Laser Microscope Interference Light Bandwidth Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The FIRE method for laser microscope systems is limited by a narrow bandwidth due to the practical operation band of acousto-optic deflectors, which restricts the moving speed of irradiation spots and results in reduced spatial resolution and contrast of observation images.
Innovation Solution
Generating interference light beams with different beat frequencies by interfering first and second light beams with varying frequencies, allowing for a wider bandwidth of detection light and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the moving speed of irradiation spots is increased to improve productivity, then image acquisition speed is improved, but spatial resolution and contrast deteriorate due to bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-frequency laser beam to multi-frequency interference light beams, adding a frequency dimension to the system. By generating multiple first light beams with different frequencies and multiple second light beams with different frequencies, and causing them to interfere, the system creates interference light beams with different beat frequencies, effectively expanding the operational bandwidth beyond the AOD's mechanical limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the light beams by generating multiple first light beams with different frequencies and multiple second light beams with different frequencies. This parameter change enables the creation of interference patterns with various beat frequencies, allowing the system to operate at higher speeds while maintaining image quality through the expanded frequency bandwidth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operation bandwidth of AOD is increased to improve detection light bandwidth, then moving speed of irradiation spots can be increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light beam generation into multiple first light beams with different frequencies and multiple second light beams with different frequencies. By dividing the original single beam into multiple frequency components and processing them separately through interference, the system achieves expanded bandwidth without requiring a single high-bandwidth AOD, thus managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing AOD system multi-functional by using it to generate multiple frequency components that are then combined through interference. The same AOD hardware serves multiple frequency generation purposes, and the interference mechanism adds the bandwidth expansion function without requiring additional specialized hardware, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 approach enables faster image acquisition while maintaining or improving image quality by expanding the bandwidth of detection light, allowing for higher moving speeds of irradiation spots without compromising image resolution.
Implementation Method 1
an acousto-optic deflector (hereinafter referred to as an AOD (Acousto-Optic Deflector)) which outputs a plurality of diffracted light beams with deflection angles and sizes of frequency shifts different from each other from the first laser beam
Implementation Method 2
an acousto-optic frequency shifter (hereinafter referred to as an AOFS (Acousto-Optic Frequency Shifter)) which shifts a frequency of the second laser beam
Implementation Method 3
an interference light generation unit configured to generate a plurality of interference light beams with different beat frequencies by causing a plurality of first light beams with different frequencies and a plurality of second light beams with different frequencies to interfere with each other
Implementation Method 4
Fluorescence from a fluorescent substance in the sample is emitted from each portion of the sample corresponding to the irradiation spot
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an irradiation device, a laser microscope system, an irradiation method, and a laser microscope detection method which can further widen a bandwidth of detection light as a multiplexed signal. Laser light beams are separated and enter a first AOD (24) and a second AOD (34) so that a plurality of first diffracted light beams and a plurality of second diffracted light beams with deflection angles and sizes of frequency shifts different from each other are generated. The first diffracted light beams and the second diffracted light beams are superposed by a beam splitter (19) so as to generate a plurality of interference light beams with beat frequencies different from each other. An objective lens (52) is formed by aligning a plurality of irradiation spots of interference light beam linearly in a main scanning direction and irradiates a sample (T) with the interference light beam. The irradiation spot is moved by oscillation of a scanning mirror (47a) in a sub scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. Fluorescence emitted from the sample (T) by irradiation of each interference light beam is detected by a light detection unit (13).