Miniaturized Microscope with Dual Optical Splitters for Fluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes are too large for minimally invasive in vivo biological imaging, and existing miniaturized solutions lack flexibility in performing fluorescence measurements, particularly in optogenetic applications.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized microscope system with optical cannula integration, featuring a pair of optical splitters for separating illumination and fluorescence signals, and internal image sensors for capturing multiple wavelengths or object planes, allowing for precise fluorescence imaging with reduced invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional microscopes are used for fluorescence imaging, then imaging capability is provided, but the microscope size becomes too large for minimally invasive in vivo imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements miniaturization by nesting optical components within a compact cannula structure. The microscope objective, optical splitters, and image sensors are integrated into a small volume device that can be implanted within biological specimens, achieving both small size and functional versatility through careful spatial arrangement of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple optical splitters that can separate different wavelengths and object planes simultaneously. The system can perform various fluorescence measurement tasks (single-wavelength imaging, multi-wavelength imaging, depth-sectioning) using the same miniaturized hardware platform, resolving the contradiction between small size and operational flexibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If miniaturized microscopes are used to reduce size, then invasiveness is reduced, but flexibility in performing fluorescence measurements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using multiple optical splitters that divide the optical path into separate channels for different wavelengths and object planes. This allows the miniaturized microscope to perform multiple fluorescence measurement functions simultaneously while maintaining a compact size and minimal invasiveness to the biological sample.
3Measurement precision
If optical splitters are added to separate illumination and fluorescence signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical splitters into an integrated optical path within the miniaturized cannula. The first and second optical splitters are arranged to work together in a compact configuration, separating illumination and fluorescence signals while maintaining a simple overall device structure. This integration approach achieves precise signal separation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 flexible, minimally invasive fluorescence imaging with improved spatial resolution and portability, facilitating access to confined regions within biological specimens while maintaining high image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical splitter that separates the light returning from the sample from the illumination light provided to the second connector
Implementation Method 2
a second optical splitter for splitting the light returning from the sample into two images
Implementation Method 3
The second optical splitter may be an optical filter that splits light of two different wavelengths returning from the sample
Implementation Method 4
a fixture on the sample having one or more optical probes focusing and/or extending into the sample for delivering light into and receiving light from regions or points within the sample
Implementation Method 5
The objective lens creates a magnified image of one or two regions of the sample on two (or more) image sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A miniaturized microscope provides the combined capability for simultaneous or sequential fluorescence imaging at two different wavelengths and/or at two different object planes within a sample to which a cannula is attached. The microscope includes an illumination input connector for connecting one or more illumination sources, a connector for connecting the microscope to the cannula, a pair of optical image sensors for imaging the two different object planes and/or wavelengths and a pair of optical splitters: one for separating the illumination from light returning from the sample and the other for splitting the light returning from the sample into two images and providing the two images to their corresponding image sensor.