Light Sheet Microscopy Field Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current light sheet microscopy techniques, such as lattice light sheet microscopy, require complex optical trains and high-powered laser sources, limiting their widespread adoption due to inefficiencies in light usage and increased photobleaching, which hampers high-resolution volumetric imaging across diverse biological scales.

Innovation Solution

The development of a light sheet microscopy apparatus utilizing a Fourier theorem for field synthesis, which simplifies the optical design by generating any scanned or dithered light sheet through incoherent superposition of one-dimensional intensity distributions, achieving higher light efficiency and reduced photobleaching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If lattice light sheet microscopy is used to improve axial resolution and reduce photobleaching, then imaging quality improves, but the optical train becomes complex and light efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial resolutionVSAvoidoptical train complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light sheet generation process into two independent components: (1) a simple cylindrical lens that generates a line focus, and (2) a scanning mechanism that sweeps the line focus across the sample. This segmentation replaces the complex lattice light sheet optical train with simpler, modular components while achieving equivalent or superior imaging results with higher light efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a universal scanning mechanism that can generate different light sheet profiles (Gaussian, Bessel, Airy) by simply changing the lens type or scanning parameters, rather than requiring different complex optical trains for each light sheet type. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If high-powered laser sources are used to achieve sufficient power levels for rapid imaging, then imaging speed improves, but photobleaching increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging rateVSAvoidphotobleaching

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic scanning of the light sheet across the sample, where the beam is rapidly swept back and forth to illuminate different regions. This periodic action distributes the illumination over time and space, achieving rapid volumetric imaging without requiring continuously high power, thereby reducing photobleaching while maintaining high imaging rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning mechanism ensures continuous illumination of the sample volume by rapidly sweeping the light sheet through the entire imaging volume. This continuous action maintains high imaging rates without idle periods, while the distributed illumination pattern reduces peak intensity exposure at any single location, minimizing photobleaching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of energy

If scanned light sheets are used to improve light efficiency, then optical throughput improves, but the system requires precise scanning control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight efficiencyVSAvoidscanning control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback control in the scanning system, where the actual beam position is monitored and used to adjust subsequent scanning movements. This feedback mechanism ensures precise light sheet positioning and maintains optimal illumination even with variations in scanning speed or mechanical tolerances, simplifying operation while preserving high light efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 results in significantly improved optical throughput, reduced photobleaching, and the ability for simultaneous multicolor illumination, allowing for high-resolution volumetric imaging with lower peak illumination intensities and increased imaging rates.

Implementation Method 1

generating any scanned or dithered light sheet through incoherent superposition of one-dimensional intensity distributions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIncoherent superposition: Interference

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a Fourier theorem for field synthesis, which simplifies the optical design by generating any scanned or dithered light sheet through incoherent superposition of one-dimensional intensity distributions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFourier theorem:

Data Source

PatentUS11156818B2Flexible light sheet generation by field synthesis

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 BOARD OF RGT THE UNIV OF TEXAS SYST

AI summary

A light sheet microscopy apparatus has a light source, a spatial light filter, a scanning device positioned between the light source and the spatial light filter, an imaging device, a computer readable medium, and a computer processor coupled to the light source, the scanning device, the imaging device, and the computer-readable medium. The computer processor is configured to operate the light source to generate a light beam, control the scanning device to scan the light beam across the spatial light filter to generate the light sheet, and utilize the imaging device to capture one or more images of light emitted by a sample illuminated by the one or more light sheets.