Light Modulating Device Using Liquid Crystal for Super-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope apparatuses using structured illumination require mechanically operated components to adjust the phase difference and polarization direction of diffracted light beams, leading to increased time for generating super-resolution images.
Innovation Solution
A light modulating device utilizing liquid crystal devices to selectively diffract and polarize light, eliminating the need for mechanical components by adjusting the phase and polarization direction of diffracted light beams through liquid crystal layers and diffraction gratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanically operated devices are used to adjust phase difference and polarization direction, then the phase and polarization can be controlled, but the time required to generate super-resolution images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanically operated phase plates and mirrors with a liquid crystal device that uses voltage-controlled liquid crystal orientation to adjust phase difference and polarization direction. This substitution eliminates mechanical movement, achieving rapid adjustment without the time delays associated with mechanical positioning and stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position (angle of phase plate or mirror tilt) to electrical voltage (applied to liquid crystal device). This parameter transformation enables continuous, rapid adjustment of phase and polarization properties through voltage modulation, significantly reducing the time required to generate super-resolution images.
2Ease of operation
If mechanically operated devices are used to control shutter and polarization, then the light paths can be selected and oriented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical shutters and polarization control devices with a liquid crystal device that uses voltage-controlled molecular orientation to achieve the same functions. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, motors, and positioning systems, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ease of operation through electrical control.
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 rapid adjustment of phase and polarization without mechanical components, reducing the time needed to generate super-resolution images and enhancing the efficiency of the microscope apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer through which the diffracted light beams of the plurality of orders pass, and causes a phase difference between the diffracted light beams of the plurality of orders
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal device... causes a phase difference between the diffracted light beams of the plurality of orders
Implementation Method 3
a liquid crystal layer... rotates the polarization plane of the diffracted light beams of the plurality of orders
Implementation Method 4
a liquid crystal device... rotates the polarization plane of the diffracted light beams of the plurality of orders
Implementation Method 5
a selective diffraction device which generates diffracted light beams of a plurality of orders by diffracting illumination light into one of a plurality of directions
Implementation Method 6
a selective diffraction device which generates diffracted light beams of a plurality of orders by diffracting illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
A light modulating device 103 includes: a selective diffraction device (10, 10′) which generates diffracted light beams of a plurality of orders by diffracting illumination light into one of a plurality of directions, the illumination light being linearly polarized light having a polarization plane oriented in a first polarization direction, and which causes a phase difference between the diffracted light beams of the plurality of orders; and a polarization plane rotating device 14 which rotates the polarization plane of the diffracted light beam of each order so as to be oriented in a direction perpendicular to a direction radiating from an optical axis.