Laser Scanning Microscope Observation Range Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanning microscopes face challenges in precisely maintaining the observation range when changing the focal point, leading to increased group velocity delay dispersion and reduced excitation efficiency during multi-photon excitation.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanning microscope design that includes an objective optical system with movable optical elements and an oscillating mirror, where the oscillating-mirror controlling unit adjusts the oscillation angle to maintain the observation range, allowing precise focal point changes without altering the objective optical system's working distance, thereby preventing variations in the observation range and minimizing dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the focal point is changed by moving lens groups in the focus adjustment unit, then the focal point can be changed without moving the objective lens, but the observation range cannot be corrected with high precision and the group velocity delay dispersion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical focus adjustment unit (lens groups) with a control system that adjusts the oscillating mirror angles. By controlling the scanning unit's mirror angles based on the positional changes of optical elements, the system achieves precise observation range correction without the mechanical complexity and dispersion issues of moving lens groups.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the focus adjustment unit is added to change focal point, then the focal point can be adjusted, but the group velocity delay dispersion increases and excitation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the focus adjustment unit from the optical path. Instead of adding lens groups that cause dispersion, the system achieves focal point adjustment by controlling the oscillating mirror angles in the scanning unit, thereby eliminating the source of group velocity delay dispersion while preserving focal point adjustability.
3Measurement precision
If optical elements are moved in the objective optical system, then the focal point can be changed, but the observation range varies and lateral deviations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the oscillating-mirror controlling unit receives information about the positions of optical elements and adjusts the oscillating mirror angles accordingly. This feedback loop compensates for observation range variations and prevents lateral deviations, maintaining observation range stability while enabling precise focal point positioning.
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 precise observation at a desired depth without increasing group velocity delay dispersion, ensuring consistent excitation efficiency by controlling the oscillating mirror's angle based on optical element positions, thus maintaining the observation range and preventing lateral deviations.
Implementation Method 1
an objective optical system including a plurality of optical elements that are disposed with gaps therebetween in an optical-axis direction and that condense laser light emitted from a light source onto a specimen
Implementation Method 2
a scanning unit that includes an oscillating mirror capable of oscillating about a predetermined oscillation axis and that scans the laser light condensed onto the specimen by the objective optical system in accordance with an oscillation angle of the oscillating mirror
Data Source
AI summary
In order to allow precise observation of a specimen at an observation point with a desired depth without changing the working distance of an objective optical system while employing a simple configuration, a laser scanning microscope according to the present invention includes an objective lens having a plurality of optical elements that are disposed with gaps therebetween in an optical-axis direction and that condense laser light emitted from a light source onto a specimen and also having an adjustment ring that allows changing of the focal point by moving the optical elements in the optical-axis direction; a scanner that has a galvanometer mirror capable of oscillating about a predetermined oscillation axis and that scans the laser light condensed onto the specimen by the objective lens in accordance with an oscillation angle of the galvanometer mirror; a light detecting unit that obtains image information of the specimen on the basis of return light returned from the specimen scanned with the laser light; and a scanner controlling unit that controls the oscillation angle of the galvanometer mirror so as to maintain an observation range of the specimen observed by the light detecting unit on the basis of the positions of the optical elements moved by the adjustment ring.