Diffuser-Based Optical Path for Uniform Trans-Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microscope imaging systems face challenges in aligning trans-illumination light sources and reducing source auto-fluorescence when incorporating both trans- and epi-illumination modes, leading to non-uniform irradiation and increased noise in fluorescence images.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a diffuser in the optical path to scatter excitation light and align trans-illumination light sources, allowing for simultaneous irradiation without moving parts and reducing source auto-fluorescence, while enabling colorimetric imaging with a grayscale detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trans-illumination light sources are used to provide different colors of light, then colorimetric imaging capability is improved, but alignment difficulty and optical path complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple trans-illumination light sources (red, green, blue LEDs) into a single integrated light source assembly positioned at the same location. This merging approach allows all color channels to share a common optical path through the diffuser and examination region, eliminating alignment issues between separate light sources while maintaining full colorimetric imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it diffuses light from all trans-illumination sources uniformly, acts as a beam combiner to merge optical paths, and provides spatial homogenization for the examination region. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate optical components for each light source, simplifying the overall optical system.
2Measurement precision
If excitation light is used for fluorescence imaging, then fluorescence detection capability is improved, but source auto-fluorescence and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser acts as an intermediary element between the excitation light source and the examination region. It scatters the excitation light to reduce direct illumination of the light sources themselves, thereby minimizing auto-fluorescence generation while still delivering sufficient excitation light to the sample. The diffuser mediates the light delivery to balance fluorescence excitation efficiency with auto-fluorescence reduction.
3Reliability
If moving parts such as shutters or filters are used to isolate optical paths, then mode isolation is improved, but system complexity and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical isolation components (shutters, moving filters) with a stationary diffuser-based optical design. The diffuser creates inherently separated optical paths through scattering, allowing trans-illumination and epi-illumination modes to be isolated without mechanical moving parts. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating components that can fail or require maintenance while maintaining effective mode isolation.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate trans-illumination light sources are positioned at different locations, then color separation is improved, but uniformity of irradiation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser introduces local quality variations in the optical path by scattering light from each LED position differently. This scattering effect redistributes the light spatially, creating uniform illumination across the examination region while preserving the spectral characteristics of each color channel. The local scattering events collectively produce global uniformity, resolving the contradiction between color separation and irradiation uniformity.
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 diffuser ensures uniform irradiation and reduces noise by scattering excitation light, improving image quality and allowing for compact, efficient operation without realigning optics.
Implementation Method 1
a same diffuser is present in each optical path from the trans-illumination light sources to the examination region
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating a diffuser in the optical path to scatter excitation light and align trans-illumination light sources
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3C
Figure 4A~5C
AI summary
Imaging systems and methods with scattering to reduce source auto-fluorescence and improve uniformity. In some embodiments, the system may include a plurality of trans-illumination light sources configured to irradiate an examination region with different colors of trans-illumination light, while a same diffuser is present in each optical path from the trans-illumination light sources to the examination region. The system also may comprise an excitation light source configured to irradiate the examination region with excitation light. The system may be configured to irradiate the examination region with each of the trans-illumination light sources and, optionally, with the excitation light source, without moving parts in any of the optical paths from the trans-illumination light sources. The system further may comprise an image detector configured to detect grayscale images of the examination region, and a processor configured to create a color trans-illumination image from grayscale images.