Light-sheet microscope lens array for large sample 3D imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light sheet fluorescence microscopes require physical movement of the sample or objective lens to achieve 3D imaging of large samples, which is time-consuming and inefficient due to the limited field of view of individual lenses.
Innovation Solution
A light sheet fluorescence microscope equipped with a lens array, galvanometric mirrors, and a focusing unit that allows for the selection and scanning of sub-images from multiple lenses, enabling the construction of a complete 3D image without sample movement by increasing the field of view indefinitely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single objective lens is used to image the sample, then the optical system is simple, but the field of view is limited and cannot cover large samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple objective lenses arranged in an array, where each lens covers a specific sub-region of the large sample. This segmentation allows the total field of view to be the sum of individual lens fields of view, enabling coverage of large samples while maintaining manageable complexity for each lens element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-point parallel detection approach by arranging multiple objective lenses in an array. This dimensional expansion from 1D (single lens) to 2D (lens array) enables simultaneous imaging of multiple sample regions, dramatically increasing the effective field of view.
2Area of stationary object
If the sample is moved to achieve 3D imaging of large samples, then complete sample coverage is possible, but the imaging time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large sample into multiple sub-regions, each imaged by a dedicated objective lens in the array. This allows parallel acquisition of multiple fields of view simultaneously, eliminating the need to move the sample through the entire imaging process and dramatically reducing total imaging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the images captured by multiple objective lenses to construct a complete 3D image of the large sample. By combining data from multiple lenses that image different sub-regions simultaneously, the system achieves comprehensive sample coverage without the time penalty of sequential scanning.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple objective lenses are used to increase field of view, then large samples can be imaged, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple objective lenses that are identical or similar in design, each performing the same function of imaging a specific sub-region. This universality allows the system to achieve extended field of view without proportionally increasing complexity, as each lens element can be a standardized component rather than a unique custom element.
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 3D imaging of large samples by combining partial sub-images from each lens, significantly reducing the time required to obtain a full 3D image compared to traditional microscopes.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitter configured to emit a light sheet beam along an illumination direction
Implementation Method 2
an optical assembly arranged along a direction of detection perpendicular to the light sheet beam configured to receive fluorescence emission from the sample caused by said light sheet beam
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention discloses a light sheet fluorescence microscope (1) for large samples comprising a tray (2), a laser emitter, and an optical assembly (5) receiving fluorescence emission from the sample (M). The optical assembly comprises: a lens array (51) located adjacent to a face of the tray (2); a tube lens (52) covering several lenses (51a) of the lens array (51); a set (53) of galvanometric mirrors transmitting to a focusing unit (54) a sub-image of the sample (M) received from the tube lens (52); and the focusing unit (54) focusing the sub-image on a camera sensor (55). Thus, successively selecting several lenses (51a), and performing a scan of the sample (M) for each of said lenses (51a), a complete 3D image of the sample (M) is constructed.