements that have fewer failure points. The cylindrical lens and point source configuration uses durable components that are less prone to malfunction, directly improving system reliability.
4Illumination intensity
If traditional light sheet generation methods are used, then illumination is achieved, but the space required increases due to equipment size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a compact nested configuration where the point source is positioned within or near the cylindrical lens, and the entire light sheet generation assembly is integrated closely with the microscope objective. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint and space requirements.
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
This approach provides homogeneous illumination, deeper sample penetration, and improved imaging resolution with reduced complexity and cost, allowing for easier integration into various microscope systems.
Implementation Method 1
The light beam or light sheet is deflected by an angle mirror having at least a first and a second reflective surface, the first reflective surface reflecting a first portion of the light beam or light sheet and the second reflective surface reflecting a second portion of the light beam or light sheet
Implementation Method 2
whereby the first portion of the light beam or light sheet and the second portion of the light beam or light sheet spatially overlap one another after the deflecting
Data Source
AI summary
A method for illuminating a sample slice uses a light beam or a light sheet during single plane illumination microscopy (SPIM). The light beam or light sheet is deflected by an angle mirror having a first and second reflective surface reflecting a first and second portion of the light beam or light sheet, respectively, whereby the first and second portions of the light beam or light sheet spatially overlap one another after the deflecting. Alternatively, the light beam or light sheet is refracted by a refractive optical component comprising a first and second refractor surface refracting a first portion of the light beam or light sheet, respectively, whereby the first and second portions of the light beam or light sheet spatially overlap one another after the refracting.