Lightsheet Microscope Inclined Carrier Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightsheet microscopes face challenges in integrating with existing microscope systems, such as confocal systems, due to the perpendicular arrangement of illumination and detection objectives, which complicates sample preparation and requires a pedestal, making it difficult to achieve high-resolution imaging without complex sample preparation.
Innovation Solution
A lightsheet microscope design with a detection objective and an illumination objective aligned perpendicularly, featuring a light deflection device with a laterally offset deflection surface and an inclined carrier surface, allowing for sample preparation without a pedestal by positioning part of the carrier surface in the focal plane, facilitating integration with existing systems like wide-field or confocal microscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the illumination objective and detection objective are arranged perpendicularly to generate a lightsheet, then high-resolution imaging with reduced light stress is achieved, but integration with existing microscope systems becomes difficult and sample preparation requires complex pedestals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a perpendicular arrangement of illumination and detection objectives to a collinear arrangement along the same optical axis. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the light deflection device to redirect the illumination beam at 90 degrees, enabling lightsheet generation without compromising integration with existing microscope systems and eliminating the need for complex pedestal-based sample preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light deflection device as an intermediary component between the illumination objective and the sample. This device, positioned laterally offset from the optical axis, deflects the illumination light beam perpendicular to the detection objective's optical axis, thereby generating a lightsheet-type illumination distribution while maintaining compatibility with standard microscope architectures.
2Illumination intensity
If the illumination objective is positioned to focus the illumination light beam in the sample, then lightsheet-type illumination is achieved, but the beam cross section at the mirror element location is large, requiring complex sample preparation with pedestals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light deflection function from the main optical path and positions it laterally offset from the optical axis of the detection objective. This separation allows the illumination beam to be deflected at a point where its cross-section is manageable, eliminating the need for large mirror elements and complex pedestal-based sample preparation while maintaining effective lightsheet illumination.
3Measurement precision
If the carrier surface is positioned coplanar with the focal plane, then optimal imaging is achieved, but the carrier surface collides with the mirror system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the light deflection device from the central optical path to a lateral position offset from the optical axis. This spatial reconfiguration creates sufficient clearance between the carrier surface and the deflection device, allowing the carrier surface to be positioned coplanar with the focal plane for optimal imaging without risk of mechanical collision.
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 high-resolution imaging with simplified sample preparation, allowing for the use of lightsheet microscopes in existing systems without the need for pedestals, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
a light deflection device having a deflection surface, which is arranged laterally offset in relation to the optical axis of the detection objective in the sample chamber and is designed to deflect the—preferably focused—illumination light beam through the illumination objective
Data Source
AI summary
A lightsheet microscope includes a detection objective for imaging a target region of a sample located in a focal plane, and an illumination objective for focusing an illumination light beam. The illumination objective and the detection objective define a sample chamber, in which a sample holder having a carrier surface is arranged. A light deflection device has a deflection surface arranged laterally offset in relation to the optical axis of the detection objective in the sample chamber which deflects the illumination light beam through the illumination objective in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis such that the deflected illumination light beam forms a lightsheet-type illumination light distribution. The light deflection device has a collision section facing toward the carrier surface. The carrier surface is inclined relative to the focal plane at a predetermined angle such that a part of the carrier surface is arranged in the focal plane.