Dual-Objective Microscope for Large and Parallel Sample Imaging
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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 synchronizing light sheet generation and beam waist translation, enables efficient imaging of large and multiple samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope system is segmented into multiple independent illumination objectives (first and second illumination objectives positioned at opposite sides) and multiple imaging objectives (first and second imaging objectives positioned at opposite sides). Each objective can independently illuminate or image specific regions, allowing the system to handle both multiple small samples in parallel and large samples by activating only the necessary objectives for each sample size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-sided configuration to a multi-dimensional configuration by positioning illumination and imaging objectives at opposite sides of the sample holder. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enables simultaneous illumination and imaging from both sides, resolving the limitation of single-sided systems that could only handle one sample type at a time.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder is segmented into multiple compartments that can independently hold different samples. Each compartment can be independently positioned using the drive system, allowing multiple samples to be imaged simultaneously while maintaining the capability to handle large samples by activating only the necessary illumination and imaging objectives for each compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder is made dynamic through the integration of a drive system that can automatically displace the sample holder along perpendicular axes. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to automatically adjust between imaging different samples in different compartments, increasing throughput while maintaining the ability to image large samples when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If illumination light travels over a long path through the sample, then the sample can be illuminated from multiple directions, but image quality deteriorates due to scattering and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by positioning illumination objectives at specific locations (first illumination objective at one side, second illumination objective at the opposite side) and imaging objectives at corresponding locations. This localized arrangement ensures that light paths are optimized for each specific imaging location, minimizing scattering and absorption while maintaining multi-directional illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system provides feedback control by automatically positioning the sample holder based on the selected sample and compartment. This feedback mechanism ensures that the sample is precisely positioned to optimize light paths and minimize scattering and absorption, thereby maintaining high image quality while enabling multi-directional illumination.
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 high-throughput imaging of large samples with reduced shadow effects and improved image quality by illuminating from multiple directions and optimizing focal planes, while allowing simultaneous imaging of multiple samples without interference.
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)
Implementation Method 2
a first imaging objective (6) arranged to receive detection light propagated along a first detection path (7)
Implementation Method 3
The sample holder has a portion which is light transparent... transparent to the first illumination light beam, the second illumination light beam and to the detection light
Data Source
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.