Exchangeable Fluorescence Cube for Confocal and TIRF Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes require a large and expensive exchanging mechanism to switch between confocal and total-internal-reflection fluorescence microscopy, due to the need for a specific optical member to converge laser light to a total-internal-reflection condition area on the pupil position of the objective lens.
Innovation Solution
A microscope apparatus with an illumination optical system that includes a plurality of exchangeable fluorescence cubes, each containing an optical member that makes the principal ray of laser light parallel to the optical axis and concentrates it on a given position, allowing for seamless switching between confocal and total-internal-reflection fluorescence microscopy modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional microscope uses a large exchanging mechanism to switch between confocal and total-internal-reflection fluorescence microscopy, then the microscope can perform both functions, but the microscope becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluorescence microscopy system into separate, exchangeable fluorescence cubes that can be independently selected. Each cube contains specific optical components for a particular microscopy mode (confocal, total-internal-reflection, or other modes), allowing the user to attach only the needed cube rather than carrying a large mechanism that switches between all modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mounting interface for fluorescence cubes that can accommodate multiple types of cubes for different microscopy modes. This allows a single microscope body to support various fluorescence microscopy techniques through interchangeable cubes, providing multi-functionality without requiring a complex switching mechanism for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional microscope includes all optical members for different microscopy modes, then it can perform multiple functions, but the device becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical components for different microscopy modes into separate fluorescence cubes. Each cube contains only the optical members necessary for its specific mode (e.g., a confocal cube has pinhole and scanning mirrors, while a total-internal-reflection cube has different optical elements). This allows the microscope to have all capabilities without permanently housing all components, reducing size and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs fluorescence cubes that can be nested or stacked in a compact arrangement when not in use. The exchangeable cube system allows multiple specialized cubes to be stored in a small footprint compared to a traditional design where all optical paths would need to be simultaneously accommodated in a large, integrated structure.
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 and cost-effective conversion between microscopy modes without the need for a large exchanging mechanism, facilitating versatile observations such as confocal scanning, epi-illumination, and total-internal-reflection microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
total-internal-reflection fluorescence microscope
Implementation Method 2
makes a principal ray of the laser light substantially parallel to an optical axis of the illumination optical system
Implementation Method 3
concentrates the laser light on a given position that is on a pupil position of the objective lens
Implementation Method 4
a fluorescence detection optical system that detects fluorescence from the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope apparatus has an illumination optical system illuminating a sample with laser light from laser light sources. A fluorescence detection optical system detects fluorescence from the sample. Fluorescence cubes are interchangeably provided in an optical path of the illumination optical system and lead the laser light to the sample. An objective lens is also provided. At least one of the fluorescence cubes includes an optical member that makes a principal ray of the laser light substantially parallel to an optical axis of the illumination optical system and concentrates the laser light on a given position that is on a pupil position of the objective lens and separated from the optical axis, thereby providing a microscope apparatus capable of changing from a confocal microscope to a total-internal-reflection fluorescence microscope by exchanging a fluorescence cube used in the fluorescence microscope.