Fluorescence Microscopy Device with Luminescent Layer for Simultaneous Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy techniques require complex structures and sequential operation of illumination systems to combine transmitted light and fluorescence images, missing information on cell shape and function, and are inefficient in acquiring both signals simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A device with a conventional reflected light optical path using a luminescent layer and adjustable diaphragm to separate and adjust the excitation light, allowing simultaneous fluorescence and transmitted light imaging without additional optical elements, mimicking oblique illumination for enhanced contrast and signal separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If two separate illumination systems are used for transmitted light and fluorescence imaging, then image information completeness is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmitted light illumination and fluorescence excitation into a single reflected light illumination path. The illumination light source serves dual purposes: directly illuminating the sample for transmitted light imaging and exciting the luminescent layer for fluorescence imaging, eliminating the need for separate illumination systems while maintaining complete image information
Solution Approach 2:
The single illumination light source and optical path are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same illumination system provides both transmitted light for structural imaging and excitation light for fluorescence imaging, making the system universal and reducing operational complexity
2Productivity
If two cameras are used for simultaneous transmitted light and fluorescence imaging, then imaging speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection path by using a single camera to capture both transmitted light and fluorescence signals. The optical system directs both types of light to the same detector through appropriate filtering, eliminating the need for two separate cameras while achieving simultaneous imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera system is designed to detect multiple types of signals (transmitted light and fluorescence) through the use of filters and optical path design, making the detection system universal and capable of simultaneous multi-modal imaging
3Measurement precision
If a dichroic mirror is used to separate fluorescence signal from excitation light, then fluorescence detection is improved, but transmitted light is filtered out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the optical path. The dichroic mirror is positioned and oriented to reflect fluorescence wavelengths while transmitting excitation wavelengths, creating localized wavelength-specific behavior that allows simultaneous access to both fluorescence and transmitted light signals
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is segmented into different wavelength channels. The dichroic mirror separates the light path based on wavelength, directing fluorescence signals to the detector while allowing excitation light to continue for transmitted light imaging, effectively dividing the optical path into functional segments
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 simultaneous acquisition of fluorescence and transmitted light images with reduced apparatus complexity, providing comprehensive information on cell shape and function without the need for multiple cameras or complex wavelength separation, optimizing contrast and reducing acquisition time.
Implementation Method 1
A luminescent layer 4, in a suitable distance behind the sample plane 3, which permits a sufficiently strong signal to be sent out by the luminescent layer 4
Implementation Method 2
separated from the excitation light by means of a dichroite and matching filters
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for simultaneous fluorescence contrasting effect in transmitted light and reflected light, having a reflected light optical path for focusing of the excitation light via a lens onto a sample, having a fluorescence signal, which extends from the sample and is directed onto the same lens, having a dichroite, an emission filter, and a detection unit for the purpose of separating the excitation light from the fluorescence signal and for detection, having a luminescent layer behind the sample and a diaphragm for partial coverage of the excitation optical path between the sample and the luminescent layer, whereby a part of the excitation optical path, which impinges onto the luminescent layer, emits light, which irradiates the sample past the diaphragm by forming an oblique transmitted light illumination.