Beam Combination Mirror for Structured Illumination Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical arrangements for structured illumination microscopy are inefficient in terms of image acquisition time, require complex equipment, and suffer from high mechanical demands and intensity losses, making it difficult to quickly switch between different grating orientations.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement that guides light through different beam paths to various optical assemblies using beam combination mirrors with reflective and transparent areas, allowing for quick selection of optical assemblies without mechanical movement, reducing light losses and enabling fast switching between grating orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single grating is rotated into different orientations using an optical field rotator, then different grating orientations can be achieved, but the image acquisition time increases and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single rotating grating system into multiple stationary gratings (at least two) with different orientations. Instead of rotating one grating, the system uses multiple fixed gratings that can be selectively positioned into the beam path, eliminating rotation time and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the capability to provide different grating orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system (optical field rotator) with a beam switching mechanism. Instead of mechanically rotating a grating, the system uses beam splitting and switching to direct light through different stationary gratings, substituting mechanical rotation with optical path control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical beam splitting is used to generate interfering beams, then structured illumination can be achieved, but the equipment complexity increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single beam splitter that serves multiple functions: it splits the incident light into multiple beam paths and also enables selective switching between different gratings. This multi-functional approach achieves structured illumination without requiring separate complex beam splitting systems for each grating orientation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently aligned gratings are provided with a motorized grid changer, then different grating orientations can be selected, but the switching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions multiple gratings with different orientations in fixed locations within the optical path. Instead of mechanically moving gratings during operation, the system prepares all required gratings in advance at stationary positions, allowing rapid switching by simply directing the beam to the appropriate pre-positioned grating without mechanical movement time.
4Speed
If light is directed through multiple beam paths to different optical assemblies, then fast switching between grating orientations is achieved, but light intensity losses may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the beam combining mirror. The mirror has reflective areas for directing light from one optical assembly and transparent areas for light from another assembly. This spatial differentiation of optical properties allows efficient light combining with minimal losses by matching the mirror's local optical characteristics to the incoming light paths.
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 solution enables rapid image acquisition with low light losses and minimal mechanical complexity, allowing for quick switching between different grating orientations, thereby improving the efficiency of structured illumination microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
the first beam combining mirror has reflective areas onto which only light from one of the two optical assemblies meets
Implementation Method 2
the first beam combining mirror has light-transmitting areas, which only strikes light from the other of the optical assemblies
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical arrangement for positioning in a beam path of a light microscope, comprising at least a first and a second optical assembly for providing structured illumination light from incident light. The optical arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that light can be guided over different beam paths to the various optical assemblies and further in the direction of a sample, in that electronic control means are provided and designed to illuminate in each case a beam path from the different beam paths to different optical assemblies at a point in time, in that at least a first beam combination mirror is provided for guiding light coming from various optical assemblies to a common beam path in the direction of a sample, in that the first beam combination mirror has reflective areas on which only light from one of the two optical assemblies is incident and in that the first beam combination mirror has light-permeable areas on which only light from the other of the optical assemblies is incident. The invention further relates to a light microscope having an optical arrangement according to the invention.