Confocal Microscope Optical System for Parallel Line Focus Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopic imaging techniques, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy, face challenges in achieving sufficient temporal resolution for capturing dynamic biological processes and require lengthy image acquisition times, which are not compatible with clinical workflows in digital pathology.
Innovation Solution
A microscopic imaging system that generates a plurality of line foci within an object using an optical system configured to focus illumination light, allowing for simultaneous detection of light emitted from each focus and separate detection by a detector system, which compensates for axial and lateral displacements of the foci.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single laser focus is scanned through the sample, then high spatial resolution is achieved, but image acquisition time becomes too long for dynamic biological processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination beam into multiple beamlets using a beam multiplication system, creating multiple foci simultaneously within the sample. This segmentation of the light path allows parallel acquisition of information from different depths, dramatically reducing acquisition time while maintaining confocal resolution through optical sectioning at each focus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point scanning to multi-point simultaneous illumination by introducing axial dimensionality through multiple foci at different depths. The detector system uses axially displaced light-receiving portions to capture signals from each focus simultaneously, adding the dimension of parallel depth sampling to overcome the time limitation
2Area of stationary object
If the field of view is increased to cover entire tissue slides, then more sample area is imaged, but acquisition time increases and stitching becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination into multiple beamlets that create foci across different regions of the sample simultaneously. This allows the entire field of view to be imaged in parallel rather than sequentially, eliminating the need for stitching and reducing total acquisition time while maintaining coverage of large tissue slides
3Productivity
If multiple foci are generated simultaneously, then acquisition time is reduced, but axial displacement compensation becomes necessary to maintain focus quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individual axial displacement compensation for each light-receiving portion corresponding to each focus. The detector system is configured with axially displaced light-receiving portions that are optically conjugate to their respective foci, allowing each detection channel to be independently optimized for its specific depth plane while maintaining overall system productivity
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 significantly reduces image acquisition time, enabling faster capture of three-dimensional images while maintaining high spatial resolution, thus addressing the limitations of existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the optical system is configured to focus the illumination light to simultaneously form a plurality of foci within an object
Implementation Method 2
detection light is emitted by the object from the foci in response to the illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a microscopic imaging system for three-dimensional imaging An optical system is provided for focusing illumination light generated by a light source to form a plurality of foci within an object. The optical system is further configured so that the foci, when seen relative to an optical axis of the optical system along which the illumination light is incident on the object, are mutually displaced from each other in an axial direction and mutually displaced from each other in a lateral direction. The optical system and/or a detector system are configured to compensate for the displacement along the axial direction so that for each of the foci, a light receiving portion of the detector system which receives a portion of the detection light is substantially located at a position which is optically conjugate to at least a portion of the respective focus.