Non-diffracting Light Sheet Generation via Fixed Masks and Switchable Annuli
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating non-diffracting light sheets in multicolor fluorescence microscopy require complex and costly systems, particularly due to the need for rapid changes in lattice patterns optimized for different wavelengths, which are typically achieved using binary Ferroelectric Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs).
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting an input light beam through a Fourier transform lens and an annulus mask to form non-diffracting patterned light sheets, allowing for the use of fixed pattern masks and switchable annulus sizes to accommodate different wavelengths, reducing the need for complex SLMs and enabling cost-effective multicolor imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a binary Ferroelectric SLM is used to rapidly change lattice patterns for different wavelengths, then multicolor imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength-specific lattice pattern generation function from the SLM and implements it through fixed pattern masks combined with switchable annulus masks. Each wavelength channel has its own fixed pattern mask, eliminating the need for rapid SLM pattern changes while maintaining multicolor imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into multiple wavelength-specific channels, each with dedicated fixed pattern masks and switchable annulus masks. This segmentation allows independent optimization for each wavelength without requiring a single complex SLM to handle all patterns for all colors.
2Device complexity
If fixed pattern masks and switchable annulus masks are used instead of SLMs, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to rapidly adapt patterns for different wavelengths may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces switchable annulus masks that can dynamically change the annulus size and position for different wavelengths. This dynamic element compensates for the fixed nature of the pattern masks, maintaining adaptability across multiple wavelengths while avoiding SLM complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed pattern masks are designed to work universally across multiple wavelengths when combined with the switchable annulus masks. The same pattern mask can serve multiple wavelength channels by adjusting the annulus parameters, reducing the need for completely separate optical paths for each color.
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 simplifies the system by eliminating the necessity for lattice periodic patterns and reduces complexity and cost, while maintaining high axial resolution and minimizing phototoxicity, allowing for efficient multicolor fluorescence microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an input light beam through a Fourier transform lens, wherein the input light beam has a spatial intensity pattern at a first plane, and a Fourier plane is formed after the Fourier transform lens
Implementation Method 2
transmitting the first light beam through an annulus mask arranged at the Fourier plane after the Fourier transform lens to obtain a second light beam
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems(200) for generating non-diffracting light sheets for multicolor fluorescence microscopy are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for generating a non-diffracting light patterned Bessel sheet (PBS) comprises transmitting an input light beam through a Fourier transform lens(107,206,1006,1106), wherein the input light beam has a spatial intensity pattern at a first plane, and a Fourier plane is formed after the Fourier transform lens(107,206,1006,1106) to obtain a first light beam; transmitting the first light beam through an annulus mask(207,407,1107,1108) arranged at the Fourier plane after the Fourier transform lens(107,206,1006,1106) to obtain a second light beam; and then transmitting the second light beam through an excitation objective lens(109,208,408,1109,1308) to form a non-diffracting patterned light sheet. In one implementation, a method for generating a non-diffracting light line Bessel sheet (LBS) comprises transmitting an input light beam at a first lane that has a narrower intensity distribution along a first direction than that along a second direction vertical to the first direction through an annulus mask(207,407,1107,1108) arranged at the first plane to obtain a first light beam; and then transmitting the first light beam through an excitation objective lens(109,208,408,1109,1308) to form a non-diffracting Bessel light sheet.