Ghost Imaging Fluorescence Microscopy Using Waveguide Grating
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence microscopy apparatuses face challenges in achieving a compact and efficient design for imaging fluorescence and holographic images simultaneously, with existing lens-based systems being bulky and recent lens-free systems requiring complex optical systems for spatial information acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence microscopy apparatus employing a ghost imaging method with a spatially modulated illumination device and a light receiving unit structured with a waveguide grating, allowing for parallel alignment of the illumination device, sample holder, and light receiving unit, which reduces the thickness and complexity of the system by eliminating the need for spatial information acquisition in the light receiving unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lens-based fluorescence microscopy is used, then image quality and fluorescence detection are improved, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lens component from the fluorescence microscopy system, eliminating the need for complex optical focusing elements. The lens-free configuration uses direct illumination and detection geometry, removing bulky optical components while maintaining fluorescence imaging capability through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (lenses, mirrors, complex alignment mechanisms) with a computational imaging approach. By using structured illumination patterns and computational reconstruction algorithms, the system achieves imaging functionality without traditional mechanical optical components.
2Device complexity
If lens-free fluorescence microscopy is used, then device complexity is reduced, but spatial information acquisition becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary spatial modulation to the illumination light before it reaches the sample. By encoding spatial information into the illumination pattern in advance, the system ensures that spatial information is embedded in the fluorescence emission, which can then be recovered through detection and computational processing without requiring complex optical spatial filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial light modulator as an intermediary component that encodes spatial information into the illumination pattern. This intermediary device enables the transfer of spatial information from the illumination to the fluorescence emission, bridging the gap between simple detection geometry and spatially-resolved imaging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simultaneous fluorescence and holographic imaging is implemented, then imaging capability is improved, but optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a unified illumination and detection system that serves multiple imaging functions. The same spatial light modulator and detection geometry are used for both fluorescence imaging and holographic imaging, allowing the system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate optical paths or additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the illumination pattern to enable multiplexed imaging. By sequentially applying different illumination patterns (e.g., structured patterns for fluorescence, coherent patterns for holography) and synchronizing detection, the system achieves simultaneous multi-functional imaging capability through time-multiplexed operation.
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
The apparatus achieves a compact and efficient design capable of generating both fluorescence and holographic images with reduced thickness and complexity, enabling simultaneous imaging without the need for bulky optical systems, while allowing for a simplified configuration and reduced size.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence microscopy apparatus structured to measure a fluorescence image of a sample held by a sample holder
Implementation Method 2
a first optical member having a light receiving face that faces a sample face, and structured to receive a fluorescence light emitted from the sample via the light receiving face, and to guide the fluorescence light in a direction that is in parallel with the light receiving face
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector structured to receive the fluorescence light guided by the first optical member, and to output a detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device irradiates a sample with excitation light spatially modulated according to a two-dimensional pattern while temporally varying the pattern. A plate-shaped first optical member has a light receiving face that faces the sample face, receives fluorescence light emitted from the sample via the light receiving face, and guides the fluorescence light in a direction that is in parallel with the light receiving face. A photodetector receives the fluorescence light guided by the first optical member, and outputs a detection signal. A fluorescence image of the sample is generated using the detection signal and an intensity distribution formed on the sample face due to the excitation light acquired for every pattern.