Microscope Dichroic Beam Splitting for Four-Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes struggle to efficiently separate and detect multiple spectral regions using a single camera setup, often compromising image quality due to the use of dichroic beam splitters that distort the transmitted spectral image.
Innovation Solution
A microscope device that utilizes three dichroic beam splitters to separate light into four spectral regions, directing each spectral region to two cameras, utilizing high-end camera chips and optical elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and ghost images, allowing simultaneous detection of four spectral ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a thin dichroic beam splitter is used to minimize distortion of transmitted spectral image, then the transmitted image quality is improved, but the flatness of the substrate is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection of spectral regions into two independent paths: one for transmitted light and one for reflected light. By using separate optical paths with dedicated beam splitters and detectors for each mode, the system can optimize each path independently, allowing thin substrates for transmitted light without compromising overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional optical elements (beam splitters, mirrors, and dichroic filters) as intermediaries to manage the light paths. These intermediaries enable the separation and independent optimization of transmitted and reflected light paths, allowing each to use appropriately optimized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spectral regions are detected simultaneously using multiple cameras, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical system so that a single microscope setup can perform both transmitted light imaging and reflected light imaging across multiple spectral regions. The system uses configurable beam splitters and detectors that can be adjusted to detect different spectral ranges in both transmission and reflection modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of dual-mode detection (transmitted and reflected) to the traditional single-mode spectral detection. By incorporating beam splitters that separate light paths into transmitted and reflected components, each capable of multi-spectral detection, the system effectively doubles its functional capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the light interaction with the sample is prolonged to improve detection sensitivity, then the detection precision is improved, but the sample is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables simultaneous detection across multiple spectral regions in both transmitted and reflected light modes using the same light interaction event. By capturing all spectral information at once rather than sequentially, the system achieves high detection sensitivity without requiring prolonged light exposure that would damage the sample.
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 high-quality, simultaneous detection of four spectral ranges without distorting the image, suitable for sequencing DNA/RNA molecules, enhancing image contrast and minimizing sample damage from prolonged light interaction.
Implementation Method 1
three dichroic beam splitters (50, 51, 56) arranged in the optical space between the sample and the two cameras
Implementation Method 2
a total-internal-reflection (TIR) microscope comprising three dichroic mirrors and four CCD cameras
Implementation Method 3
the resulting image beams A, B, C and D are directed to two cameras (109, 117)
Implementation Method 4
light originating from the sample (either transmitted or emitted) is separated into four spectral regions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is directed to a microscope device comprising a microscope objective (1); one or more light sources; at least 3 dichroic beam splitters (50, 51, 56) and at least 2 cameras (109, 117) characterized in that the light generated by the light source interacts with the sample (3) thereby producing a sample beam (6), wherein - sample beam (6) is divided with a first dichroic beam splitter (50) into beam (K) and beam (L) wherein beam (K) and beam (L) have different spectral ranges of light and wherein - beam (K) is divided with a second dichroic beam splitter (51) into a first beam (A) having a first spectral range of light and a second beam (B) having a second spectral range of light and wherein first beam (A) is guided via reflection element (54) on the detector of the first camera (109) and wherein second beam (B) is guided via reflection elements (52) and (53) on the detector of the first camera (109) and wherein - beam (L) is divided with a third dichroic beam splitter (56) into a third beam (C) having a third spectral range of light and a fourth beam (D) having a fourth spectral range of light and wherein third beam (C) is guided via reflection element (58) and (59) on the detector of the second camera (117) and wherein the fourth beam (D) is guided via reflection element (57) on the detector of the second camera (117). Use of the microscope to obtain sequencing information.