Fluorescence Imaging Device Circular Light Source Shielding Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence microscopes suffer from reduced resolution and potential damage to specimens due to the reflection of fluorescence by dichroic mirrors, which also lead to uneven excitation light distribution.
Innovation Solution
An image acquisition device comprising a camera for detecting fluorescence signals, light sources arranged in a circular shape outside the camera, a shielding guide that transmits only vertical light, and a prism to refract light towards the sample, enhancing sensitivity and uniformity by blocking excitation light diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dichroic mirror is used to separate excitation light and fluorescence optical paths, then the fluorescence signal can be observed, but the resolution is reduced and the specimen may be damaged due to reflected fluorescence and strong excitation light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dichroic mirror from the optical path and extracts only the necessary components (excitation light source, fluorescence detector, and optical path). This eliminates the harmful reflection of fluorescence by the dichroic mirror while maintaining the ability to separate excitation and fluorescence signals through spatial arrangement and optical filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system that uses a beam splitter or dichroic filter positioned at a 45-degree angle to separate excitation and fluorescence paths without requiring the dichroic mirror to be in direct contact with the specimen. This intermediary component handles the light separation function while protecting the specimen from direct exposure to reflected fluorescence and excessive excitation light.
2Illumination intensity
If strong excitation light is used to secure fluorescence intensity, then the fluorescence signal strength is improved, but the specimen is damaged and resolution is reduced due to dichroic mirror reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of strong excitation light reflection by the dichroic mirror into a beneficial separation mechanism. By using an intermediary optical system with a beam splitter or dichroic filter at 45 degrees, the reflected light is directed away from the specimen and toward the detector, converting what was previously harmful (reflected fluorescence reducing resolution) into useful signal separation that maintains both high signal intensity and specimen integrity.
3Device complexity
If conventional fluorescence microscope optical path is used, then the device structure is simple, but the excitation light distribution is uneven and sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear optical path to a three-dimensional optical arrangement where the excitation light source is positioned at a 45-degree angle relative to the detector and specimen plane. This dimensional change allows for more uniform excitation light distribution across the specimen while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through the use of standard optical components arranged in a novel configuration.
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
The device achieves higher resolution and uniformity in fluorescence imaging, allowing for low-magnification imaging and large-area sample analysis with improved sensitivity, five times higher than conventional fluorescence microscopes.
Implementation Method 1
a prism that refracts the light passing through the shielding guide toward a sample
Implementation Method 2
a shielding guide that is positioned above the light source and transmits only vertical direction light of light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 3
a camera for detecting a fluorescence signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an image acquisition device and acquisition method for detecting a target material signal, which have improved sensitivity and uniformity compared to those of a conventional fluorescence microscope used for acquiring fluorescence images. The present invention provides the image acquisition device for detecting a target material signal, comprising: (a) a camera for detecting a fluorescence signal; (b) light sources that are disposed outside the camera at regular intervals in a circular shape; (c) a shielding guide that is positioned above the light sources and which transmit only vertical direction light of light emitted from the light sources; and (d) a prism that refracts the light passing through the shielding guide toward a sample.