Fluorescence microscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing light sheet fluorescence microscope (LSFM) faces limitations in design freedom due to the interference between the irradiation optical system, light focusing optical system, and sample conveyance tube, restricting the flexibility in optical system configuration.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence microscope design that includes an irradiation optical system converting a point-shaped excitation light beam to a linear shape or moving it linearly, a light focusing optical system with a perpendicular optical axis, and a sample conveyance unit with a conveyance route intersecting the optical axes, forming an angle greater than 0° and less than 180° with the excitation beam section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample conveyance tube is positioned in the vicinity of the sample in a plane formed by the optical axis of the irradiation optical system and the optical axis of the light focusing optical system, then the sample can be conveyed through the irradiation position, but the objective lens of the irradiation optical system, the objective lens of the light focusing optical system, and the sample conveyance tube interfere with each other, reducing design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a two-dimensional planar configuration to a three-dimensional configuration. The sample conveyance tube is positioned to pass through the plane formed by the two optical axes at a specific angle (greater than 0° and less than 180°), utilizing the third dimension to resolve the interference problem while maintaining operational effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If the sample conveyance tube passes through the center of gravity of the sample chamber diagonally, then the sample can be conveyed through the irradiation position, but the angle between the excitation light beam and the conveyance tube is fixed at 45°, limiting design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the sample conveyance tube relative to the excitation light beam. Instead of fixing the angle at 45°, the tube is configured to pass through the plane at an angle greater than 0° and less than 180°, allowing optimization of the optical configuration while maintaining sample conveyance functionality
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 minimizes interference between the objective lenses and sample conveyance unit, enhancing design flexibility and enabling efficient generation of tomographic fluorescence images.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion unit for converting a spot shape of an excitation light beam from a point shape to a linear shape
Implementation Method 2
a first objective lens for focusing fluorescence which is emitted from an irradiation position irradiated with the excitation light beam
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluorescence microscope in which an irradiation optical system, a light focusing optical system, and a sample conveyance unit hardly interfere with each other and a degree of freedom in design is high. A fluorescence microscope (1) includes: an irradiation optical system (10) that irradiates a sample (S) with an excitation light beam to cut the sample; a light focusing optical system (20) having an optical axis perpendicular to an optical axis of the irradiation optical system (10); and a sample conveyance unit that conveys the sample (S) in a direction intersecting with a plane formed by the optical axis of the irradiation optical system (10) and the optical axis of the light focusing optical system (20). An angle (θS) between a sample (S) section by the excitation light beam and an axis (AF1) of a conveyance route (capillary C) is greater than 0° and smaller than 180°.