Structured Illumination Microscopy Using LED Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structured illumination microscopic imaging systems face challenges with high cost, difficulty in assembly and modulation, and poor stability due to the use of expensive spatial light modulators and fly-eye lenses, which require high installation and processing precision.
Innovation Solution
A structured illumination microscopic imaging system utilizing a micro-sized LED light source with a dichroic mirror, beam shaping lens, and emission optical filter, which simplifies the optical path and reduces the need for precise installation, while providing high-resolution, high-stability images with a higher signal-to-noise ratio and contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a grating is used to generate structured illumination, then the structured light pattern is formed, but the mechanical moving device reduces system stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical moving device that physically shifts the grating with an electronic control system that modulates the light source intensity according to the grating pattern. This substitution eliminates mechanical movement while maintaining the structured illumination effect, thereby improving system stability.
2Productivity
If digital micromirror devices are used for high-speed imaging, then imaging speed is improved, but the system cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex digital micromirror device from the system, retaining only the essential function of structured illumination through a simpler light modulation approach. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive and complex spatial light modulators while maintaining the core imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex spatial light modulators with a simpler, more cost-effective light source modulation system. The solution uses standard LED or laser diodes with intensity modulation capability, which are cheaper and simpler than DMD devices, achieving the same functional outcome at lower cost and complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If fly-eye lenses are used for structured illumination, then the illumination is achieved, but the installation and processing precision requirements are extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fly-eye lens from the optical system entirely, replacing it with a direct light source modulation approach. This extraction eliminates the need for precise fly-eye lens installation and processing, as the structured illumination is achieved through electronic control of the light source intensity pattern rather than through complex optical elements.
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
The system achieves super-resolution microscopic images with improved stability and reduced costs by using a micro-sized LED array for structured illumination, eliminating the need for complex fly-eye lenses and digital micromirror arrays, thus simplifying installation and modulation while maintaining high image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a dichroic mirror provided on an emission light path of the structured illumination source... the dichroic mirror is configured to reflect structured light on the emission light path of the excitation optical filter to the objective lens
Implementation Method 2
the emission optical filter, the tube lens, and a detector provided on a second optical path of the dichroic mirror... the emission optical filter is configured to filter the fluorescence transmitted through the dichroic mirror
Implementation Method 3
a beam shaping lens provided on the emission light path of the structured illumination source
Implementation Method 4
the excitation optical filter provided on the emission light path of the beam shaping lens
Implementation Method 5
the emission optical filter is configured to filter the fluorescence transmitted through the dichroic mirror
Implementation Method 6
the structured illumination source includes a micro-sized illuminating light source for producing structured light having bright and dark fringes
Implementation Method 7
the objective lens is configured to receive structured light reflected by the dichroic mirror and project the received structured light onto the sample; the sample is configured to receive structured light projected by the objective lens to form structured illumination and to excite fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A structured illumination microscopic imaging system includes a structured illumination source. A beam shaping lens, an excitation optical filter and a dichroic mirror are provided on the emission light path of the structured illumination source in sequence. An objective lens and a sample are provided on the first optical path of the dichroic mirror in sequence. An emission optical filter, a tube lens, and a detector are provided on the second optical path of the dichroic mirror in sequence. The super-resolution microscopic images with a higher signal-to-noise ratio and higher contrast can be obtained under the premise of lowering the installation and processing precision requirements of the structured illumination microscopic imaging system. Compared to a structured light microscopic imaging system based on digital micromirror arrays or gratings, the system cost is reduced and the system stability is higher.