Composite Microscope Merging STED and Two-Photon Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical microscopes either exceed the diffraction limit with high resolution but shallow imaging depth, or achieve deep imaging but with low resolution, lacking a composite solution that integrates both high resolution and deep imaging capabilities for thicker samples and surface regions of interest.
Innovation Solution
A two-photon stimulated emission depletion composite microscope is developed, combining a two-photon imaging unit and an STED imaging unit with specific optical components and beam manipulation techniques to achieve rapid and precise alignment of excitation and depletion light spots, enabling high-resolution imaging at varying sample depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If STED imaging is used, then imaging resolution is improved, but imaging depth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines STED imaging unit and two-photon imaging unit into a single composite microscope system, merging the high-resolution capability of STED with the deep imaging capability of two-photon microscopy. The system integrates separate optical paths for both imaging modes, allowing users to switch between or combine them based on sample requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic switching between different imaging modes (STED and two-photon) depending on the imaging depth and resolution requirements. The optical path can be dynamically reconfigured to adapt to different sample thicknesses and imaging needs, making the system flexible rather than static.
2Length of stationary object
If two-photon imaging is used, then imaging depth is improved, but imaging resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines STED imaging unit and two-photon imaging unit into a single composite microscope system, merging the deep imaging capability of two-photon with the high-resolution capability of STED. The system integrates separate optical paths for both imaging modes, allowing users to switch between or combine them based on sample requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a composite microscope integrating STED and two-photon imaging is developed, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite microscope is divided into distinct functional modules: STED imaging unit, two-photon imaging unit, shared optical components, and control systems. Each unit can be independently optimized and maintained, reducing the complexity burden despite the integrated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal optical components that serve multiple functions. For example, the objective lens, scanning mirrors, and detector systems are shared between STED and two-photon imaging modes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 composite microscope integrates high-resolution STED imaging with deep two-photon imaging, allowing for accurate coincidence of light spots in three-dimensional distributions, enhancing imaging capabilities for both thick samples and surface regions, thus providing a powerful tool for biomedical research.
Implementation Method 1
The two-photon imaging unit comprises a femtosecond laser emitter
Implementation Method 2
the STED imaging unit comprises a supercontinuum laser emitter
Implementation Method 3
the light beam transmitted through the third dichroic mirror enters the objective lens and is focused by the objective lens onto a sample
Data Source
AI summary
A two-photon stimulated emission depletion composite microscope, comprising a two-photon imaging unit (100) and an STED imaging unit (200), wherein the two-photon imaging unit (100) can be used for a relatively thick sample, and the STED super-resolution imaging unit can be used for a region of interest on a surface of a sample, and the microscope makes light spots generated by an excitation light and a depletion light after being focused by an objective lens (OL) accurately coincide in a three-dimensional distribution. The two-photon stimulated emission depletion composite microscope (10) integrates two functions of STED imaging and two-photon imaging and makes the two types of light spots generated by an excitation light and a depletion light after being focused by an objective lens accurately coincide in a three-dimensional distribution, thereby providing a powerful tool for cutting-edge biomedical research.