Compact Laser Scanning Microscope With Relay Optics for In Vivo Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy systems are not compact, lightweight, and spatially maneuverable, making them inconvenient for in vivo imaging in live objects.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanning microscope system utilizing MEMS scanners, robotic arms, and fiber-coupled ultrafast laser sources, with a compound set of beam expansion optics to enable a compact form factor and spatial maneuverability, incorporating features like LCPZP lenses for focus control and spherical aberration compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional microscopy systems are used, then imaging functionality is achieved, but the system size is large and not compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into multiple independent beam scanners (first beam scanner for fast axis, second beam scanner for slow axis) with separate relay lens sets, allowing each component to be optimized and compacted individually while maintaining overall system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested relay lens systems where the first set of relay lenses processes beams from the first scanner and passes them to the second scanner, which is then processed by the second set of relay lenses. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple scanning functions within a reduced volume
2Measurement precision
If beam expansion optics are used to match scanner apertures, then imaging resolution is improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The relay lens sets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they expand the laser beam to match scanner apertures, conjugate scanning planes between scanners, and maintain optical alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall system despite achieving high imaging resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts optical parameters (beam diameter, focal length, conjugation distances) through the relay lens systems to optimize the matching between laser source, scanners, and objective lens. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves diffraction-limited imaging resolution without requiring overly complex optical arrangements
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
The system achieves compactness, light weight, and spatial maneuverability, enabling convenient access to various positions and angles for in vivo imaging with high imaging resolution and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first set of relay lenses is configured to expand the laser beam scanned by the first beam scanner
Implementation Method 2
conjugate a scanning plane of the first beam scanner with a scanning plane of the second beam scanner
Implementation Method 3
the LCPZP lens is configured to receive an input laser beam and shift a focus of the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanning imaging system including: a first beam scanner; a first set of relay lenses; a second beam scanner; a second set of relay lenses; an objective lens; wherein the first beam scanner is configured to receive an input laser beam and scan the laser beam about one or more axes; the first set of relay lenses is configured to expand the laser beam scanned by the first beam scanner and conjugate a scanning plane of the first beam scanner with a scanning plane of the second beam scanner; the second beam scanner is configured to scan the laser beam relayed by the first set of relay lenses about one or more axes; the second set of relay lenses is configured to expand the laser beam scanned by the second beam scanner and project the scanning plane of the second beam scanner to a pupil of the objective lens.