Laser Microscope Frequency Dispersion Adjuster for Multimodal Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopes and multiphoton excitation type laser microscopes require different types of pulsed laser beams, making it difficult to achieve both coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and multiphoton fluorescence observations in a single apparatus efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A laser microscope apparatus with two optical paths for guiding pulsed laser beams of different frequencies, a multiplexer to combine them, and a frequency dispersion adjuster to equalize frequency dispersion, allowing for constant frequency difference and efficient energy utilization, enabling both coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and multiphoton fluorescence observations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If picosecond pulsed laser beams of narrow frequency bands are used for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering observation, then coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering light can be generated efficiently, but the apparatus cannot perform multiphoton fluorescence observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pulse width adjuster that dynamically changes the pulse width of femtosecond pulsed laser beams between a first value (narrow, for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering) and a second value (broad, for multiphoton fluorescence). This dynamic adjustment allows the same laser source to adapt to different observation methods, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency for CARS and versatility for multiple observation types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pulse width parameter of the laser beams to switch between observation modes. By adjusting the pulse width from narrow to broad, the system can efficiently generate coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering light when needed, and also enable multiphoton fluorescence observation, thus maintaining both energy efficiency and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If femtosecond laser beams of broad frequency spectral bands are used for multiphoton excitation, then multiphoton fluorescence observation can be performed, but coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering light cannot be generated efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse width adjuster dynamically sets the pulse width to a broad value (second value) when multiphoton fluorescence observation is required, allowing the system to perform versatile observations. When coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering is needed, the pulse width is adjusted to a narrow value (first value) to ensure efficient light generation, thus resolving the energy efficiency issue while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single femtosecond pulsed laser source that can perform both multiphoton fluorescence observation and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering observation by adjusting the pulse width. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate laser sources for each observation type, achieving both versatility and energy efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a single laser source is used for both coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and multiphoton fluorescence, then apparatus complexity is reduced, but efficient operation for both methods becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a pulse width adjuster that dynamically modifies the pulse width of the laser beams based on the required observation method. This dynamic control enables a single laser source to efficiently perform both coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (with narrow pulse width) and multiphoton fluorescence (with broad pulse width) observations, maintaining ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the pulse width parameter of the laser source, the system can switch between different observation modes efficiently. This parameter adjustment allows a single laser source to meet the different requirements of CARS and multiphoton fluorescence observations, simplifying the apparatus while maintaining operational efficiency.
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 efficient generation of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering light and multiphoton fluorescence images using broad frequency pulsed laser beams, allowing for multimodal observations in a single apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a frequency dispersion adjuster which is provided on at least one of these two optical paths, and is capable of adjustment to approximately equalize frequency dispersion quantities of the pulsed laser beams guided through the two optical paths
Implementation Method 2
the frequency difference between these two picosecond pulsed laser beams resonates with the specific molecular vibration frequency to thereby generate strong coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering light
Implementation Method 3
femtosecond pulsed laser beams are focused on the specimen surface to thereby increase the photon density in an extremely narrow space spreading in the vicinity of the focal plane so as to cause multiphoton excitation of a fluorophore
Data Source
AI summary
To enable both observations of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering light and multiphoton fluorescence in a same apparatus so as to observe a specimen by various observation methods. There is provided a laser microscope apparatus comprising: two optical paths for guiding pulsed laser beams having two different frequencies whose frequency difference is approximately equal to a specific molecular vibration frequency in a specimen; a multiplexer for combining the pulsed laser beams guided through these two optical paths; and a frequency dispersion adjuster which is provided on at least one of these two optical paths, and is capable of adjustment to approximately equalize frequency dispersion quantities of the pulsed laser beams guided through the two optical paths.