Microscope Apparatus Using Coherent Light Interference for Super-Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical microscopes face limitations in resolution due to the diffraction limit of light, making it difficult to observe finer details such as internal cell structures without using electron microscopes, which cannot observe living cells.
Innovation Solution
A microscope apparatus that uses a coherent light source and an optical system to project multiple focal points onto a specimen, allowing them to interfere and change phases, thereby creating an illumination spot smaller than the diffraction limit, enabling super-resolution imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical microscopes are used, then the observation of living cells is possible, but the resolution is limited by the diffraction limit of light
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination light is divided into multiple focal points arranged in a matrix pattern, rather than using a single focal point. This segmentation allows the light to interfere constructively and destructively, creating super-resolution effects that overcome the diffraction limit while maintaining the ability to observe living cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the illumination light by using coherent light and controlling the phase relationships between multiple focal points. By adjusting the phase differences and interference patterns, the system achieves resolution beyond the conventional diffraction limit
2Measurement precision
If electron microscopes are used to achieve high resolution, then finer details can be observed, but living cells cannot be observed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic system of electron microscopes with an optical system that uses coherent light and interference patterns. This substitution allows achieving electron-microscope-level resolution using non-destructive optical methods, enabling observation of living cells
3Measurement precision
If multiple focal points are projected and allowed to interfere, then super-resolution is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates coherent light, creates multiple focal points, controls phase relationships, and detects interference patterns all within a unified microscope apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex subsystems
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 allows for observing in super-resolution beyond the diffraction limit of light, providing higher phase difference resolution and enabling detailed observation of specimens without the need for electron microscopes, while still allowing for the observation of living cells.
Implementation Method 1
allow the plurality of focal points to interfere with each other while changing phases of the plurality of focal points
Implementation Method 2
limitations in resolution due to the diffraction limit of light
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope apparatus includes a light source configured to emit a coherent illuminating light, an optical system configured to irradiate a specimen with the illumination light, and a detector configured to form an image based on a light generated from the specimen by the illumination light that irradiates the specimen. The optical system is configured to project a plurality of focal points of the illumination light on the specimen, and allow the plurality of focal points to interfere with each other while changing phases of the plurality of focal points.