Confocality Check Using Auxiliary Light and Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking the confocality of scanning and descanning microscope assemblies require a complete laser scanning microscope and a sample, which limits their applicability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize an auxiliary detector and auxiliary light source arranged in the focal plane to scan the detection and emission apertures, allowing for the assessment of confocality without a sample or complete microscope, using a scanner to record intensity distributions and compensate for confocality errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current methods for checking confocality are used, then confocality can be checked, but a complete laser scanning microscope and sample are required, limiting applicability and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential confocality checking function from the complete microscope system by using only the scanner, detector, and auxiliary light source arranged in the focal plane. This separation allows confocality verification without requiring the entire microscope assembly or biological samples, thereby improving adaptability while reducing device complexity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary light source is introduced as an intermediary element arranged in the focal plane to enable confocality checking. This auxiliary source allows the detection aperture to be scanned and evaluated without requiring actual sample illumination, facilitating independent verification of the confocal arrangement.
2Measurement precision
If intensity distributions are scanned using the scanner, then confocality can be assessed, but the process requires precise positioning and scanning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner, which is already an integral part of the microscope system for its primary imaging function, is utilized to perform the confocality checking by scanning the detection aperture. This self-service approach allows the existing scanning mechanism to serve dual purposes: sample imaging and confocality verification, thereby achieving precise measurement without adding separate positioning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner is designed to perform multiple functions: it scans the detection aperture for confocality assessment and also scans samples during normal operation. This multi-functionality enables precise confocality measurement using the same positioning mechanisms already present in the system, avoiding additional 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 the checking and adjustment of confocality in scanning and descanning microscope assemblies independently of a sample or complete microscope setup, improving the precision and flexibility of confocal arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary light source arranged in the focal plane and emitting light
Implementation Method 2
an optics focusing the illumination light in a focal area in a focal plane
Implementation Method 3
a detector detecting light from the focal area
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to check the confocality of a scanning and descanning microscope assembly (3) comprising a light source (4) that provides illumination light (23), comprising an optical unit (27) that focuses the illumination light (23) into a focal region (7) in a focal plane (6), comprising a detector (8) that detects light from the focal region (7) and that has a detection aperture (11) to be arranged in confocal fashion with the focal region (7), and comprising a scanner (12) between the light source (4) and, firstly, the detector (8) and, secondly, the focal plane (6), a detection auxiliary aperture (25), arranged in the focal plane (6), of an auxiliary detector (24) is scanned with the focal region (7) of the illumination light (23) by adjusting the scanner (12), wherein a first intensity distribution of the illumination light (23) registered by the auxiliary detector (24) is captured over different positions of the scanner (12). Furthermore, the detection aperture (11) of the detector (8) is scanned with auxiliary light (22) by adjusting the scanner (12), said auxiliary light emerging through an emission auxiliary aperture (21), arranged in concentric fashion with respect to the detection auxiliary aperture (25) in the focal plane (6), of an auxiliary light source (20), wherein a second intensity distribution of the auxiliary light (22) registered by the detector (8) is captured over the positions of the scanner (12). At least one difference between the first intensity distribution and the second intensity distribution over the different positions of the scanner (12) is captured as a measure for an error of the confocality.