Fixed Vortex Optics for Stable C-SIM Raman Microscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing super-resolution imaging techniques, such as C-SIM microscopy, face challenges in maintaining optical stability and accuracy due to movement of vortex generators, leading to errors and noise in super-resolution images.

Innovation Solution

An optical system with a fixed first set of components and an adjustable second set of components allows for switching between Gaussian and vortex beams without moving the vortex generator, ensuring stability and accuracy by keeping the vortex generator stationary relative to the input light beam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vortex generator is moved to switch between Gaussian and vortex beams, then the beam type can be changed, but optical stability and accuracy deteriorate due to movement-induced errors and noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam type switching capabilityVSAvoidoptical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the vortex generator to switch between beam types, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the vortex generator stationary and using a beam expander to switch between Gaussian and vortex beams. This reversal of the moving component resolves the contradiction by maintaining optical stability while achieving beam type versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a beam expander as an intermediary component between the light source and vortex generator. This mediator enables beam type switching without moving the vortex generator, thus maintaining optical stability while achieving the desired adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vortex generator is moved to generate different beam patterns, then imaging versatility improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to drift and positioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging mode flexibilityVSAvoidsuper-resolution image accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by keeping the vortex generator fixed and using beam expander adjustment to achieve different imaging modes. This inversion eliminates positioning errors and drift associated with moving the vortex generator, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving imaging versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement of the vortex generator with optical adjustment of the beam expander. This substitution eliminates mechanical positioning errors and drift, improving measurement precision while maintaining the ability to switch between different imaging modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If optical components are adjusted to switch between confocal and toroidal imaging, then imaging capability improves, but optical alignment stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidoptical alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the alignment-stabilizing function from the vortex generator by keeping it fixed, and separates the beam type switching function to the beam expander. This extraction preserves optical alignment stability while maintaining imaging capability versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 maintains high-quality super-resolution image generation by minimizing movement and drift, improving lateral resolution by up to 40% through image subtraction, resulting in clearer and more reliable super-resolution images.

Implementation Method 1

When the second set of optical components are in the second operating position, the light beam passes through the first set of optical components and forms a vortex beam that is outputted as a second output beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex beam formation: Vortex Generator

Data Source

PatentEP4628962A1Optical configurations for high resolution microscopy

Publication Date: 2025.10.08 THERMO ELECTRONICS SCI INSTR LLC

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D
Figure 2A

AI summary

Optical configurations for confocal structured illumination Raman (C-SIM Raman) microscopy systems are provided. One example includes a light source configured to project a light; a first set of optical components fixedly aligned along a first optical path, wherein the first set of optical components includes a vortex phase plate and a quarter wave plate, wherein the first set of optical components is configured to receive the light; and a second set of optical components configured to be adjusted between a first operating position and a second operating position. When in the first operating position, the second set of optical component is aligned on the first optical path and is configured to expand, in conjunction with the first set of optical components, the light into an expanded light. When in the second operating position, the second set of optical components is not aligned on the first optical path.