Bottom Illumination Observation Apparatus for Compact Fluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing observation apparatuses for fluorescent-labeled cells are inefficient in capturing both the shape and fluorescence images due to the placement of light sources and image-capturing systems on either side of the specimen, leading to increased size and complexity, and difficulties in achieving uniform illumination and high-intensity excitation.
Innovation Solution
An observation apparatus with a light-source portion that emits illumination and excitation light upward from below the specimen, and an image-capturing optical system positioned below the specimen to capture transmitted light and fluorescence, allowing for thin apparatus design, adjustable illumination angles, and high-intensity excitation, using LED light sources and diffusion plates to ensure uniform illumination and efficient light usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources and image-capturing systems are placed on either side of the specimen, then illumination and observation can be achieved, but the apparatus size increases and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and image-capturing optical system into a single observation apparatus positioned below the specimen. The light source emits illumination light that passes through the specimen, and the image-capturing optical system captures the transmitted light and fluorescence, merging functions that were traditionally separated into a compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source serves multiple functions: it provides illumination light for transmitted light observation and excitation light for fluorescence observation. The single light source structure enables both bright-field and fluorescence imaging modes without requiring separate illumination systems, reducing overall apparatus complexity and size.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed on either side of the specimen, then illumination can be achieved, but uniform illumination is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light source and optical system in a vertical dimension below the specimen, illuminating from the bottom upward through the substrate. This dimensional arrangement allows uniform illumination across the specimen area while simplifying the optical path, avoiding the complexity of lateral illumination systems.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed on either side of the specimen, then excitation can be achieved, but high-intensity excitation is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination light source is configured to provide both illumination for transmitted light observation and excitation for fluorescence observation. By merging these functions into a single high-intensity light source positioned below the specimen, the system achieves effective fluorescence excitation without requiring a separate excitation system, thereby maintaining high excitation intensity while reducing overall system complexity.
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 efficient observation of both shape and fluorescence images of transparent specimens like cells without increasing apparatus size, providing clear and bright images with reduced illumination irregularity and enhanced contrast, while allowing for various illumination modes like bright-field, dark-field, and oblique illumination.
Implementation Method 1
transmitted light, which is the illumination light that is emitted from the light-source, that is reflected above the specimen, and that has passed through the specimen
Implementation Method 2
fluorescence that is generated in the specimen that has been irradiated with the excitation light emitted from the light-source
Implementation Method 3
an objective lens that focuses, below the specimen, transmitted light... and fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
An observation apparatus including: a light-source that emits illumination light and excitation light upward from below a specimen; and an image-capturing optical system having an objective lens that focuses, below the specimen, transmitted light, which is the illumination light that is emitted from the light-source, that is reflected above the specimen, and that has passed through the specimen, and fluorescence that is generated in the specimen that has been irradiated with the excitation light emitted from the light-source, wherein the light-source is disposed radially outside the objective lens.