Fluorescence Observation Filter Segmentation for Dual-Region Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence observation systems fail to adequately visualize non-fluorescent regions of an object, as existing methods for adjusting illumination and observation light filters do not effectively allow both fluorescent and non-fluorescent structures to be perceived simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A set of filters with specific transmission characteristics for the illumination and observation light filters, where the illumination filter has distinct wavelength ranges for fluorescence excitation and non-fluorescent region visibility, and the observation filter allows both fluorescent and non-fluorescent light to traverse, ensuring non-fluorescent regions are visible without overpowering fluorescent regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the illumination light filter and observation light filter are adjusted to allow both fluorescent and non-fluorescent structures to be visible, then the visibility of non-fluorescent regions is improved, but the fluorescent regions become outshined by non-fluorescent regions
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination light filter is divided into multiple wavelength ranges with different transmission characteristics: a first wavelength range for exciting fluorescence with high transmission, and a second wavelength range for making non-fluorescent structures visible with lower transmission. This segmentation allows selective optimization for different observation goals without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the spectrum are assigned different transmission characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first wavelength range has transmission optimized for fluorescence excitation, while the second wavelength range has transmission optimized for visualizing non-fluorescent regions. This local optimization resolves the contradiction by allowing each wavelength range to serve its purpose effectively.
2Loss of information
If the illumination light filter transmits light in the second wavelength range to make non-fluorescent regions visible, then non-fluorescent regions can be perceived, but the fluorescent light intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral transmission is segmented into distinct wavelength ranges: the first wavelength range (below threshold) is optimized for fluorescence excitation with high transmission values, while the second wavelength range (above threshold) is optimized for visualizing non-fluorescent structures with lower transmission values. This segmentation ensures that fluorescence excitation efficiency is maintained while still allowing non-fluorescent regions to be visible.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is designed with locally optimized transmission characteristics for different spectral regions. The first wavelength range has high transmission to maximize fluorescence excitation, while the second wavelength range has reduced transmission to prevent overwhelming the fluorescent signal. This local quality differentiation resolves the energy utilization contradiction.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single transmission characteristic is used for the illumination light filter, then the filter design is simple, but both fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions cannot be adequately visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination light filter is segmented into multiple wavelength ranges with distinct transmission characteristics. The first wavelength range (below threshold) has high transmission for fluorescence excitation, while the second wavelength range (above threshold) has lower transmission for visualizing non-fluorescent structures. This segmentation enables comprehensive visualization capability while maintaining reasonable filter design complexity through systematic wavelength range division.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission characteristic parameter is changed across different wavelength ranges. Instead of a uniform transmission value, the filter employs different transmission values (greater than first value for first wavelength range, less than second value but greater than third value for second wavelength range) to optimize performance for different observation requirements. This parameter variation enables dual-functionality without excessive design complexity.
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 better perception of both fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions by optimizing the transmission characteristics of the filters, allowing non-fluorescent regions to be viewed without being outshone by fluorescent regions, and providing a nearly white appearance for non-fluorescent surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination light filter allows substantially only light to traverse the filter which can excite a fluorescence of a fluorescent dye
Implementation Method 2
the illumination light filter has a transmission characteristic depending on the wavelength of the light
Implementation Method 3
an observation light filter allows only fluorescent light to traverse the filter whereas light which can traverse the illumination light is substantially not allowed to traverse the observation light filter
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescence observation system, a method for performing a fluorescence observation, and a set of filters that can be used in such system and method are provided.