Imaging Light Source Unit With Blue-Wavelength Frequency Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband laser light sources for fluorescence microscopy struggle to generate a broad spectrum, especially in the short-wavelength region around 400 nm, leading to insufficient light output and increased stress on micro-structured glass fibers, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A light source unit that includes a beam extraction unit directing broadband laser light into an amplifier beam path for amplification and a frequency changing unit to generate laser light with a second wavelength outside the original spectrum, extending the light source's range into the blue region without damaging the fibers, and allowing for synchronized pulsed excitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If micro-structured glass fibers are used to generate broadband laser light, then a wide spectrum is achieved, but the fibers suffer from increased stress and short lifetime especially in the short-wavelength region
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the broadband light generation into multiple segments: a first light source generates part of the spectrum, while a second light source generates the short-wavelength region (350-450 nm) separately. This segmentation prevents the micro-structured fibers from being exposed to high stress in the short-wavelength region, extending their lifetime while maintaining full spectral coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary approach by using a second light source specifically for the short-wavelength region. This intermediary source protects the vulnerable micro-structured fibers from direct exposure to high-intensity short-wavelength pumping, thereby acting as a mediator that preserves fiber integrity while achieving the desired spectral output.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single laser light source is used to generate the entire visible spectrum, then maximum flexibility is achieved, but the system becomes very complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the light source system into multiple independent sources, each optimized for specific spectral regions. This segmentation reduces the complexity of requiring a single ultra-broadband source while maintaining the ability to excite fluorophores across the entire visible spectrum through combinatorial use of the separate sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves universality by combining multiple light sources that collectively cover the entire visible spectrum. The system can selectively activate appropriate sources based on the excitation requirements of different fluorophores, providing multi-functional capability without requiring a single complex broadband source.
3Productivity
If broadband laser light is used to excite fluorophores, then high excitation efficiency is achieved, but the short-wavelength region (blue spectral range around 400 nm) has no or insufficient light output
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a second light source as an intermediary specifically designed to provide the missing short-wavelength output (350-450 nm). This intermediary source complements the first light source, ensuring that the entire visible spectrum including the blue region has sufficient intensity for effective fluorophore excitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by optimizing different parts of the spectral output separately. The first light source is optimized for certain spectral regions while the second light source is specifically optimized for the short-wavelength blue region, ensuring that each region has the appropriate quality and intensity for its intended excitation purposes.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, compact, and versatile light source capable of exciting various fluorescent dyes and proteins across the visible spectrum, extending the lifetime of the light source and enabling applications like pulsed interleaved excitation microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
an optical amplifier unit arranged in the amplifier beam path and configured to generate amplified laser light having the first wavelength by amplifying the part of the broadband laser light
Implementation Method 2
a frequency changing unit arranged in the amplifier beam path and configured to generate laser light having a second wavelength from the amplified laser light having the first wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A light source unit for an imaging device includes a beam extraction unit configured to receive broadband laser light, to direct at least a part of the broadband laser light having a first wavelength into an amplifier beam path, and to direct a residual laser light into a first illumination beam path. The light source unit further includes an optical amplifier unit arranged in the amplifier beam path and configured to generate amplified laser light having the first wavelength by amplifying the part of the broadband laser light, and a frequency changing unit arranged in the amplifier beam path and configured to generate laser light having a second wavelength from the amplified laser light having the first wavelength.