Laser Scanning Microscope with Controllable Optical Elements for Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser scanning microscopes face challenges in achieving fast data acquisition while minimizing light input to living cells, balancing image acquisition rate with signal-to-noise ratio, and accommodating diverse applications such as spectral imaging without requiring time-consuming module replacements or instrument conversions.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanning microscope with preselectable operating modalities, featuring controllable optical elements and a control circuit for switching between confocal, line, and wide-field modes, allowing for quick configuration to meet experimental requirements, including high-speed image acquisition with minimal sample load and spectral imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If faster scanning using resonant galvanometer scanners is used to increase image acquisition rate, then the image acquisition rate is improved, but the accumulation time per image sensor is reduced and illumination must be more intense which increases toxic load on living sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by using multiple image sensors arranged in different detection paths, allowing parallel data acquisition from different spatial regions of the sample. This segmentation enables higher overall acquisition rates without requiring excessive illumination intensity on any single sensor, thereby reducing toxic load on the living sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the detection system by arranging multiple image sensors in different detection paths at different angles and positions. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous capture of multiple regions, effectively increasing acquisition rate without proportionally increasing illumination intensity requirements.
2Measurement precision
If confocal imaging is used with point-by-point sequential data acquisition, then optical sectioning capability is achieved, but the image acquisition rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function across multiple image sensors positioned in different detection paths. Each sensor captures data from a specific angular range or spatial region, allowing parallel processing of multiple sample regions simultaneously while maintaining confocal optical sectioning through the use of pinholes and focused illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection system where multiple image sensors serve both confocal imaging and spectral imaging functions. The same optical paths and sensors used for confocal data acquisition can be configured for spectral analysis, enabling multi-functional operation without sacrificing acquisition rate or optical sectioning capability.
3Productivity
If spinning disc microscopy is used to increase image recording rate by parallelization, then the image capture rate is improved, but the system becomes specialized for imaging and measurement tasks beyond this are not or insufficiently applicable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal microscope system where the same optical paths, scanners, and image sensors can be configured for multiple functions including confocal imaging, spectral imaging, and various measurement tasks. The controllable optical elements allow dynamic reconfiguration of the detection paths to accommodate different experimental requirements while maintaining high acquisition rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic optical elements including controllable mirrors, beam splitters, and variable optical configurations that can be adjusted in real-time to switch between different operating modes. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the system to adapt from high-speed imaging to spectral analysis and measurement tasks without physical reconfiguration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If module replacements or instrument conversions are performed to accommodate different operating modes, then diverse applications can be supported, but time-consuming module replacements or instrument conversions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universally designed microscope system where all major components including laser sources, scanners, detection paths, and image sensors are configured to support multiple operating modes simultaneously. The controllable optical elements enable software-based switching between confocal, spectral, and wide-field modes without requiring any physical module replacements or instrument conversions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical module replacement systems with an electronically controlled optical switching system. Controllable mirrors, beam splitters, and optical elements are adjusted via control circuits and software to redirect light paths between different detection modes, eliminating the need for time-consuming mechanical reconfiguration while maintaining full versatility.
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 quick acquisition of overview images with high signal-to-noise ratio, super-fast spectral imaging, and parallel 2-dimensional image capture without damaging the sample, supporting diverse applications through modular design avoidance and efficient beam guidance adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter for separating the illumination and detection light
Implementation Method 3
at least one scanner for scanning the sample with the laser illumination
Implementation Method 4
the properties of the light reflected by the sample substance or emitted by fluorescence are measured
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a functionally integrated laser scanning microscope, embodied for scanning a sample using laser illumination, selectively in a confocal, line or wide-field mode of operation, comprising – a laser light source, an illumination and detection beam path, a detection device and at least one objective, respectively embodied for use in each selectable mode of operation, wherein – the illumination and detection beam path has optical means for configuring the laser illumination, at least one scanner for scanning the sample with laser illumination and a beam splitter for separating illumination and detection light, and – provision is made in the detection beam path for controllable optical elements for changing the beam guidance depending on the respectively selected mode of operation. The controllable optical assemblies are connected via a command entry device to a control circuit, which is embodied for switching to the respectively desired mode of operation, and hardware and software for generating images of the sample from the electronic image signals emitted by the detection device are present.