Luminescence Microscopy Resolution via Spatial Power Thresholding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current luminescence microscopy methods require multiple wavelengths or complex image reconstruction algorithms for resolution enhancement, which complicates the process and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that excites a luminescent sample with a radiation distribution having a spatial power maximum above a threshold value and a local power minimum below it, transferring the sample into two states with different excitability for luminescence emission, allowing for enhanced spatial resolution without additional wavelengths or complex algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths or complex image reconstruction algorithms are used for resolution enhancement, then spatial resolution is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of exciting radiation power intensity to achieve resolution enhancement. By creating a spatial power distribution with specific maximum and minimum values, the sample is transferred into different luminescence states at different locations, enabling resolution improvement without requiring multiple wavelengths or complex algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The exciting radiation distribution is segmented into distinct spatial regions with different power levels (maximum and minimum). This segmentation creates corresponding regions in the sample with different excitability states, allowing selective luminescence emission that enhances spatial resolution.
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths are used for resolution enhancement, then spatial resolution is improved, but chromatic requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single wavelength of exciting radiation is used to perform multiple functions: both excitation of luminescence and creation of the spatial power distribution for resolution enhancement. This eliminates the need for multiple wavelengths and reduces chromatic requirements while maintaining resolution improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing wavelengths, the patent changes the power intensity parameter of a single wavelength radiation to achieve the desired resolution enhancement effect.
3Measurement precision
If complex image reconstruction algorithms are used, then spatial resolution is improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial power distribution with specific maximum and minimum values is applied in advance during the excitation process. This preliminary action directly creates the resolution-enhanced image structure in the sample, eliminating the need for subsequent complex image reconstruction algorithms and reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the computational/mechanical image reconstruction process with an optical/physical approach using structured exciting radiation. The resolution enhancement is achieved through the physical interaction of light with the sample, not through algorithmic processing.
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 achieves resolution enhancement by selectively exciting areas in the sample, reducing luminescence emission in certain regions and improving image clarity beyond the diffraction limit, simplifying the system with a single light source and reduced chromatic requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a luminescent sample to be examined is illuminated with exciting radiation and an image of the sample excited to luminescence is obtained
Data Source
AI summary
A resolution-enhanced luminescence microscopy method, wherein a sample is excited so as to luminesce, and thus to emit a given luminescence radiation, by irradiation of exciting radiation and an image of the luminescent sample is obtained, wherein the luminescent sample is transferable from a first state of luminescence, in which first state the sample's excitability for emission of the given luminescence radiation increases up to a maximum value as the exciting radiation power increases, into a second state of luminescence, in which second state the sample has reduced excitability for emission of the given luminescence radiation relative to the first state, wherein the maximum value is assigned to a threshold value of exciting radiation power and the sample is transferable into the second state by irradiation of exciting radiation power above the threshold value, the sample being brought into the first state in partial areas and being brought into the second state in adjacent partial areas by irradiating exciting radiation with an exciting radiation distribution having at least one spatial power maximum above the threshold value, the image of the luminescent sample comprising sample areas being in the first state and sample areas being in the second state, sample areas being in the first state contributing predominantly to the image and the image thus having an enhanced spatial resolution with respect to the exciting radiation distribution.