Fiber Array Spectral Translator Structured Illumination Confocality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic technologies, such as scanning and widefield chemical imaging, face limitations in confocality due to secondary scattering of radiation, which affects the accuracy and spatial resolution of measurements, particularly in FAST systems used for polymorph screening and chemical imaging.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fiber array spectral translator (FAST) system that directs only photons from specific, smaller portions of the sample to a photon detector, enhancing confocality by using a predetermined group of fibers associated with distinct sample regions, and incorporating structured illumination and collection systems to improve measurement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If widefield illumination is used to illuminate the entire sample field of view, then data acquisition speed is improved, but confocality deteriorates due to secondary scattering of radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fiber array into multiple groups, where each group is associated with a specific region of the sample. Only photons from the intended sample region are directed to the detector through the corresponding fiber group, while photons from other regions are blocked. This segmentation approach enables widefield illumination to maintain confocality by preventing secondary scattering from contaminating the detection signal.
2Measurement precision
If scanning methods are used to improve confocality by focusing radiation on specific sample locations, then measurement precision is improved, but data acquisition speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the advantages of scanning methods (confocality through spatial filtering) with widefield methods (parallel data acquisition) by using a fiber array where multiple fibers simultaneously perform confocal measurement at different sample locations. Each fiber acts as an independent confocal channel, enabling parallel acquisition of confocal data from multiple regions without mechanical scanning.
3Illumination intensity
If the entire fiber array is used to collect photons from the sample, then signal intensity is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates due to inclusion of photons from unintended sample regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different functional properties to different parts of the fiber array by grouping fibers according to their correspondence with specific sample regions. Each fiber group is optimized to collect photons only from its associated sample region, creating local quality control that maintains spatial resolution while collecting sufficient signal intensity through the combined output of multiple specialized fiber groups.
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 significantly enhances the confocality and data acquisition rates of FAST systems, allowing for higher spatial resolution and accurate detection of polymorphs and chemical compositions, while reducing secondary scattering effects and increasing the speed of analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A fiber array spectral translator (FAST) system when used in conjunction with a photon detector allows massively parallel acquisition of full-spectral images
Implementation Method 2
The photons from the sample may be, for example, emitted by the sample, reflected off of the sample, refracted by the sample, fluoresce from the sample, or scattered by the sample. The scattered photons may be Raman photons.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for using a fiber array spectral translator-based (“FAST”) spectroscopic system for improved imaging, spectral analysis, and interactive probing of a sample. In an embodiment, the confocality of a fiber array spectral translator-based spectroscopic system is improved through the use of structured illumination and/or structured collection of photons. User input may be received and acted upon to allow a user to interactively in real time and/or near real time view and analyze specific regions of the sample.