Dual-Objective Microscope Layout for Large and Parallel Sample Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microscopes face challenges in efficiently imaging large samples and multiple samples simultaneously due to limitations in illumination and imaging configurations, leading to shadow effects and reduced image quality.

Innovation Solution

A microscope design featuring dual illumination objectives and imaging objectives positioned below the sample holder, allowing illumination from multiple directions, combined with a motorized sample holder for precise positioning and a system for generating and synchronizing light sheets to optimize illumination and imaging paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single illumination and imaging objective are used with the sample placed above, then multiple samples can be imaged in parallel, but large samples cannot be imaged due to inability to illuminate and image from both sides

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of samples imaged in parallelVSAvoidability to image large samples

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the imaging function into multiple independent objectives: two illumination objectives positioned at opposite sides and two imaging objectives positioned at opposite sides. Each objective can independently image specific regions, allowing both multiple small samples to be imaged in parallel and large samples to be imaged by combining views from multiple objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-sided illumination/imaging configuration to a multi-sided configuration by adding illumination objectives at opposite sides of the sample holder. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enables both parallel imaging of multiple samples and comprehensive imaging of large samples from different angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two illumination objectives and two imaging objectives are arranged in one plane with the sample holder in between, then large samples can be imaged by choosing the shortest path, but only a single sample can be imaged at the same time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to image large samplesVSAvoidnumber of samples imaged simultaneously

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sample holder is divided into multiple compartments, each capable of holding a separate sample. Each compartment can be independently positioned and imaged by the dual illumination and dual imaging objectives, enabling both large sample imaging and parallel imaging of multiple samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microscope system is designed with universal capability to handle both single large samples and multiple small samples. The same dual illumination/dual imaging objective configuration and motorized sample holder can accommodate different sample sizes and numbers, making the system versatile for various imaging applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If illumination light travels over a long path through the sample, then the sample can be illuminated from one side, but image quality deteriorates due to scattering and absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination configuration simplicityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of illuminating the sample from one side and detecting from the other (creating long light paths), the system uses dual illumination objectives to illuminate from both sides simultaneously, and dual imaging objectives to detect from both sides. This inverted approach reduces the illumination path length through the sample while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions by positioning illumination and imaging objectives at opposite sides of the sample holder. This three-dimensional configuration allows light to travel shorter paths through the sample while still achieving complete illumination and detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 efficient imaging of large samples and multiple samples in parallel with reduced shadow effects, enhancing image quality and throughput by illuminating from multiple directions and synchronizing light sheet generation with beam waist translation.

Implementation Method 1

a first illumination objective (1) arranged to eject a first illumination light beam along a first illumination path (2) to illuminate the sample (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a first imaging objective (6) arranged to receive detection light propagated along a first detection path (7)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20260023252A1Microscope for imaging a sample

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 VIVENTIS MICROSCOPY SARL

AI summary

A microscope is disclosed for imaging a sample. The microscope includes an illumination objective, a further illumination objective, an imaging objective and a further imaging objective, a sample holder, holder support and a drive system arranged to displace the sample holder along three perpendicular axes.