Microscope Depth Extension via Ultrasound-Generated Air Bubbles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current confocal microscopes have limited three-dimensional image depth, and multiphoton microscopes compromise image resolution due to long wavelengths, while guide-star-based optical focusing is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A microscope device and method that uses an ultrasound conversion unit to form air bubbles in a target region, allowing a lens unit to transmit image lasers and acquire scan images from both regions, thereby increasing image depth and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a multiphoton microscope is used to increase image depth, then three-dimensional image depth is improved, but image resolution deteriorates due to long wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
Air bubbles are introduced as intermediary scattering centers in the imaging path. These bubbles scatter the excitation light and emission light, creating a virtual imaging plane that extends the effective imaging depth beyond the physical limitations of the confocal microscope while maintaining resolution through controlled scattering rather than direct long-wavelength illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index distribution in the imaging medium is dynamically changed by introducing air bubbles at specific depths. This creates regions of varying refractive indices that guide and scatter light, effectively extending the imaging depth parameter without changing the fundamental wavelength or optical configuration of the microscope
2Length of stationary object
If guide-star-based optical focusing is used to increase image depth, then three-dimensional image depth is improved, but time consumption increases to several tens of minutes for optical wavefront correction
Solution Approach 1:
Air bubbles are pre-positioned at desired imaging depths before actual image acquisition. This preliminary structuring of the imaging medium eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time wavefront correction, as the scattering paths are already established and predictable
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical and computational wavefront correction system is replaced with a simpler physical scattering approach using air bubbles. Instead of dynamically adjusting optical elements to correct wavefront distortions, the system uses static scattering centers to create usable imaging paths
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
The method and device enhance the three-dimensional image depth of confocal microscopes by forming air bubbles with ultrasound signals, improving image resolution and penetration depth.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound conversion unit transmits and focuses an ultrasound signal to a first region included in a target to form air bubbles in the first region
Implementation Method 2
a lens unit transmits an image laser to a target and acquires a scan image based on a reflection signal reflected from a first region and a second region included in the target
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for operating a microscope, a lens unit transmits a first image laser to an object, and acquire a first scan image on the basis of a first reflection signal reflected from a first area included in the object. An ultrasound conversion unit transmits an ultrasound signal to the first area and focuses same so as to form air bubbles in the first area. The lens unit transmits a second image laser to the object, and can acquire a second scan image on the basis of a second reflection signal reflected from the second area included in the object. The ultrasound conversion unit transmits an ultrasound signal to the first area included in the object and focuses same so as to form air bubbles in the first area, thereby enabling an increase in the imageable depth of a microscope.