Microscope Apparatus Astigmatic Optical System 3D Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope apparatuses using single-molecule localization microscopy techniques face challenges in reconstructing sample structures over a wide range in the thickness direction due to limitations in image quality and depth of field, particularly when capturing images at multiple positions along the optical axis.
Innovation Solution
A microscope apparatus and method that includes an illumination optical system for activating and exciting fluorescent materials, an image forming optical system with an astigmatic lens to generate astigmatism, and a drive unit for moving the image-capturing position along the optical axis, allowing for multiple frame captures at different positions to improve image quality and depth resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If images are captured at multiple positions along the optical axis to reconstruct three-dimensional structure, then the depth range and image quality are improved, but the measurement time and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional reconstruction process into multiple discrete image-capturing positions along the optical axis. By capturing images at separate focal planes and then computationally combining them, the system achieves improved depth resolution and image quality without requiring a single complex capture operation, thus managing measurement time through structured progression through depth layers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional reconstruction by adding the optical axis dimension. Multiple images captured at different positions along the optical axis are processed to generate a three-dimensional super-resolution image, effectively utilizing the depth dimension to improve measurement precision while maintaining manageable capture time through systematic positioning
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured at different image-capturing positions to extend depth range, then the three-dimensional structure reconstruction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal image-capturing unit that operates at multiple positions along the optical axis using the same hardware system. The single microscope apparatus performs both imaging and depth scanning functions, avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices. The astigmatic optical system serves dual purposes: focusing light and enabling depth discrimination through astigmatism generation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving improved depth resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The astigmatic optical system acts as an intermediary between the objective lens and the image-capturing unit. It generates astigmatism that encodes depth information in the captured images, allowing the system to distinguish between different focal planes without requiring complex mechanical depth-sensing mechanisms. This intermediary optical element simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling precise three-dimensional reconstruction
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 the reconstruction of three-dimensional super-resolution images with improved image quality and extended depth range by capturing images at multiple positions and processing them to generate a wide-range three-dimensional structure of the sample.
Implementation Method 1
an astigmatic optical system that generates astigmatism to at least part of fluorescence from the fluorescent materials
Implementation Method 2
an illumination optical system that radiates activation light to activate some of fluorescent materials included in a sample and excitation light to excite at least some of the activated fluorescent materials
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope apparatus including: an illumination optical system that radiates activation light to activate some of fluorescent materials included in a sample and excitation light to excite at least some of the activated fluorescent materials; an image forming optical system that: has an objective lens and an astigmatic optical system that generates astigmatism to at least part of fluorescence from the fluorescent materials; and forms an image of the fluorescence; an image-capturing unit that captures an image formed by the image forming optical system; a drive unit that moves an image-capturing position in the sample along an optical axis-direction of the objective lens; and a control unit, wherein the control unit causes the image-capturing unit to capture images in a plurality of numbers of frames respectively at a first image-capturing position and at a second image-capturing position different from the first image-capturing position.