Image Cytometer Cooling Means for Light Source Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy techniques face challenges in visualizing small biological particles due to low contrast between particles and background, and high-energy light sources used in image cytometers can cause heat-related issues affecting light output and object visualization.
Innovation Solution
An image cytometer with active cooling means for high-energy light sources and multiple light sources for simultaneous recording of bright-field, dark-field, and fluorescence images, using inclined light sources and modulation means to enhance contrast and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-energy light sources are used to increase light output intensity, then illumination intensity is improved, but temperature increases causing light output instability and wavelength shift
Solution Approach 1:
A heat sink is introduced as an intermediary component between the high-energy light source and its mounting structure. The heat sink absorbs excess thermal energy from the light source, preventing temperature from rising to levels that would cause wavelength shifts and output instability. This allows the light source to operate at high intensity while maintaining stable optical properties through thermal management.
2Measurement precision
If high magnification microscopy is used to separate minute structures, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microscopy system is segmented into multiple independent light sources, each optimized for specific imaging modes (bright-field, dark-field, fluorescence). This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through specialized illumination without requiring a single overly complex microscope system. Each light source module can be independently controlled and optimized, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high imaging capability.
3Illumination intensity
If phase contrast microscopy is used to exploit refractive index differences, then contrast is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple light sources that can function across different imaging modes. By using LED-based illumination that can operate in bright-field, dark-field, and fluorescence modes, the system achieves high image contrast without requiring specialized phase contrast optical components. This multi-functional approach allows a single light source system to replace multiple specialized systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining superior contrast capability.
4Illumination intensity
If fluorescence microscopy is used to achieve high contrast, then contrast is improved, but adaptability decreases due to fluorophore selectivity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is designed with multiple LED light sources covering different wavelength ranges, enabling the system to function in bright-field, dark-field, and fluorescence modes. This multi-functional design provides high adaptability to different particle types and biological samples. The system can switch between imaging modes depending on the sample characteristics, achieving high contrast for fluorescently labeled samples while also maintaining capability for non-fluorescent samples through bright-field and dark-field modes.
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 solution provides improved contrast and stability in imaging small biological particles by maintaining light source temperature and using multiple light sources for enhanced imaging modes, reducing heat-related issues and improving visualization.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is a light emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
The cooling means is in direct thermal connection with the light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and systems for image cytometry analysis,in particular using light sources to be cooled. Thereby is provided optimal light conditions for image cytometry.