Microscope Device with Intersecting Optical Axes for Deep Tissue Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope devices face challenges in efficiently scanning deep parts of living organisms due to deterioration in signal-to-noise ratio caused by feedback light rays, particularly when using confocal microscopes, and existing solutions complicate the scanning process or require lengthy scanning times.
Innovation Solution
The proposed microscope device features an illumination optical system and a detection optical system with intersecting primary axes, allowing for easy scanning of illumination rays and separation of optical paths to minimize feedback light interference, using techniques such as intersecting objective lenses, modulation of illumination rays, and separation filters to enhance resolution and reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If confocal microscope techniques are used to eliminate feedback light rays, then depth resolution is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to feedback light from other than focal plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the observation space into multiple depth layers by introducing a variable focal plane mechanism. The focal plane is segmented into multiple discrete depths, allowing selective observation at different depths while blocking feedback light from other depths. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both depth resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio by observing one depth layer at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-positioning the focal plane at specific depth intervals before observation begins. The system sequentially sets the focal plane at predetermined depths (e.g., 10μm, 20μm, 30μm from the surface) and captures images at each position. This preliminary positioning of the focal plane allows the system to eliminate feedback light from other depths while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio at the target depth.
2Measurement precision
If two objective lenses are used with intersecting focal regions to enhance depth resolution, then horizontal resolution deteriorates and scanning mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single objective lens that performs multiple functions: illumination, detection, and focal plane control. The same objective lens is used for both illuminating the specimen and collecting the emitted light, while its focal plane is made variable through a driving mechanism. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate illumination and detection objective lenses, simplifying the scanning mechanism while maintaining depth resolution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the focal plane of the objective lens variable rather than fixed. A driving mechanism allows the focal plane to be dynamically adjusted to different depths along the optical axis. This dynamic focal plane control enables the single objective lens to achieve depth-resolved imaging without requiring complex multi-lens scanning mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Loss of information
If scanning is performed by moving the object with a stage, then complete image acquisition is achieved, but scanning time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by sequentially adjusting the focal plane at discrete depth intervals and capturing images at each position. The focal plane is periodically moved to predetermined depths (e.g., 10μm, 20μm, 30μm) and images are captured in a systematic sequence. This periodic focal plane adjustment enables complete three-dimensional image acquisition without requiring time-consuming mechanical stage movement, significantly reducing scanning time while maintaining image completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical stage movement system with an optical focal plane control system. Instead of mechanically moving the specimen stage to capture images at different positions, the system uses a driving mechanism to adjust the focal plane of the objective lens. This substitution of mechanical movement with optical focusing control maintains complete image acquisition capability while dramatically reducing scanning time and mechanical 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 configuration enables efficient scanning and improved signal-to-noise ratio for deep tissue observation, allowing for faster and more accurate imaging of deep tissue structures with reduced noise from feedback light.
Implementation Method 1
a specimen is irradiated with illumination rays via an objective lens to thereby form a focal point of the illumination rays on the specimen while acquiring feedback light rays from the focal point via the objective lens
Implementation Method 2
an objective lens of an illumination optical system for irradiating an object with illumination rays, and an objective lens of a detection optical system for detecting feedback light rays based on the illumination rays are at respective positions where respective primary axes of the objective lenses have undergone parallel translation against each other
Data Source
AI summary
With a microscope device according to the invention, it is possible to acquire information on a deeper part of a living organism than that in the case of a conventional microscope device. The microscope device according to a first invention comprises an illumination optical system for irradiating an object with illumination rays in a line-like form, a detection optical system for receiving light rays generated by the illumination rays. The second invention relates to a microscope device wherein an objective lens of an illumination optical system, and an objective lens of a detection optical system are at respective positions. The third invention relates to a microscope device wherein a separation filter is structured such that a laser beam can pass through only a part (a region) thereof. The fourth invention relates to a microscope device wherein illumination rays having coherence are separated into two portions.