Spatiotemporal Beamlet Multiplexing for Fast Volumetric Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-photon scanning microscopy systems are limited by the need for axial scanning, which restricts volumetric field-of-view and recording speed, making it difficult to record the activity of single neurons across the entire cortical surface at adequate physiological rates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a spatiotemporal multiplexing module that splits laser pulses into multiple beamlets, each delayed and focused on different axial or lateral positions, eliminating the need for axial scanning and allowing simultaneous volumetric imaging across multiple planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small, focused beam is scanned to form an image in two-photon microscopy, then spatial resolution is improved, but volumetric field-of-view and recording speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single laser beam into multiple beamlets using a spatial light modulator or microlens array. Each beamlet can be independently focused to different axial planes, allowing simultaneous imaging of multiple depths without sequential scanning, thereby improving volumetric recording speed while maintaining spatial resolution through precise focal control of each beamlet
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional lateral scanning to three-dimensional volumetric imaging by introducing axial multiplexing. Multiple beamlets are focused at different axial positions (z-depths) within the sample, enabling simultaneous capture of multiple focal planes and achieving high-speed volumetric recording without the speed limitations of sequential axial scanning
2Volume of moving object
If axial scanning is performed to image multiple depths, then volumetric field-of-view is improved, but recording speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging volume into multiple axial slices by segmenting the laser beam into multiple beamlets, each targeted at a different depth plane. This allows parallel acquisition of multiple focal planes simultaneously, expanding volumetric field-of-view without the time penalty of sequential axial scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous volumetric imaging by eliminating the need to stop and reposition the focal plane between depth acquisitions. Multiple beamlets continuously illuminate and detect signals from different axial planes simultaneously, maintaining uninterrupted data acquisition across the entire imaging volume at high speed
3Measurement precision
If laser power is increased to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then measurement precision is improved, but brain exposure to laser power increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering laser power selectively to specific axial planes and lateral regions where neurons are located, rather than uniformly illuminating the entire sample volume. The beam shaping and focal control mechanisms concentrate energy only at the required imaging depths, improving signal-to-noise ratio at the target while minimizing unnecessary laser exposure and potential photodamage to surrounding brain tissue
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
Enables high-speed, volumetric recording of neural activity at cellular resolution, overcoming the tradeoffs between speed, resolution, and acquisition volume-size, with the ability to dynamically adjust power based on sample depth and location.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a plurality of laser pulses from a pulsed laser source; splitting each laser pulse into a plurality of beamlets
Implementation Method 2
selectively adjust the amount of power associated with a set of beamlets from the plurality of beamlets for which no object of interest is located at the respective location
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplexing module provided herein is configured to perform operations of receiving a plurality of laser pulses from a pulsed laser source; splitting each laser pulse into a plurality of beamlets; introducing a delay between each adjacent beamlet of the plurality of beamlets, such that the plurality of beamlets associated with a respective laser pulse of the plurality of laser pulses is distributed equally across a pulse repetition period associated with the pulsed laser source; changing a divergence of each subsequent beamlet of the plurality of beamlets associated with each respective laser pulse to introduce a distinguishing feature between each beamlet of the plurality of beamlet to cause each beamlet to focus on a different axial plane or lateral position of the sample; and outputting the plurality of beamlets associated with each respective laser pulse.