Light Microscope Diaphragm Control for Phase Contrast Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light microscopy methods for phase contrast imaging require additional optical elements that introduce intensity loss, particularly when combined with fluorescence measurements, where low-intensity fluorescent light is further impaired by these elements, and manual adjustment of diaphragms in asymmetric specimen containers is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for light microscopy that adjusts a diaphragm to cover equal-sized portions of the illuminating light cross-section transverse to the optical axis, independent of the specimen container, to produce a contrast image by offsetting brightness differences between two diaphragm settings, without additional optical elements in the optical path, ensuring minimal light loss and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional optical elements (phase contrast devices, diaphragms, prisms) are introduced into the optical path to achieve phase contrast imaging, then phase information can be converted into amplitude information for visibility, but light intensity is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional phase contrast optical elements (phase rings, prisms, additional diaphragms) from the optical path between specimen and detector. Instead, it extracts only the necessary function of amplitude modulation by using a simplified diaphragm in the illumination path, eliminating the light-lossy components while preserving phase contrast capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical phase contrast systems with a computational approach. By capturing two images with different illumination diaphragm settings and processing them digitally (subtracting one image from the other), the system achieves phase contrast without physical phase-modifying elements in the detection path
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of diaphragms is performed in asymmetric specimen containers to achieve equal light coverage, then image quality can be optimized, but the process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the asymmetric geometry of the specimen container and adjusting the illumination diaphragm settings accordingly. The computer controls the diaphragm positioning based on detected container characteristics, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining optimal light coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected specimen container geometry to automatically adjust diaphragm settings. By measuring the actual container position and asymmetry, the computer calculates and applies the appropriate diaphragm configuration to achieve equal light coverage without manual adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional phase contrast methods are used with fluorescence measurements, then both imaging modes can be performed with the same microscope, but the low-intensity fluorescent light is further impaired by optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary optical elements from the detection path that would interfere with fluorescence imaging. By using a simplified illumination-only diaphragm approach rather than traditional phase contrast elements in both illumination and detection paths, the system preserves fluorescent light intensity while maintaining phase contrast capability for transmitted light
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified diaphragm system serves multiple functions: it enables phase contrast imaging for transmitted light while simultaneously being compatible with fluorescence imaging. The same optical path can accommodate both imaging modes without requiring additional light-lossy elements, making the microscope versatile for both applications
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 achieves high-quality phase contrast imaging with minimal light loss and improved image quality, especially in fluorescence measurements, by automatically determining diaphragm settings based on the specimen container's geometry, reducing the need for manual adjustments and maintaining image quality across different container types.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm for cutting the illuminating light is brought into an optical path of the illuminating light, a first diaphragm setting is carried out, in which the diaphragm covers a first cross-sectional area portion of the illuminating light
Implementation Method 2
the phase information of the transmitted light visible... the phase change caused by the specimen to be converted into a change in the amplitude of the light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for recording images with a light microscope, wherein a specimen container with a specimen is arranged on a specimen holder of the light microscope, and wherein illuminating light is guided onto the specimen. The illuminating light can hereby be cut in a cross-section transversely to an optical axis of the light microscope through a wall of the specimen container to a limited cross-sectional region. First and second diaphragm settings are determined and set, for the limited cross-sectional region of the illuminating light defined by the wall of the specimen container, in which the diaphragm covers equal sized portions of the limited cross-sectional region. In addition the invention relates to a light microscope which is adapted in particular to carry out the method.