Microscope Cube With Thick Dichroic Mirror

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Fluorescence microscopy techniques, particularly Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, face challenges in achieving high signal-to-noise ratios and maintaining mechanical stability due to limitations in optical alignment and interference patterns caused by reflected light, especially when using laser sources.

Innovation Solution

A microscope cube design featuring a housing with adjustable dichroic and emission filters, a thick dichroic mirror, and a metal construction for stability, which prevents interference by tilting filters and allows precise alignment of optical elements for improved TIRF conditions and image registration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standard thickness dichroic mirror is used, then the optical path is compact, but mechanical stability and alignment precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidoptical path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thickness parameter of the dichroic mirror from standard thin to thick (≥1.5 mm), which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties and stability of the optical system while requiring corresponding adjustments to the optical path design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If filters are positioned perpendicular to walls, then alignment is simple, but internal reflections and interference patterns increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment simplicityVSAvoidinternal reflections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetric positioning of filters at small angles (0°-10°) relative to the cube walls, breaking the symmetric perpendicular arrangement to eliminate internal reflection paths while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful perpendicular alignment into a beneficial angled alignment, where the small angle deviation from perpendicular actually prevents the harmful internal reflections and interference patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Use of energy by moving object

If reflected light re-enters the laser, then optical efficiency is maintained, but interference patterns and laser damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical efficiencyVSAvoidinterference patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the reflected light from the dangerous re-entry path by tilting the excitation filter, redirecting it to a safe path that does not return to the laser cavity, thereby eliminating interference patterns and potential damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, reduces internal reflections, and provides mechanical stability, preventing interference patterns and allowing for precise alignment and use with various microscope models and laser sources, thus improving the quality of fluorescence microscopy images.

Implementation Method 1

a dichroic mirror positioned within the housing. The dichroic mirror has a thickness greater than or equal to 1.5 mm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroic reflection and transmission: Dichroic Filter

Implementation Method 2

an excitation filter disposed within the first opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

an emission filter disposed within the second opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 4

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy is a technique that probes fluorescence only near the surface of a sample. In TIRF, total internal reflection of incident light occurs when a light beam impinges on a sample at or greater than a critical angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 5

an evanescent wave having the same wavelength as the incident light is generated in the sample. The evanescent wave decays exponentially away from the surface of the sample and penetrates only a small depth into the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvanescent wave: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 6

a sample may be labeled with fluorophores, molecules that absorb light around an excitation wavelength and, in response, fluoresce, emitting light at an emission wavelength typically longer than the excitation wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS8488238B2Microscope cube

Publication Date: 2013.07.16 CHROMA TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

A microscope cube includes a housing including a first opening on a first wall of the housing and a second opening on a second wall of the housing, the first wall adjacent to the second wall; an excitation filter disposed within the first opening; an emission filter disposed within the second opening; and a dichroic mirror positioned within the housing. In one aspect, the dichroic mirror has a thickness greater than or equal to 1.5 mm. In another aspect, the excitation filter is positioned at an angle relative to the first wall of the housing.