Microparticle Dark-Field Raman Imaging Without Mechanical Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral imaging systems for microparticles are limited by small image fields of view and require mechanical switching between microscopy and spectroscopy modalities, leading to increased acquisition times and reduced spatial resolution when analyzing large samples.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that combines dark-field microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy without mechanical switching, using an annular lighting cone and a dual-region dark-field microscope objective to simultaneously illuminate and analyze microparticles, allowing for efficient spatial location and spectral analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical switching is used between microscopy and spectroscopy modalities, then spectral analysis can be performed on microparticles, but acquisition time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines microscopy and spectroscopy modalities into a single integrated system with a unified optical path. The same objective lens and detector are used for both imaging and spectral analysis, eliminating the need for mechanical switching between separate systems. This merging allows simultaneous or rapid sequential operation without the time loss associated with physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a multi-functional objective lens that serves both microscopy imaging and Raman spectroscopy functions. The detector is configured to operate in multiple modes (imaging and spectral detection). This universality allows the system to perform both modalities without mechanical switching, as the same components can rapidly transition between functions through software control and optical path modulation.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical switching between modalities is implemented, then spectral analysis is enabled, but system reliability decreases due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms with software-controlled optical path modulation. Acousto-optic or electro-optic modulators are used to switch between microscopy and spectroscopy modes without any moving mechanical parts. This substitution eliminates wear, friction, and alignment issues associated with mechanical switching, thereby improving system reliability while maintaining spectral analysis capability.
3Quantity of substance
If image quality compression is applied to large sample mosaics, then storage and processing become feasible, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of microparticles of interest using rapid low-resolution scanning or image processing algorithms. Once particles are identified and their coordinates extracted, the system focuses spectral analysis only on these specific locations. This preliminary action allows the use of lower resolution for initial screening while maintaining high resolution only where needed for final analysis, optimizing the balance between coverage and detail.
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 reduces acquisition times, maintains high spatial resolution, and improves system reliability by eliminating mechanical switching, facilitating the analysis of large samples with minimal signal loss.
Implementation Method 1
an annular lighting cone coming from a white light beam partly reflected by an annular mirror
Implementation Method 2
focused by a peripheral region of a dark-field microscope objective
Implementation Method 3
recording a first dark-field microscopy image... being collected by a central region of the dark-field microscope objective
Implementation Method 4
Collecting a Raman spectrum emitted from the measurement point
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for spatial location and spectral imaging of microparticles (202) in a sample (200). This method comprises the following steps:A) illuminating the sample by an annular lighting cone (124) coming from a light beam partly reflected by an annular mirror (13) and focused by a peripheral region (142) of a dark-field microscope objective (14),B) recording a dark-field microscopy image, the latter being collected by a central region (144) of the objective,C) locating points of interest in the image,D) extracting coordinates of the points of interest, in order to form a list of points,E) moving the sample, to scan one of the extracted points,F) illuminating the point on the sample using a laser beam transmitted through the annular mirror and focused by the central region of the dark-field microscope objective,G) collecting an emitted Raman spectrum by the central region of the objective.The invention therefore relates to an associated system.