Fluorescence Molecular Tomography Beam Splitter for Simultaneous Signal Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) methods face challenges in efficiently exciting fluorescent substances distributed across small animal bodies, leading to increased experimental time, animal discomfort, positional changes, and inaccurate results due to the need for multiple-round scans and separate collections of exciting light and fluorescence images.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs an exciting light adjusting mechanism that splits the exciting light into multiple beams to illuminate various sites simultaneously, coupled with a rotatable stage and beam splitter to collect fluorescence and exciting light signals simultaneously, reducing experimental time and improving image accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional FMT methods use single-beam exciting light to illuminate the subject, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to multiple-round scans being required
Solution Approach 1:
The exciting light beam is divided into multiple beams using beam splitters, allowing simultaneous illumination of multiple sites on the subject. This segmentation of the light path enables parallel data collection, improving imaging speed without requiring complex mechanical scanning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated apparatus: the beam splitters, multiple fluorescence detectors, and exciting light detectors work together simultaneously to collect both fluorescence and exciting light signals in one measurement round, eliminating the need for separate scanning operations
2Measurement precision
If multiple-round scans are performed to excite fluorescent substances distributed across the subject, then the measurement precision can be improved, but the loss of time increases due to extended experimental duration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous data collection by simultaneously capturing fluorescence signals from multiple illumination sites in one continuous measurement process. The beam splitters and detectors operate continuously without interruption, eliminating the time losses associated with repeated scanning operations while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the subject
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple beams are prepared in advance using beam splitters to illuminate different sites simultaneously from the outset. This preliminary arrangement of light paths allows all necessary measurement locations to be excited at the same time, eliminating the need for sequential scanning
3Reliability
If multiple-round scans are conducted, then complete fluorescence data can be collected, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to animal discomfort and positional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system completes all necessary fluorescence data collection in a single continuous measurement session using multiple simultaneous beams. This eliminates repeated handling and repositioning of the subject, reducing animal stress and preventing positional changes that would compromise measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
All illumination beams are configured in advance to cover the complete measurement area. The subject is positioned once and remains stationary while all necessary data is collected simultaneously from multiple angles and locations, preventing the harmful effects of repeated positioning
4Productivity
If separate collections of exciting light and fluorescence images are performed, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to sequential measurement processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the collection of fluorescence images and exciting light images into a single simultaneous measurement process. Beam splitters direct fluorescence signals to fluorescence detectors while transmitting exciting light to exciting light detectors, allowing both types of images to be captured in parallel from the same illumination event
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitters serve multiple functions simultaneously: they divide the exciting light into multiple beams for illumination, transmit the exciting light through the subject to the exciting light detectors, and reflect fluorescence signals to the fluorescence detectors. This multi-functionality enables simultaneous collection of both image types without requiring separate measurement systems
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 approach efficiently excites fluorescent substances, decreases animal discomfort, and enhances imaging speed and accuracy by allowing simultaneous collection of fluorescence and exciting light images, thereby reducing photobleaching and improving experimental results.
Implementation Method 1
the beam splitter is configured to allow the fluorescence to exit in a first direction and the exciting light having passed through the subject to be examined to exit in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
the fluorescence detector is positioned in the first direction to the beam splitter and configured to receive and transform the fluorescence into a first electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
the exciting light detector is positioned in the second direction to the beam splitter and configured to receive and transform the exciting light having passed through the subject to be examined into a second electrical signal
Implementation Method 4
an exciting light source configured to provide an exciting light
Implementation Method 5
which receives the exciting light to excite fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for fluorescence molecular tomography includes an exciting light source, a carrying stage, and a receiving apparatus. The carrying stage configured to carry an subject to be examined which receives the exciting light to excite fluorescence; the receiving apparatus comprising a fluorescence detector, an exciting light detector and a beam splitter, the beam splitter is configured to allow the fluorescence to exit in a first direction and the exciting light having passed through the subject to be examined to exit in a second direction, the fluorescence detector is positioned in the first direction to the beam splitter and configured to receive and transform the fluorescence into a first electrical signal. The exciting light detector is positioned in the second direction to the beam splitter and configured to receive and transform the exciting light having passed through the subject to be examined into a second electrical signal.