Dark-Field Raman Imaging for Fast Microparticle Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral imaging systems for microparticles face limitations in spatial resolution and require mechanical switching between imaging and spectral analysis modalities, leading to increased acquisition times and mechanical reliability issues when analyzing large samples.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that combines dark-field microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy without mechanical switching, using an annular illumination cone and a dual optical setup to simultaneously image and analyze microparticles, allowing for rapid spatial location and spectral analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a static approach is used to acquire all tiles by full-field microscopy before spectral analysis, then spatial resolution is maintained, but acquisition time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary spatial location of microparticles using full-field microscopy to identify their positions before spectral analysis. This preliminary action allows the system to focus subsequent spectral measurements only on locations containing microparticles, rather than scanning the entire sample area, thereby reducing acquisition time while maintaining spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The sample area is divided into multiple tiles that are acquired sequentially. The system processes each tile independently, identifying microparticle positions in each tile, and then performs spectral analysis only on tiles containing microparticles. This segmentation approach reduces the total number of spectral measurements required, decreasing acquisition time while preserving spatial resolution
2Quantity of substance
If a dynamic approach is used to extract microparticle coordinates and acquire spectra on the fly, then image size is reduced, but acquisition time increases due to switching between modalities
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary spatial location of microparticles using full-field microscopy to identify their positions before spectral analysis. This preliminary action allows the system to focus subsequent spectral measurements only on locations containing microparticles, rather than scanning the entire sample area, thereby reducing acquisition time while maintaining spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The sample area is divided into multiple tiles that are acquired sequentially. The system processes each tile independently, identifying microparticle positions in each tile, and then performs spectral analysis only on tiles containing microparticles. This segmentation approach reduces the total number of spectral measurements required, decreasing acquisition time while preserving spatial resolution
3Device complexity
If mechanical switching is used between imaging and spectral analysis modalities, then system complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases and acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the imaging and spectral analysis modalities into a single integrated optical path. By combining these functions in one optical pathway, the system eliminates the need for mechanical switching components, thereby improving reliability and reducing acquisition time while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions (imaging and spectral analysis) through a single integrated pathway. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanical switching mechanisms, improving system reliability and reducing acquisition time without significantly increasing overall 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
This approach reduces acquisition times, maintains high spatial resolution, and enhances mechanical reliability by eliminating mechanical switching, facilitating the analysis of large samples with minimal signal loss.
Implementation Method 1
an annular illumination cone derived from a beam of white light partly reflected by an annular mirror
Implementation Method 2
focused by a peripheral region of a dark-field microscope objective
Implementation Method 3
transparent microparticles scattered within a sample
Implementation Method 4
collection of a Raman spectrum emitted from the measuring point
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for spatial tracking and spectral imaging of microparticles (202) in a sample (200) is provided.This method comprises the following steps: A) illumination of the sample by an annular illumination cone (124) from a light beam partly reflected by an annular mirror (13) and focused by a peripheral region (142) of a dark-field microscope objective (14), B) recording a dark-field microscopy image, the latter being collected by a central region (144) of the objective, C) locating points of interest in the image, D) extracting the coordinates of the points of interest, in order to form a list of points, E) moving the sample, so as to scan one of the extracted points, F) illuminating the point on the sample using a laser beam transmitted through the annular mirror and focused by the central region of the dark-field microscope objective, G) collecting by the central region of the objective of an emitted Raman spectrum. The invention also relates to an associated system.