Microscope Imaging Device Stationary Sample Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes face challenges in achieving accurate imaging due to sample distortion caused by movement during positioning, which results in suboptimal imaging quality.
Innovation Solution
The use of a plurality of individual light sources with a detector system that allows illumination of a stationary sample, enabling movement of light sources while keeping the sample stationary, along with a spectral filter and diffuser, and a motor to adjust the light sources relative to a stationary sample holder, maintains the objective lens's position and reduces power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sample is moved into position for imaging, then the imaging system can capture the sample, but the sample becomes distorted due to forces asserted on it during movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the sample into position for imaging, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the sample stationary and moving the illumination device and detector around the stationary sample. This eliminates the harmful forces that would otherwise be applied to the sample during positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving imaging capability and maintaining sample positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the imaging system into a stationary sample holder and a movable illumination/detector assembly. This segmentation allows the sample to remain fixed while the imaging components move, eliminating sample distortion and enabling accurate imaging without compromising sample integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a white light source with optical filters is used, then broad spectrum illumination is achieved, but power consumption increases and optical elements cannot be optimized for specific wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces a single white light source with multiple individual light sources, each emitting at a specific wavelength. This segmentation of the illumination system allows each light source to be optimized for its specific wavelength, eliminating the need for power-consuming optical filters while maintaining broad spectrum coverage and enabling wavelength-specific optimization of optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of illumination from broad-spectrum white light to multiple narrow-band wavelengths. This parameter change eliminates the need for optical filtering, reduces power consumption by only generating needed wavelengths, and allows optical elements to be optimized for each specific wavelength, thereby resolving the contradiction between spectrum coverage and energy efficiency.
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 enhances imaging accuracy by minimizing sample distortion and optimizing power usage, allowing for precise illumination and imaging of stationary samples with improved efficiency and reduced heat production.
Implementation Method 1
A Peltier device is arranged between at least one of the plurality of individual light sources and a heat sink
Implementation Method 2
The imaging device may further comprise a spectral filter that is arranged in the light path between at least one of the plurality of individual light sources and the stationary sample
Implementation Method 3
The imaging device may further comprise a diffuser arranged in the light path
Implementation Method 4
These narrow set of light wavelengths interact with fluorophores in the sample, which then emit light of a different wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device for a microscope (20) is disclosed that comprises a plurality of individual light sources (40) and a detector (15). The plurality of the individual light sources (40) is mounted on a translation stage (110). The imaging device further includes moveable optics arranged to direct a light path (45) onto a stationary sample (60) and collect reflected or fluoresced radiation from the sample (60).