Fiber Spectroscopic Probe Mounts on Microscope Objective
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Raman microscopes are bulky and require significant modifications to accommodate Raman spectrometers, altering the optical path and disrupting the microscope's original functions, limiting their use to laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A fiber spectroscopic probe with a minimal number of optical components is mounted directly above the objective lens of a standard microscope, allowing for Raman and fluorescence analysis with minimal alteration to the optical path, and is easily reconfigurable for different excitation/detection wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Raman spectrometer is incorporated into a microscope to enable Raman analysis, then the microscope gains spectroscopic functionality, but the physical size increases and the optical path is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber spectroscopic probe is integrated directly into the microscope's optical path, with the fiber optic cable routing the spectroscopic components through the microscope body. This nesting approach allows the spectrometer functionality to be embedded within the existing microscope structure, minimizing external volume additions while maintaining full spectroscopic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a bulk optical spectrometer design to a fiber-based implementation, effectively moving the spectroscopic functionality from three-dimensional space to a one-dimensional fiber optic pathway. This dimensional change allows the spectrometer to be mounted remotely or integrated compactly, reducing the physical footprint at the microscope location
2Adaptability or versatility
If a Raman spectrometer is mounted on a microscope, then spectroscopic measurements can be performed, but modifications to the microscope are required which may disturb its originally designed functions
Solution Approach 1:
A dichroic beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary component in the optical path. This beam splitter separates the excitation light path from the emission light path, allowing the Raman spectrometer to be coupled into the microscope without directly interfering with the microscope's primary imaging optics. The intermediary component enables independent optimization of both the microscope and spectrometer systems
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the microscope provides imaging and sample illumination, while the fiber spectroscopic probe handles spectroscopic detection. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently and minimizes cross-interference, preserving the microscope's original functions while adding spectroscopic capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional Raman microscopes are used, then Raman analysis can be performed, but they are bulky and limited to laboratory usages
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the Raman spectrometer with a standard optical microscope into a single integrated system. By combining the spectroscopic detection capabilities with the microscope's imaging and illumination systems, the invention creates a unified instrument that eliminates the need for separate bulk Raman spectrometer units, thereby improving portability while maintaining analytical capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical-optical Raman spectrometer components with fiber optic-based systems. Fiber optic cables substitute for rigid optical benches and alignment mechanisms, enabling flexible routing of light paths and compact system configuration that enhances portability without sacrificing spectral resolution or measurement accuracy
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 compact, non-destructive, spatially resolved measurements suitable for micro-sampling and fluorescence analysis with minimal disruption to the microscope's optical path and viewing functions, enhancing its usability beyond laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
The fiber spectroscopic probe only consists of a minimum number of optical components
Implementation Method 2
mounted directly above the objective lens of a standard microscope
Implementation Method 3
Raman microscopy is a useful spectroscopic technique that permits nondestructive, spatially resolved measurements within the samples
Implementation Method 4
The constructed microscope with fiber spectroscopic probe is suitable for micro-sampling, Raman analysis, as well as fluorescence analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber spectroscopic probe that can be mounted directly above the objective lens of a standard microscope to add a spectroscopic function to the microscope. The constructed microscope with fiber spectroscopic probe is suitable for micro-sampling, Raman analysis, as well as fluorescence analysis and can be easily reconfigured for different excitation/detection wavelengths. The fiber spectroscopic probe only consists of a minimum number of optical components and is compact enough to induce minimum alteration to the optical path of the microscope.