Biodynamic Microscope Interferometric Imaging 3D Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopes face limitations in observing fresh tumors and assessing therapeutic effects qualitatively, particularly in three-dimensional tissue imaging, which is crucial for selecting appropriate therapies and understanding drug responses in cancer treatment.
Innovation Solution
A microscope apparatus combining interferometric imaging capabilities with a short-coherence light source, Fourier transform lens, and pixel-array detector, allowing for high-resolution interferometric image data acquisition with coherence gating to control depth within the sample, enabling the observation of internal dynamics in living tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-photon microscopy is used for 3D tissue imaging, then imaging capability is achieved, but fluorescent dyes are required which complicates sample preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the requirement for fluorescent dyes from the imaging process by using label-free interferometric microscopy. The system achieves 3D tissue imaging through optical path length measurements and phase information extraction without any exogenous labels, thereby simplifying sample preparation while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the fluorescent labeling mechanism with an interferometric optical measurement mechanism. Instead of using fluorescent dyes that require complex preparation, the system uses interference patterns and phase information from scattered light to achieve 3D imaging, substituting a chemical labeling approach with an optical physics-based approach
2Ease of operation
If conventional microscopy is used to observe tumors, then visual observation is possible, but therapeutic effect assessment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces interferometric measurement as an intermediary between conventional visual observation and therapeutic effect assessment. By measuring optical path length differences and phase information, the system extracts quantitative data about cellular dynamics and tissue properties that serve as intermediaries to assess therapeutic effects, bridging the gap between simple visualization and functional assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameters from simple intensity-based visual observation to phase-based interferometric measurements. By detecting changes in optical path length, phase shifts, and interference patterns, the system captures dynamic cellular processes and tissue property changes that provide information about therapeutic effects, transforming static visual observation into dynamic quantitative measurement
3Length of stationary object
If deep tissue imaging is performed, then internal structures are accessible, but resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional intensity imaging to three-dimensional phase imaging by utilizing the phase dimension of light. Through interferometric measurement, the system extracts depth information and optical path length variations, enabling 3D reconstruction of tissue structures while maintaining high resolution at various depths through coherence gating and phase unwrapping algorithms
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 provides high-resolution imaging of intracellular motions in 3D tissues, facilitating the assessment of drug efficacy and personalized treatment selection, and can be used in cancer therapy and drug discovery by capturing dynamic cellular processes.
Implementation Method 1
the detector collects the reference beam and the signal beam to thereby acquire interferometric image data
Implementation Method 2
light scattered by the sample forms a signal beam
Implementation Method 3
A Fourier transform lens and a pixel-array detector are positioned wherein light scattered by the sample forms a signal beam that is directed through the Fourier transform lens onto the pixel-array detector
Implementation Method 4
Fourier transform lens...directed through the Fourier transform lens onto the pixel-array detector
Implementation Method 5
the depth within the sample at which the interferometric image data is acquired may be determined by coherence gating
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for viewing a biological sample that functions as both a microscope and an interferometer. A short-coherence light source directs light onto the sample. A Fourier transform lens and a pixel-array detector are positioned to collect light scattered by the sample. An optic fiber assembly conveys a reference beam from the short-coherence light source. The detector collects the reference beam and the signal beam and uses coherence gating to acquire interferometric image data. In some embodiments the axis of the incident light striking the sample and the axis of collected scattered signal light form an angle of less than 180 degrees and advantageously an angle between 120 and 150 degrees. A method of converting a microscope into an interferometer is also disclosed.