Evanescent Illumination Correction Optics for Multi-Wavelength Fluorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
In evanescent illumination, the penetration depth of radiation into a sample varies with wavelength and incidence angle, making it challenging to excite multiple fluorophores with different wavelengths under the same conditions for meaningful and quantitative comparison.
Innovation Solution
A device with correction optics that introduces transverse chromatic aberration to ensure optical radiation traverses the objective pupil at different heights based on wavelength, reducing wavelength-related differences in penetration depth, allowing simultaneous evanescent illumination of samples with multiple wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If evanescent illumination is used with multiple wavelengths to excite different fluorophores, then the ability to perform multi-spectral fluorescence examinations is improved, but the penetration depth varies with wavelength causing inconsistent illumination conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing wavelength-dependent height adjustments in the objective pupil. Different wavelengths are directed to traverse the pupil at different heights, creating localized corrections for each wavelength's penetration depth. This allows each wavelength to have optimized illumination conditions while maintaining the overall multi-spectral capability of the system.
2Manufacturing precision
If the incidence angle is adjusted to control penetration depth for one wavelength, then the penetration depth for that wavelength is improved, but the penetration depth for other wavelengths becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of pupil traversal height as a function of wavelength. By establishing a relationship where height in the objective pupil varies with wavelength, the system achieves wavelength-specific penetration depth control. This parameter transformation allows simultaneous optimization for multiple wavelengths without requiring mechanical adjustments between examinations.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical adjustments are made to align penetration depths for different wavelengths, then the illumination consistency is improved, but the device complexity and time required for adjustments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an optical correction approach. Instead of using movable parts to physically realign the illumination path for different wavelengths, the invention uses optical elements that introduce controlled transverse chromatic aberration. This substitutes complex mechanical alignment systems with a more integrated optical solution that achieves the same goal of penetration depth uniformity.
4Measurement precision
If mechanical elements are moved between examinations to achieve same penetration depths, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity and experimental frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the optical system to provide wavelength-dependent pupil traversal heights. The correction optics are designed in advance to automatically compensate for wavelength-related penetration depth variations. This eliminates the need for time-consuming mechanical adjustments between examinations, allowing researchers to immediately perform multi-wavelength experiments with consistent illumination conditions.
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 enables uniform spectral penetration depths, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustments and allowing for higher frequency experiments with simultaneous or sequential excitation of different fluorophores, improving image quality and experimental efficiency in fluorescence microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
the correction optics having a transverse chromatic aberration which, during illumination, leads to the optical radiation traversing the pupil of the objective at different heights according to the wavelength
Implementation Method 2
the ray bundle for illuminating the sample is supplied in such a way that total reflection occurs on the boundary surface to the sample
Implementation Method 3
A standing evanescent wave is thus formed in the sample, the intensity of which decreases exponentially with the distance to the boundary surface
Implementation Method 4
The correction optics can comprise diffractive and/or refractive elements
Implementation Method 5
The correction optics can comprise diffractive and/or refractive elements
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the evanescent illumination of a sample, including an optical illumination element with an optical corrective element and an objective arranged downstream from the corrective element, to evanescently illuminate the sample with a supplied ray beam containing optical radiation with at least two different wavelengths. The corrective optical element has a transverse chromatic aberration which, during the illumination, leads to the optical radiation penetrating the pupil of the objective at different heights relative to the optical axis varying according to the wavelength. The corrective optical element is selected in such a way that the wavelength-related difference of the penetration depths of the radiation into the sample is reduced during the evanescent illumination.