Microlens Imaging for Transparent Sample Contrast Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The observation of transparent biological samples, such as cells and microorganisms, is challenging due to their transparent nature, which makes it difficult to form clear images using conventional imaging techniques.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a light source, microlenses, an image sensor, and attenuating elements that either block or phase-shift light waves to form a dark field or phase contrast image, allowing the observation of transparent samples by attenuating light waves converging towards the image focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging techniques are used to observe transparent biological samples, then the imaging process is simple, but the image contrast is poor due to the transparent nature of the samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer containing attenuating elements (such as gold nanoparticles or phase-shifting materials) positioned between the transparent sample and the image sensor. This intermediary layer selectively attenuates light waves that have passed through the sample without interacting with it, while allowing light waves that have interacted with the sample (diffracted or phase-shifted) to pass through. This creates contrast in the final image by making the transparent sample visible against a dark background, effectively solving the problem of poor image contrast without requiring complex staining or labeling procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the imaging system by introducing elements that selectively attenuate light based on their interaction with the sample. The attenuating elements are designed with specific optical properties (absorption coefficient, phase-shifting capability) that allow them to differentiate between light waves that have interacted with the sample and those that have not. This parameter-based differentiation enables image formation from transparent samples by converting subtle optical interactions into detectable intensity variations
2Measurement precision
If attenuating elements are introduced to improve image contrast of transparent samples, then image contrast is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated layer containing the attenuating elements. This layer simultaneously performs light attenuation, contrast enhancement, and image formation functions. The attenuating elements are positioned and configured to work in conjunction with the microlens array and image sensor, creating a unified imaging system that achieves dark-field or phase-contrast imaging without requiring separate optical paths or multiple complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a regular array of identical attenuating elements (such as uniformly spaced gold nanoparticles or phase-shifting structures) that replicate the same optical function across the entire field of view. Each element in the array copies the attenuation and phase-shifting properties of the others, allowing the system to process multiple spatial locations simultaneously with a standardized, manufacturable structure rather than requiring custom-designed complex optics for each region
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 non-destructive imaging of transparent samples by forming an image with enhanced contrast, highlighting diffused and phase-shifted light from the sample, without the need for colored or fluorescent markers.
Implementation Method 1
each microlens being configured to form, from light waves from the light source and being propagated parallel to the direction of propagation, a light wave beam converging towards the image focus of said microlens
Implementation Method 2
each attenuating element being configured to attenuate the light waves converging towards the image focus of the lens with which it is associated
Implementation Method 3
or a phase-shifting element, formed from a transparent material arranged to induce a phase-shift, the phase-shift being determined with respect to a light wave being propagated in the absence of the attenuating element
Implementation Method 4
an image sensor, comprising several pixels
Data Source
AI summary
A device for observing a sample includes a light source; an image sensor, comprising several pixels; and a microlens array comprising several convergent microlenses, each: microlens being disposed facing a pixel, each microlens comprising an image focus, each microlens being configured to form, from light waves being propagated in parallel incidence, a light wave beam converging towards the image focus of said microlens. The device is configured to hold the sample between the light source and the plurality of microlenses. The device includes several attenuating elements each attenuating element being associated with a microlens and with a pixel, each attenuating element being configured to attenuate the light waves converging towards the image focus of the lens with which it is associated.