Simultaneous Fluorescence and Interference Imaging Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to acquire both fluorescence and interference images on a common observation plane simultaneously using existing observation devices designed for fluorescence imaging and interference imaging.
Innovation Solution
An observation device comprising an excitation light source, objective lens, fluorescence imaging unit, mount unit, interference imaging light source, position detection light source, multiplexing unit, interference optical system, demultiplexing unit, interference imaging unit, light detection unit, and control unit, which enables simultaneous acquisition of fluorescence and interference images by multiplexing and demultiplexing light beams and adjusting the optical path length to align both imaging planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate observation devices are used for fluorescence imaging and interference imaging, then each imaging mode can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases and simultaneous acquisition on a common observation plane becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluorescence imaging and interference imaging into a single integrated observation device. The optical path includes both excitation light for fluorescence and interference imaging light, with separate detection paths for fluorescence imaging unit and interference imaging unit. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of both image types on a common observation plane while reducing overall device complexity compared to using separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The observation device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both fluorescence imaging and interference imaging operations. The optical system includes components that can handle multiple light types (excitation light, interference imaging light, position detection light) and the control unit coordinates all imaging operations, enabling a single device to serve multiple imaging purposes.
2Device complexity
If fluorescence imaging and interference imaging are performed sequentially, then the device structure can be simpler, but the time required for acquiring both images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous imaging by simultaneously acquiring fluorescence images and interference images during the same observation period. The control unit coordinates the excitation light source, interference imaging light source, fluorescence imaging unit, and interference imaging unit to operate concurrently, eliminating idle time between sequential imaging operations and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the observation process.
3Productivity
If the observation plane for fluorescence imaging is aligned with the interference imaging plane, then simultaneous acquisition is enabled, but the optical path length adjustment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a position detection light source and light detection unit to monitor the optical path length difference between fluorescence imaging and interference imaging. The control unit receives detection signals and adjusts the mount unit position accordingly, creating a feedback loop that automatically aligns the observation planes. This feedback mechanism simplifies the overall adjustment process despite the complexity of coordinating multiple optical paths.
4Productivity
If multiple light sources and optical components are integrated, then simultaneous imaging is achieved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring optical path differences increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a position detection light source as an intermediary to measure optical path length differences. This dedicated light source sends light through the optical paths to be measured, and the light detection unit captures the light after it has traveled through the respective paths. By using this intermediary measurement system, the complex task of detecting optical path differences between multiple imaging modes is simplified and made measurable.
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 the simultaneous acquisition of fluorescence and interference images on a common observation plane, allowing for the acquisition of three-dimensional images and providing detailed morphological and physiological information of the observation object.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens for implementing irradiation of an observation object with the excitation light output from the excitation light source and receiving fluorescence generated in the observation object in accordance with the irradiation
Implementation Method 2
letting the first reflection and the second reflection interfere with each other and outputting resultant light
Implementation Method 3
a multiplexing unit for multiplexing the interference imaging light output from the interference imaging light source and the position detection light output from the position detection light source and outputting the light multiplexed
Implementation Method 4
a demultiplexing unit for demultiplexing the light output from the interference optical system into the interference imaging light and the position detection light
Data Source
AI summary
The observation device 1 is a device capable of substantially simultaneously acquiring the fluorescence image and the interference image on the common observation plane in the observation object 90 mounted on slide glass 41, and has an excitation light source 11, a filter 12, a dichroic mirror 13, a lens 14, a dichroic mirror 15, an objective lens 16, a filter 17, a fluorescence imaging unit 18, an interference imaging light source 21, a filter 22, a dichroic mirror 23, a lens 24, a half mirror 25, an objective lens 26, a lens 27, a dichroic mirror 28, an interference imaging unit 29, a position detection light source 31, a light detection unit 32, the slide glass 41, an actuator 42, a reference mirror 43, an actuator 44, a control unit 51, and a display unit 52.