Nonlinear Optical Microscope Beam Diameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonlinear optical microscopes face challenges in achieving optimal image brightness and resolution due to variations in beam diameter relative to the objective's pupil diameter, particularly when observing samples with scattering and aberration effects, which affect the light quantity and photon density reaching the observation plane.
Innovation Solution
A nonlinear optical microscope apparatus that adjusts the beam diameter of the laser beam incident to the objective based on the sample's optical characteristics, such as scattering and refractive index uniformity, to optimize the pupil filling ratio, thereby enhancing image brightness and resolution by controlling the beam diameter change unit and determining a suitable pupil filling ratio for the specific sample conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the beam diameter is increased to fill the pupil of the objective, then the resolution is improved, but the image brightness decreases due to scattering and aberration effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beam diameter adjustable rather than fixed. The beam diameter change unit allows dynamic modification of the beam diameter based on observation depth and sample optical characteristics. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt between filling the pupil (for resolution) and maintaining appropriate beam size (for brightness) depending on the specific imaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of beam diameter based on observation depth and sample characteristics. By adjusting this parameter, the system optimizes the balance between resolution (requiring larger beam diameter to fill pupil) and brightness (maintained by appropriate beam diameter control). The control unit decides the optimal pupil filling ratio by changing the beam diameter parameter according to specific imaging conditions.
2Illumination intensity
If the beam diameter is decreased to maintain brightness in scattering samples, then the image brightness is improved, but the resolution deteriorates due to insufficient pupil filling
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to increase beam diameter when pupil filling is needed for resolution, while maintaining brightness through controlled adjustment. The beam diameter change unit enables real-time optimization based on the trade-off between brightness and resolution requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the beam diameter parameter according to observation depth and sample optical characteristics, the system resolves the contradiction. The control unit determines the optimal pupil filling ratio that balances brightness maintenance with adequate pupil filling for resolution.
3Measurement precision
If the pupil filling ratio is increased to improve resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the photon density decreases due to scattering effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the beam diameter to achieve the optimal pupil filling ratio that maintains sufficient photon density while improving resolution. The beam diameter change unit enables real-time optimization based on the balance between resolution enhancement and photon density maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam diameter parameter to control the pupil filling ratio, optimizing the balance between resolution and photon density. By adjusting this parameter according to sample characteristics and observation depth, the system achieves improved resolution without excessive photon loss.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the beam diameter is adjusted to account for sample optical characteristics, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The beam diameter change unit serves multiple functions: it adjusts beam diameter for different observation depths, compensates for sample optical characteristics, and optimizes pupil filling ratio. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically decides the optimal pupil filling ratio based on input parameters such as observation depth and sample characteristics, without requiring manual intervention for each adjustment. This self-service capability provides adaptability to different samples while keeping the operation simple, offsetting the complexity of the control mechanism.
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 apparatus achieves improved image brightness and resolution by adjusting the beam diameter to account for sample-specific optical characteristics, allowing for deeper observation of samples prone to scattering and aberration, while maintaining photon density and two-photon absorption efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a nonlinear optical microscope apparatus used to observe a living sample... in vivo imaging for observing a living organism alive has been actively studied to elucidate biofunctions. For in vivo imaging, diverse nonlinear optical microscopes using a nonlinear optical phenomenon, such as a multi-photon excitation microscope
Data Source
AI summary
A nonlinear optical microscope apparatus includes: an objective for irradiating a laser beam on a sample; a beam diameter change unit for changing a beam diameter of the laser beam incident to the objective; and a control unit for deciding, for each of optical characteristics of the sample, a pupil filling ratio, which is a ratio of the beam diameter of the laser beam incident to the objective to a pupil diameter of the objective, based on the optical characteristics of the sample, and for controlling the beam diameter change unit so that the pupil filling ratio becomes the decided value.