Layered Acousto-Optic Deflector for Fast Volumetric Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acousto-optic deflectors used in high volumetric resolution two-photon microscopy face limitations in scanning speed due to long switching times, which can be reduced by minimizing the deflector aperture, but this compromises volumetric resolution, and they struggle to correct for sample movement during in vivo measurements without significantly reducing temporal resolution.
Innovation Solution
An acousto-optic deflector with a layered structure comprising multiple acousto-optic crystals and electro-acoustic transducers, where the transducers are synchronized to create focused optical beams at one or multiple points, reducing switching time by dividing the aperture into bands and using acoustic isolators to prevent wave propagation between crystals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the aperture of the acousto-optic deflector is reduced to decrease switching time, then scanning speed is improved, but volumetric resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aperture into multiple independent bands, each controlled by a separate acousto-optic crystal and transducer. This segmentation allows each band to operate independently with optimized parameters, enabling fast switching without compromising overall resolution. The acoustic isolators between crystals prevent wave propagation interference, maintaining precision while achieving rapid beam deflection.
2Manufacturing precision
If the aperture of the acousto-optic deflector is increased to maintain volumetric resolution, then scanning speed deteriorates due to increased switching time
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the large aperture into multiple smaller independent bands, each band can switch rapidly while collectively covering the full aperture. This allows the system to maintain large effective aperture for high resolution while each segment operates with fast switching characteristics, resolving the contradiction between aperture size and switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic scanning patterns where different bands are activated in sequence rather than simultaneously. This periodic activation of segmented bands allows the system to cover the entire aperture area while maintaining fast switching times, as each individual band switches rapidly in its designated time window.
3Speed
If multiple acousto-optic crystals are used to reduce switching time, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is divided into multiple independent bands, each controlled by a separate acousto-optic crystal and transducer. This segmentation allows each band to operate independently with optimized parameters, enabling fast switching without compromising overall resolution. The acoustic isolators between crystals prevent wave propagation interference, maintaining precision while achieving rapid beam deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
Each acousto-optic crystal and transducer combination serves as a universal, independently controllable unit that can be activated selectively. This modular design allows the system to achieve fast switching by activating only the necessary bands, reducing the effective complexity while maintaining the capability for rapid beam deflection across the full aperture.
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 enhances scanning speed by reducing switching time while maintaining volumetric resolution and allows for correction of sample movement, ensuring high temporal resolution during in vivo measurements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electro-acoustic transducer (14) suitable for generating acoustic waves is connected to each of the crystals (12)
Implementation Method 2
the resolution of the optical grid generated by the acoustic wave passing through the deflector
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The subject of the invention relates to an acousto-optic deflector with a layered structure (10), the essence of which is it comprises at least two acousto-optic crystals (12), to each of which at least one electro-acoustic transducer (14) is connected, and the adjacent crystals (12) are separated by an acoustic isolator (16). The subject of the invention also relates to a method for deflecting an optical beam using an acousto-optic deflector (10), characterised by that the acousto-optic deflector (10) comprises at least two acousto-optic crystals (12', 12"), among which a first acoustic wave (15') is created in a first acousto-optic crystal (12') using a first electro-acoustic transducer (14') connected to the first acousto-optic crystal (12'), and a second acoustic wave (15") is created in a second acousto-optic crystal (12") using a second electro-acoustic transducer (14") connected to the second acousto-optic crystal (12") and arranged between the first acousto-optic crystal (12') and the second crystal (12").