Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy Resolution Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems are limited by the resolution of the objective lens and optical aberrations, with mechanical enhancements being suboptimal and lensless methods presenting drawbacks such as poor performance with contiguous samples or requiring close sample-proximity to the sensor.
Innovation Solution
The system captures multiple images of a sample using different illumination patterns or aperture scanning, which are then digitally processed to recover high-resolution information and correct optical aberrations, achieving a resolution greater than the employed optics through Fourier ptychographic microscopy techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical means are used to increase the space-bandwidth product, then the imaging capabilities are improved, but the device complexity and control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical means for increasing space-bandwidth product with a computational approach. Instead of mechanically adjusting optics or moving components, the system uses Fourier ptychographic algorithms to computationally extend the imaging capabilities beyond the physical limits of the objective lens, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and control requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of resolution from being physically determined by the objective lens numerical aperture to being computationally determined through iterative algorithms. By capturing multiple images with different illumination angles and processing them through Fourier ptychography, the system achieves higher effective resolution without changing the physical optical parameters
2Measurement precision
If conventional optics are used, then the system is simple, but the resolution is limited by the numerical aperture and optical aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the imaging process into the Fourier domain, adding a computational dimension to the optical imaging process. By capturing images with varying illumination angles and processing them in Fourier space, the system recovers high-resolution information that exceeds the optical transfer function limits of the conventional lens
3Adaptability or versatility
If lensless microscopy methods are used, then unique imaging capabilities are achieved, but performance deteriorates for contiguous samples or when sample proximity to sensor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational processing step between image capture and final image formation. The Fourier ptychographic algorithm acts as a mediator that processes multiple low-resolution images with different illumination patterns to reconstruct a high-resolution image, thereby achieving the benefits of lensless methods while maintaining reliability for various sample types
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 enables the generation of high-resolution images beyond the intrinsic limits of the optics, correcting for aberrations and improving imaging capabilities without the need for precise mechanical control or phase shifting, while also allowing for simultaneous recovery of unknown illumination patterns and multiplexing across different wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
The resolution is determined by the numerical aperture of the employed objective lens and the associated optical aberrations
Implementation Method 2
process each of the plurality of initial images in Fourier space to generate a final image of the object having a second resolution
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for Fourier ptychographic microscopy, the system comprising (i) an image capture apparatus including an objective lens, (ii) at least one processor, and (iii) data storage including program instructions stored thereon that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to: (a) capture, via the image capture apparatus, a plurality of initial images of an object, wherein each of the plurality of initial images of the object have a first resolution, and (b) process each of the plurality of initial images in Fourier space to generate a final image of the object having a second resolution, wherein the second resolution is greater than the first resolution.