Fluorescence Observation Apparatus Variable Passband Spectral Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence observation apparatuses face challenges in accurately obtaining fluorescence intensity in a variable passband, particularly in distinguishing between porphyrin-derived and collagen-derived fluorescence regions.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence observation apparatus is designed with a Fabry-Perot resonator having a variable passband, a fixed passband, and a transition band, along with an excitation-light cut filter and a band cut filter, which allows for precise measurement of fluorescence intensity by switching between two states to isolate and calculate porphyrin-derived and collagen-derived fluorescence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a variable spectroscopic element with a variable passband is used to obtain fluorescence intensity in the porphyrin-derived fluorescence region, then the fluorescence intensity can be measured, but it becomes difficult to accurately distinguish between porphyrin-derived fluorescence and collagen-derived fluorescence due to overlapping spectral regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluorescence detection process into two distinct measurement states: a first state where both porphyrin-derived and collagen-derived fluorescence are obtained, and a second state where only collagen-derived fluorescence is obtained. By segmenting the measurement into these two states and subtracting the signals, the patent isolates the porphyrin-derived fluorescence component, thereby resolving the spectral overlap problem and improving measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the variable spectroscopic element is adjusted to obtain fluorescence in both porphyrin and collagen regions simultaneously, then comprehensive fluorescence information is obtained, but the transition band between passbands introduces measurement errors and reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic transition band from the measurement process by using a band cut filter. This filter specifically blocks the transition band wavelengths while allowing the main passband wavelengths to pass through, thereby removing the source of measurement error and improving fluorescence intensity accuracy without sacrificing the ability to measure both porphyrin and collagen fluorescence regions.
3Illumination intensity
If excitation light is used to stimulate fluorescence in biological tissues, then fluorescence signals are generated for observation, but the strong excitation light creates noise and interferes with the detection of weak fluorescence signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful excitation light noise into a beneficial measurement approach by using the excitation light to generate fluorescence signals while simultaneously using spectral filtering to separate the desired fluorescence wavelengths from the excitation light wavelengths. The excitation light intensity is maintained at levels sufficient to generate detectable fluorescence, while the band cut filter and excitation light cut filter eliminate the harmful noise, transforming the interference problem into a solvable spectral separation task.
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 configuration enables accurate acquisition and differentiation of fluorescence intensity in the variable passband, reducing noise and allowing for superior low-noise imaging, especially in faint light conditions within biological tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a Fabry-Perot resonator including a variable passband in which a wavelength of light that passes therethrough changes with changes in a distance between surfaces of optical members opposing each other with a distance therebetween
Implementation Method 2
an excitation-light cut filter that blocks passage of the excitation light
Implementation Method 3
a band cut filter having a cut-off band including the transition band and not including a wavelength of the excitation light
Implementation Method 4
a photodetector that detects fluorescence that has passed through the Fabry-Perot resonator, the excitation-light cut filter, and the band cut filter
Implementation Method 5
Observing autofluorescence, that is, tissue-derived fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
To accurately obtain fluorescence intensity in a variable passband. Provided is a fluorescence observation apparatus including an excitation light source that emits excitation light; a Fabry-Perot resonator including a variable passband in which the wavelength of light that passes therethrough changes with changes in distance between the surfaces of optical members opposing each other with a distance therebetween, a fixed passband in which the wavelength of light that passes therethrough does not change irrespective of changes in the distance between the surfaces, and a transition band therebetween; an excitation-light cut filter that blocks passage of the excitation light; a band cut filter having a cut-off band including the transition band and not including the wavelength of the excitation light; and a photodetector that detects fluorescence that has passed through the Fabry-Perot resonator, the excitation-light cut filter, and the band cut filter.