Angle-Selective Illumination Module for Space-Limited Beam Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical devices, such as laser scanning microscopes, face challenges in integrating suitable illumination modules for angle-selective illumination due to limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanning microscope is equipped with a first illumination module using a laser light source and a second illumination module with multiple light sources on a support, featuring a translucent area that allows flexible integration into the beam path, enabling angle-selective illumination techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an illumination module for angle-selective illumination is integrated into a laser scanning microscope, then phase-contrast imaging capability is improved, but the device complexity and installation space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination module for angle-selective illumination is merged with the existing laser scanning microscope structure. The support with multiple light sources is positioned in the beam path between the laser source and sample, combining phase-contrast illumination capability with the fluorescence imaging system without requiring separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination module serves multiple functions: it provides angle-selective illumination for phase-contrast imaging while coexisting with the laser light source for fluorescence excitation. The same optical path and detector are used for both imaging modes, making the system multi-functional without requiring additional dedicated components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are added to the beam path for angle-selective illumination, then illumination versatility is improved, but the installation space and beam path alteration worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding illumination sources laterally which would require significant horizontal space, the multiple light sources are arranged vertically on the support structure within the existing beam path volume. This utilizes the vertical dimension to achieve angle-selective illumination without expanding the horizontal footprint of the microscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The support carrying the multiple light sources is nested within the existing microscope structure, positioned in the beam path between the laser source and the sample. The illumination module is integrated into the available space rather than requiring external additions, similar to nesting one object within another.
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 configuration enables flexible integration of angle-selective illumination into the LSM design, allowing for phase-contrast imaging without significantly altering the beam path and reducing the need for additional detectors, thus saving space and cost.
Implementation Method 1
dargest eine透光区域 aufweist, die es ermöglicht, das Beleuchtungsmodul flexibel in den Strahlengang zu integrieren, ohne den Strahlengang wesentlich zu verändern
Implementation Method 2
mehrere Lichtquellen, die auf dem Träger angeordnet sind und das Objekt von mehreren Beleuchtungsrichtungen aus beleuchten
Implementation Method 3
Der Laserschritt kann Fluoreszenzprozesse in der biologischen Probe anregen. Der Detektor kann dann konfiguriert sein, um das entsprechende Fluoreszenzsignal von der Probenobjekt zu detektieren
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical device comprising an illumination module (100) with a carrier (110) which has, for example, at least one light-permeable region (112). The illumination module (100) comprises a plurality of light sources (111) that are arranged on the carrier (110).