Laser Microscope Multi-Site Stimulation via Phase Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser microscope systems do not effectively enable simultaneous stimulation of multiple sites in a specimen using a spatial light modulator (SLM).
Innovation Solution
A laser microscope configuration that includes an objective lens, a phase-modulating spatial light modulator, an observation optical system with a scanning unit, and a position setting unit, allowing for the modulation of the laser beam to stimulate multiple sites in a specimen by modulating the phase of the laser beam with the spatial light modulator and scanning it across the specimen, while forming a three-dimensional image for precise site selection and irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spatial light modulator is used to control the wavefront of a laser beam for arbitrary spatial distribution and intensity control, then the ability to form a spot at an arbitrary position in a specimen is improved, but the capability to simultaneously stimulate multiple sites in the specimen is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser beam into multiple independent focal spots by segmenting the wavefront modulation across different regions of the spatial light modulator. Each region of the SLM controls a specific focal spot position, enabling simultaneous multi-point stimulation while maintaining arbitrary position control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the focusing capability from two-dimensional plane control to three-dimensional space by introducing axial (depth) positioning capability. This allows focal spots to be positioned at arbitrary depths within the specimen while maintaining lateral positioning, achieving true 3D multi-site simultaneous stimulation
2Manufacturing precision
If the wavefront is controlled to cancel aberrations and form a spot at an arbitrary position, then the precision of single-point stimulation is improved, but the complexity of setting multiple stimulation sites increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial light modulator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it corrects optical aberrations, positions focal spots laterally, and controls axial depth positioning. This universal device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high positioning precision for multiple sites
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the phase modulation parameters of the spatial light modulator to dynamically adjust the number, position, and intensity of focal spots. By changing these parameters, the system can adapt to different experimental requirements without physical reconfiguration, simplifying the setup process while maintaining precision
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 easy setting and simultaneous stimulation of multiple sites in a specimen, allowing for precise control of the laser beam's intensity distribution and pattern, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems by enabling multi-point stimulation and observation.
Implementation Method 1
a phase-modulating spatial light modulator that is located at a position optically conjugate with a pupil position of the objective lens and modulates the phase of the laser beam emitted from the laser light source
Data Source
AI summary
A laser microscope includes an objective lens that radiates a laser beam onto a specimen; a stimulation optical system having an LCOS-SLM located at a position optically conjugate with the pupil position of the objective lens and which modulates the phase of the laser beam; and an observation optical system having a galvanometer mirror that scans the laser beam across the specimen, as observation illuminating light, and a PMT that detects the observation light coming from the specimen and collected by the objective lens. A control unit forms a three-dimensional image of the specimen and sets, in that image, stimulation sites in the specimen to be irradiated with a laser beam serving as a stimulation beam by the stimulation optical system at a plurality of different positions in the optical axis direction. The LCOS-SLM modulates the laser beam such that the stimulation sites are irradiated with the laser beam.