Acousto-Optic Deflector Scanning With Overlapping Chirp Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D laser scanning methods using acousto-optic deflectors are limited by the short duration of chirp signals, leading to 'idle time' and inefficient scanning due to the need for continuous generation of new chirp signals, which increases the time required to achieve suitable fluorescent excitation and detection.
Innovation Solution
Generating multiple overlapping or simultaneously produced acoustic chirp signals in the acousto-optic deflector to maintain continuous deflection of the optical beam, reducing idle time and enhancing scanning speed by ensuring continuous fluorescent signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If single chirp signals are used in acousto-optic deflectors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scanning speed decreases due to idle time between successive chirp signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates multiple overlapping chirp signals in the acousto-optic deflector such that the useful action of beam deflection continues without interruption. The chirp signals are timed to overlap so that when one signal ends, another is already active, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous fluorescent excitation throughout the scanning process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic generation of chirp signals with optimized timing and frequency characteristics. By carefully controlling the periodicity and overlap of successive chirp signals, the system maintains continuous operational effectiveness while scanning through the sample volume
2Productivity
If multiple overlapping chirp signals are generated, then the scanning efficiency is improved by reducing idle time, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acousto-optic deflector perform multiple functions simultaneously by generating several chirp signals with different frequencies and time characteristics. The same deflector crystal handles multiple overlapping signals, enabling it to maintain continuous beam deflection across different spatial locations and depths without requiring additional hardware components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the chirp signal parameters including frequency, duration, and timing. The signal generation is dynamically adjusted to create optimal overlap patterns that maintain continuous deflection while adapting to the scanning requirements, allowing flexible control over the number and characteristics of overlapping signals
3Reliability
If the focal spot is maintained with suitable intensity and size, then the fluorescent excitation quality is improved, but the scanning time increases due to the limited duration of single chirp signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple chirp signals in time and frequency domains within the acousto-optic deflector. By combining several signals with appropriate timing and frequency offsets, the system creates a continuous deflection effect that maintains the focal spot at suitable intensity and size throughout the scanning process, effectively extending the operational duration beyond what a single chirp signal could achieve
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 significantly reduces scanning time by maintaining continuous deflection of the optical beam, improving the efficiency of 3D scanning by ensuring that the focal spot is maintained with suitable intensity and size for a longer duration, thus enhancing the speed and effectiveness of the scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
acousto-optic deflector having an optical axis along a Z-axis and at least one acousto-optic crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
the position of the focal point is moved using four acousto-optic deflectors arranged one after the other. The movement of the focal point in the X-Y plane is performed by regulating the frequency difference of the acoustic waves generated in the deflectors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The object of the invention relates to a method for scanning with an optical beam (50) using a first acousto-optic deflector (15, 15') having an optical axis along a Z-axis and at least one acousto-optic crystal layer (14), involving directing the optical beam (50) in the first acousto-optic deflector (15, 15'), and deflecting the optical beam (50) along an X-axis perpendicular to the Z-axis by means of the first acousto-optic deflector (15, 15'), during which generating a plurality of acoustic chirp signals (30) in the at least one acousto-optic crystal layer (14) of the acousto-optic deflector (15, 15') by - generating a first acoustic chirp signal (30a) having a duration of τ in the acousto-optic crystal layer (14), then - generating a second acoustic chirp signal (30b) in the acousto-optic crystal layer (14) within a τ period of time counted from the start of the generation of the first acoustic chirp signal (30a).