Microscope Illumination Control via Measurement Radiation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling microscope illumination radiation lack precision in setting energy parameters, such as intensity or power, which affects reproducibility and accuracy in measurements, especially in laser-based and optical manipulation techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves defining a setpoint value for the energy parameter of illumination radiation, generating measurement radiation, ascertaining the transmission properties of the objective, and using a relationship to adjust the light source to achieve precise setting of energy parameters on the object, ensuring the actual value corresponds to the setpoint within a tolerance range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an intensity detector is arranged in the illumination beam path near the light source to determine the intensity of illumination radiation during measurement, then the intensity can be monitored in real-time, but the precision in setting the energy parameter on the object is insufficient due to unknown transmission losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detector continuously monitors the illumination radiation intensity, and this information is fed back to a control unit that adjusts the light source or attenuator to maintain the desired intensity level on the object, resolving the contradiction between real-time monitoring and precise setting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that acts as a mediator between the detector and the light source/attenuator. This control unit processes the detected intensity information and applies correction factors to calculate the actual intensity on the object, enabling precise energy parameter setting while maintaining real-time monitoring capability
2Ease of operation
If the intensity of illumination radiation is determined by arranging a radiation detector instead of the sample, then the intensity can be measured before or after sample measurement, but this cannot provide real-time intensity information during sample measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous monitoring of illumination radiation intensity by positioning the detector in the illumination beam path, allowing uninterrupted real-time measurement of intensity throughout the sample measurement process, thus maintaining both ease of operation and real-time measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If a proportion of illumination radiation is coupled out as measurement radiation and its energy parameter is measured, then the energy parameter on the object can be determined, but additional optical components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical system so that the same illumination beam path serves dual purposes: delivering illumination radiation to the object and providing measurement radiation to the detector. This multi-functionality allows energy parameter determination without adding separate measurement beam paths, thus maintaining measurement precision while minimizing 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
This method allows for precise control of illumination radiation energy parameters, enhancing reproducibility and accuracy in microscopy, applicable to various techniques including fluorescence microscopy and optical manipulation, by accurately determining the energy parameters on the object.
Implementation Method 1
providing an objective for focusing the illumination radiation onto the object
Implementation Method 2
coupling out a proportion of the illumination radiation, in particular upstream of the objective as measurement radiation
Implementation Method 3
providing an objective for focusing the illumination radiation onto the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method for regulating a light source of a microscope that illuminates an object, said method including specifying an intended value of an energy parameter of illumination radiation on the object; producing illumination radiation; providing an objective for focusing illumination radiation onto the object; ascertaining a transmission property of the objective for the illumination radiation; output coupling a component of the illumination radiation upstream of the objective as measurement radiation and measuring an actual value of the energy parameter of the measurement radiation; providing a relationship between energy parameters of the measurement radiation and energy parameters of the illumination radiation on the object, and setting the light source in such a way that the actual value of the energy parameter measured for the measurement radiation corresponds to the intended value of the energy parameter according to the relationship.