Laser Microscope Detection Optics With Tunable Filter Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanning microscopes face challenges in achieving simultaneous spectral filtering and spatially resolved detection due to mechanical displacements of optical components affecting spatial resolution, particularly when using gradient filters or prism arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a continuous filter module comprising two independently tunable filter elements and a compensator element to adjust the focus position of light on a spatially resolving detector, compensating for mechanical displacements and maintaining spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gradient filters or prism arrangements are used for spectral filtering, then spectral filtering capability is improved, but mechanical displacements of optical components occur which deteriorate spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
A compensator element is introduced as an intermediary component between the spectral filtering element and the detector. This compensator element actively counteracts the mechanical displacements caused by gradient filters or prism arrangements, thereby preserving spatial resolution while maintaining spectral filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts parameters of the compensator element (such as its position or orientation) to compensate for the parameter changes (mechanical displacements) introduced by the gradient filters or prism arrangements during spectral filtering operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filter arrangements are used to detect fluorescence radiation of different fluorophores, then spectral detection range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is designed with a universal compensator element that can compensate for mechanical displacements across multiple spectral channels and different filter configurations, allowing a single device to handle multiple fluorophores without requiring separate specialized arrangements for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically adjustable filter arrangements and a movable compensator element that can be reconfigured for different spectral ranges, enabling the device to adapt to different fluorophores without requiring multiple fixed complex arrangements.
3Measurement precision
If continuous filter modules with tunable filter elements are used, then spectral filtering precision is improved, but mechanical displacements occur which deteriorate focus position on the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The compensator element serves as an intermediary that decouples the spectral filtering function from the focus positioning function. It absorbs the mechanical displacements caused by moving the tunable filter elements, thereby protecting the focus position on the detector while allowing precise spectral filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs parameter changes in the compensator element (such as position or orientation adjustments) to counteract the parameter changes (mechanical displacements) caused by the tunable filter elements, thereby maintaining focus position precision while enabling spectral filtering precision.
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 continuous spectral filtering with spatially resolved detection, allowing for high-resolution imaging of multiple spectral channels without compromising spatial resolution, and reduces the need for multiple microscopes for different fluorophores.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter module (14) having two filter elements (16) which are continuously tunable and independently of one another, wherein a portion of the incident light beam (10) directed to the at least one spatially resolving detector (22) is a spectral component of the incident light beam (10) having an upper and a lower cutoff wavelength
Implementation Method 2
at least one compensator element (26) is arranged optically behind the continuous filter module (12), by means of which a focus position of light on the spatially resolving detector (22) can be adjusted
Implementation Method 3
at least one spatially resolving detector (22), wherein a first filter module (14) having two filter elements (16) which are continuously tunable and independently of one another
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a detection device (2) for a laser scanning microscope, the detection device (2) having a light inlet (4), at least one filter module (14) and at least one spatially resolving detector (22) and being designed to guide light from the light inlet (4) to the filter module (14) and from there to the spatially resolving detector (22), at least one filter module (14) being designed as a continuous filter module having two continuously tunable filter elements (16), and at least one compensator element (26) being arranged optically behind the continuous filter module (14), by means of which compensator element a focus position of light on the spatially resolving detector (22) can be set.