Interference Image Acquisition Using Separated Reflection Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face difficulties in acquiring a clear interference image when a reflection mirror and an object are apart, particularly in cell culture environments where the culture conditions are unfavorable, leading to suboptimal interference image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
An interference image acquisition apparatus and method utilizing a two-beam interferometer with a light source outputting incoherent light, where the first reflection mirror is placed apart from the object, and the optical path difference between the light beams is set to the coherence length or less, allowing the imager to acquire interference images with the object positioned conjugate to the imaging plane in the first optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reflection enhancing coating is provided on the inner side of the bottom portion of the container and the object is placed on the coating, then the interference image can be acquired with the reflection mirror close to the object, but the culture environment becomes unfavorable for cell culture
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection enhancing coating is extracted from the container bottom and replaced by a separate reflection mirror positioned apart from the cells. This allows the mirror to be removed from the culture environment while still providing the necessary optical reflection function for interference image acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate reflection mirror is introduced as an intermediary component between the light beam and the cells. This mediator provides the required optical reflection without directly contacting or affecting the cell culture environment, resolving the conflict between imaging quality and culture conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the reflection mirror is placed apart from the object to maintain favorable culture environment, then the culture conditions are improved, but it becomes difficult to acquire a clear interference image
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path difference is precisely controlled and adjusted to be within the coherence length of the light source. This parameter change allows clear interference images to be acquired even when the reflection mirror is positioned apart from the cells, maintaining both culture quality and imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the optical path length to maintain the interference condition within the coherence length. This dynamic control enables the reflection mirror to be positioned apart from the cells while still achieving clear interference images through real-time optical path optimization.
3Measurement precision
If the optical path difference is set to coherence length or less to acquire clear interference image with separated mirror, then the image clarity is improved, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By controlling the optical path difference parameter to be within the coherence length, the system achieves clear interference images without requiring complex additional components. This parameter-based solution is simpler than adding multiple mirrors or complex optical elements.
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
Enables the acquisition of clear interference images even when the reflection mirror and object are apart, improving image clarity and allowing for phase image determination based on multiple interference images.
Implementation Method 1
combining the first light beam transmitted through an object placed on an optical path of the first light beam and reflected by a first reflection mirror and the second light beam reflected by a second reflection mirror, and outputting interference light
Data Source
AI summary
An interference image acquisition apparatus includes a light source, a beam splitter, a second reflection mirror, an imager, and a first reflection mirror. A cell is placed on one side of a transparent material, and the first reflection mirror is placed on the other side of the transparent material. In a two-beam interferometer, an optical path difference between an optical path length of a first light beam reflected by the first reflection mirror and an optical path length of a second light beam reflected by the second reflection mirror is set to a coherence length of light output from the light source or less. The imager acquires an interference image in a state in which the cell is placed at a position conjugate to an imaging plane in a first optical system between the imaging plane and the first reflection mirror.