Line Excitation Array Detection Microscopy for High-Speed Volumetric Imaging

The patent divides the imaging process into multiple parallel line scans across the field of view. Instead of capturing the entire frame sequentially, multiple lines are scanned simultaneously using multiple beam paths, enabling parallel acquisition of image data. This segmentation of the imaging process allows the system to achieve high frame rates while maintaining sensitivity, as each line can be scanned quickly and all lines are processed in parallel rather than sequentially.

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional frame scanning to a three-dimensional acquisition space by adding the temporal dimension through ultrafast scanning. By using acousto-optic deflectors to scan beams at MHz rates and combining multiple line scans, the system creates a volumetric data acquisition approach that captures spatial information across multiple lines simultaneously, effectively adding a temporal dimension that enables kilohertz frame rates while preserving sensitivity through parallel detection.

The patent segments the detection function by using multiple photomultiplier tubes arranged in arrays, with each tube detecting a specific line or region of the sample. This parallel arrangement of multiple detection elements eliminates the need for sequential point-by-point scanning, as multiple lines can be detected simultaneously by different PMT elements. The segmentation of both the beam paths and detection elements enables the system to maintain high sensitivity while achieving volumetric imaging rates in the kilohertz range.

The patent merges multiple beam paths and detection channels into a unified imaging system. By combining the output signals from multiple photomultiplier tubes that are each detecting different spatial lines, the system reconstructs complete volumetric images at high speeds. This merging of parallel detection channels allows the system to overcome the limitation of single-element PMTs, achieving both high sensitivity and high volumetric imaging rates by processing multiple detection streams simultaneously.

The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning systems (galvanometric or resonant mirrors) with acousto-optic deflectors that use acoustic waves to modulate the path of laser beams. This substitution eliminates the inertia associated with mechanical moving parts, allowing for much faster beam deflection rates in the megahertz range. The acousto-optic deflection mechanism uses sound waves to create refractive index gradients that steer the beam without physical movement, thereby achieving both high line-scan rates and high volumetric imaging rates that were previously limited by mechanical inertia.

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the scanning system by transitioning from mechanical angular deflection to acoustic wave-based beam steering. By using acousto-optic deflectors driven by radio frequency signals, the system achieves beam scanning rates orders of magnitude faster than mechanical systems. The parameter change from mechanical frequency (kHz range) to acoustic frequency (MHz range) enables the system to overcome inertia limitations and achieve volumetric imaging rates in the kilohertz range while maintaining high line-scan rates.