Light-field Microscope Selective-Plane Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy techniques for 3D imaging, such as confocal microscopy and selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM), are either time-consuming and costly or require complex sample preparation and suffer from image artifacts and background noise in light-field imaging.
Innovation Solution
A light-field microscope that combines selective-plane illumination with light-field imaging, using a light sheet oriented non-parallel to the sample plane, and incorporates a microlens array to capture light-field parameters, thereby reducing the need for extensive sample scanning and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If confocal microscopy is used for 3D fluorescence imaging, then image resolution is improved, but imaging time and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process by using a light sheet to illuminate only the focal plane of interest, rather than the entire sample volume. This selective plane illumination allows rapid acquisition of optical sections that can be stacked to form 3D images, significantly reducing imaging time while maintaining resolution through the segmented sampling of different z-planes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light-field imaging with a microlens array to capture directional information of light rays in addition to intensity. This adds a dimensional aspect to the imaging that enables rapid 3D reconstruction without requiring sequential scanning through the entire sample depth, thus reducing imaging time while preserving resolution
2Productivity
If selective plane illumination microscopy is used for 3D imaging, then imaging speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to artifacts and background noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microlens array as an intermediary optical element between the sample and detector. This array captures the directional information of fluorescent light rays, creating light-field data that can be computationally processed to reduce artifacts and background noise while maintaining the fast imaging speed of selective plane illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameters by capturing not just light intensity but also the direction of light rays through the microlens array. This additional parameter (light direction) enables advanced image processing algorithms to distinguish signal from noise and artifacts, improving image quality while maintaining rapid acquisition
3Loss of time
If light-field imaging is used for 3D microscopy, then imaging time is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to artifacts and background noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing light-field information (intensity and direction) in a single rapid exposure using the microlens array. This preliminary capture of directional data enables subsequent computational processing to reconstruct high-quality 3D images without requiring time-consuming scanning or averaging, thus maintaining fast imaging while improving quality through post-processing
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 enables fast and efficient 3D imaging with reduced artifacts and background noise, compatible with various sample supports, and eliminates the need for extensive sample scanning, thus improving image resolution and processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured for generating illumination light
Implementation Method 2
a condenser lens configured for receiving the illumination light from the light source and outputting the illumination light as focused illumination light
Implementation Method 3
a light-sheet focusing device configured for receiving the focused illumination light from the condenser and outputting the illumination light as a light sheet
Implementation Method 4
an objective lens configured for receiving detection light from the sample
Implementation Method 5
a microlens array configured for receiving the detection light from the objective lens
Implementation Method 6
a light detector configured for receiving the detection light from the microlens array and measuring light-field parameters of the detection light
Implementation Method 7
the invention relates to microscopy that implements selective-plane illumination in conjunction with acquiring light-field information
Data Source
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AI summary
A light-field microscope includes a light-sheet focusing device configured for outputting illumination light as a light sheet, and a microlens array between an objective lens and a light detector. A sample is irradiated by the light sheet along a direction non-parallel to the sample plane. Light-field data may be acquired from the sample without needing to scan through the thickness of the sample. The microscope implements light-field acquisition in conjunction with selective plane illumination.