Laser Scanning Microscope With Segmented Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser scanning microscopes face challenges in maintaining stable examination conditions for biological specimens by eliminating the influence of ambient light and preventing damage and fluorescence fading.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanning microscope design that includes a culture vessel for maintaining temperature and humidity, an optical system space with a light-scanning section for two-dimensional scanning of ultrashort pulsed laser light, a splitting section to separate fluorescence from ambient light, and a light-shielding wall to block external light, along with separate temperature and humidity control for the optical and laser spaces to prevent distortion and absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the culture vessel maintains high humidity for extended specimen observation, then the specimen remains healthy over extended periods, but the humidity affects the optical system causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the internal space into two separate environments: a culture vessel space with high humidity for specimen maintenance, and an optical system space with controlled low humidity for optimal optical performance. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate in its optimal conditions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A light-shielding wall serves as an intermediary structure that physically separates the culture vessel from the optical system space while allowing optical signals to pass through. This mediator enables both high humidity in the culture space and low humidity in the optical space coexist.
2Measurement precision
If ambient light enters the optical system, then the light-detecting section receives external light interference, but completely blocking light requires complex shielding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system space is completely enclosed by a light-shielding wall that segments the internal space from external ambient light. This simple enclosure effectively blocks all external light paths to the light-detecting section without requiring complex active shielding mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature differences exist between the culture vessel and optical system, then thermal gradients cause distortion in optical and mechanical systems, but maintaining uniform temperature requires additional heating or cooling components
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different temperature conditions to different spaces: the culture vessel is maintained at physiological temperature (e.g., 37°C) for specimen health, while the optical system space is maintained at a different temperature for optimal optical component performance. Each space has its own temperature control optimized for its specific requirements.
4Measurement precision
If ultrashort pulsed laser light is used for multiphoton excitation, then fluorescence imaging with high resolution is achieved, but the laser light may be absorbed by moisture in humid environments causing wavelength shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the laser path into a dedicated laser space with low humidity conditions, preventing moisture absorption and wavelength shifts. The high humidity environment is confined to the culture vessel, while the optical system space maintains low humidity to protect the laser beam path.
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 design allows for stable and accurate examination by inhibiting ambient light influence, preventing specimen damage and fluorescence fading, while maintaining optimal conditions for extended observation periods.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrashort pulsed laser light scanned by the light-scanning section is focused on the specimen so that fluorescence is emitted by a multiphoton excitation effect
Implementation Method 2
fluorescence is emitted by a multiphoton excitation effect, and the fluorescence is collected by the objective lens
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanning microscope includes a culture vessel that accommodates a specimen and is capable of maintaining an interior temperature and humidity thereof, and an optical system space adjacent and optically connected to the culture vessel. The optical system space includes a scanner that two-dimensionally scans ultrashort pulsed laser light across the specimen; an objective lens that focuses the scanned ultrashort pulsed laser light on the specimen and collects light coming from the specimen; a dichroic mirror, disposed between the scanner and the objective lens, that splits off the light coming from the specimen from the laser light; a photodetector that detects the split-off light coming from the specimen; and an outer cover, provided so as to surround the optical system space, that blocks light coming from outside the optical system space.