Hemispherical Prism SPR Imaging System for Wide Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) devices have limited fields of view and are not designed for imaging cellular structures or phenotypes with random patterns, making them unsuitable for studying heterogeneity effects in cell populations.
Innovation Solution
The development of an SPR imaging system with a high optical resolution, wide SPR angle, and large optical field of view, capable of simultaneously capturing SPR and bright field images in real-time, using a hemispherical prism and high numerical aperture lens configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional SPR devices are used, then the measurement of molecular interactions is achieved, but the field of view is limited and cannot capture cellular structures with random patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional point-by-point or line-scanning SPR measurement to a two-dimensional imaging approach using a hemispherical prism geometry. This dimensional change allows simultaneous measurement across the entire sensor surface, capturing cellular structures with random patterns while maintaining high optical resolution through the focusing properties of the hemispherical prism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hemispherical prism instead of a conventional planar or rectangular SPR sensor. The curved surface of the hemispherical prism enables wide-angle light collection and focusing, simultaneously achieving large field of view and high spatial resolution for imaging cellular structures with random patterns across the entire sensor surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional SPR devices with limited field of view are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but the ability to study heterogeneity effects in cell populations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hemispherical SPR imaging system serves multiple functions: it can measure molecular interactions with high precision, image cellular structures with random patterns, and study heterogeneity effects across entire cell populations. This multi-functionality is achieved through the unique hemispherical geometry that enables wide-field imaging while maintaining SPR measurement capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If a large field of view is implemented, then heterogeneity effects can be studied, but the optical resolution for capturing detailed cellular structures may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hemispherical prism geometry inherently focuses light from different angles to a common focal region, enabling simultaneous achievement of large field of view and high spatial resolution. The curved surface allows wide-angle light collection while maintaining tight focusing, resolving the trade-off between field of view and optical resolution for cellular structure imaging.
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 allows for the detailed, real-time measurement of molecular interactions across a large field of view, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional SPR devices by enabling the study of heterogeneity effects in cell populations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical assembly 110, 200, 310; (b) an SPR light source 120, 320; (c) an SPR camera 130, 330... a high numerical aperture (NA) lens 114... The high NA lens 114 can be configured to refract the low-coherent monochromatic light beam 121
Implementation Method 2
the hemispherical prism 312 can be configured to collimate the low-coherent monochromatic light beam 121, as refracted by the high NA lens 116, toward the SPR sensor 370
Implementation Method 3
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection using incident light beam is a popular technique for monitoring molecular interactions in real-time... a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor 170, 370 with a metal-coated sample contacting surface 271
Data Source
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AI summary
A system in an embodiment can comprise an optical assembly, an SPR light source, and an SPR camera. The optical assembly in this embodiment can comprise a hemispherical prism comprising a planar top surface configured to support a surface-plasmon-resonance (SPR) sensor; a high numerical aperture (NA) lens; and a housing configured to mount the hemispherical prism and the high NA lens the such that the high NA lens is located distal from the planar top surface of the hemispherical prism. The SPR light source in this embodiment can be configured to emit a low-coherent monochromatic light beam for SPR imaging toward the high NA lens. The SPR camera in this embodiment can be configured to capture an SPR image formed after the low-coherent monochromatic light beam is incident upon and reflected by a metal-coated sample contacting surface of the SPR sensor. Additionally, the high NA lens in this embodiment can be configured to refract the low- coherent monochromatic light beam from the SPR light source toward the hemispherical prism; and the hemispherical prism can be configured to collimate the low-coherent monochromatic light beam, as refracted by the high NA lens, toward the SPR sensor. Other embodiments are disclosed.