Multi-Camera Microscope with Beam Splitter for Real-Time Phase Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quantitative phase microscopy are complex, expensive, and sensitive to optical alignment errors, and require precise z-movement and time-consuming image acquisition, making them unsuitable for real-time observation of fast processes or moving objects.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera setup with varying focal lengths, wavelengths, and polarization states is used in conjunction with a beam splitting device, allowing simultaneous acquisition of brightfield and DIC images without the need for sequential illumination changes, enabling faster and more stable phase reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential illumination changes are used to acquire brightfield and DIC images, then image quality is improved, but imaging time increases and real-time observation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light path using beam splitting devices to separate brightfield and DIC illumination paths. This allows simultaneous acquisition of both image types without sequential switching, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and imaging time by enabling parallel observation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple illumination modes (brightfield and DIC) into a single optical path configuration using beam splitting devices. This combination enables simultaneous capture of both contrast types, eliminating the time loss from sequential acquisition while maintaining the precision benefits of both methods.
2Measurement precision
If complex interferometric set-ups are used for quantitative phase microscopy, then phase measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a standard optical microscope perform multiple functions by adding beam splitting devices and multiple cameras. The system can simultaneously perform brightfield imaging, DIC imaging, and quantitative phase microscopy, eliminating the need for separate specialized interferometric microscopes and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical interferometric systems with a simpler configuration using beam splitting devices and digital image processing. Instead of requiring precise mechanical alignment of interferometric components, the system uses electronic beam splitting and computational phase reconstruction, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If z-stack acquisition with automated scan software is used for TIE-based phase reconstruction, then phase reconstruction accuracy is improved, but acquisition time and z-movement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable beam splitting ratios and camera exposure settings to optimize the acquisition of out-of-focus images for TIE-based phase reconstruction. By dynamically controlling the optical parameters rather than mechanically moving the z-stage, the system achieves the required phase reconstruction accuracy without the time and precision constraints of automated scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical z-movement with optical beam splitting and digital image processing to achieve TIE-based phase reconstruction. Instead of physically moving the sample or objective through multiple z-planes, the system uses beam splitters to capture out-of-focus information at a fixed z-position, eliminating the need for precise z-movement and reducing acquisition time.
4Productivity
If multiple cameras with different focal lengths and polarization states are used, then simultaneous acquisition of multiple contrast types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the optical path by using beam splitting devices to direct different illumination modes to different cameras simultaneously. This dimensional separation in the optical path allows multiple contrast types to be captured at the same time without requiring complex temporal switching or mechanical reconfiguration.
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 reduces imaging time, eliminates the need for complex movable parts, and provides accurate phase measurements with reduced noise and increased throughput, enabling real-time analysis of biological probes like red blood cells.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitting device (3a, 3b) arranged in the beam path downstream from the biological probe, wherein the beam splitting device is configured to split the beam path into a plurality of beam paths
Implementation Method 2
an optical microscope (2a, 2b) comprising a support structure (210) for supporting the biological probe in a beam path of the optical microscope
Implementation Method 3
the at least one polarization sensitive camera (41a-4na) is configured to generate a plurality of camera images corresponding to different polarizations
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for observing a biological probe. The device comprises an optical microscope, a beam splitting device and a plurality of cameras. The optical microscope comprises a support structure for supporting the biological probe in a beam path of the optical microscope. The beam splitting device is arranged in the beam path downstream from the biological probe, wherein the beam splitting device is configured to split the beam path into a plurality of beam paths. Each camera is arranged in one beam path of the plurality of beam paths and is configured to generate camera images of the biological probe. For at least some of the cameras, focal lengths of the cameras differ from one another and/or wavelength ranges captured by the cameras for generating the camera images of the biological probe differ from one another and/or sensor types of the cameras differ from one another.