Scanning Microscope Isolation Unit for Light Detection Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning microscopes face inefficiencies in detecting stimulated Raman scattered light and fluorescent light due to limitations in isolating emitted light from irradiation light, particularly when using dichroic mirrors or polarization-based methods, which restrict the detection efficiency of light with wavelengths similar to irradiation light.
Innovation Solution
A scanning microscope configuration that includes an isolation unit with a transmissive portion for allowing irradiation light to pass through and a reflective portion to isolate emitted light, positioned in the optical path between the light source and scanning unit, effectively separating the optical paths of irradiation and emitted light without relying on dichroic mirrors or polarization, enhancing light detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dichroic mirrors are used to isolate emitted light from irradiation light, then wavelength-based isolation is achieved, but detection efficiency is reduced for light with wavelengths similar to irradiation light
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation unit is divided into a transmissive portion and a reflective portion, spatially separating the paths of irradiation light and emitted light. This segmentation allows the system to handle different light types through different portions, achieving both effective isolation and high detection efficiency without relying solely on wavelength-based dichroic mirrors.
2Reliability
If polarization-based methods are used to isolate emitted light, then optical path separation is achieved, but detection efficiency is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation unit acts as an intermediary component between the scanning unit and detection unit. It mediates the separation of optical paths by reflecting emitted light while allowing irradiation light to pass through, enabling effective isolation without the limitations of polarization-based methods and maintaining high detection efficiency.
3Reliability
If traditional isolation methods are used, then some level of light separation is achieved, but overall light detection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation unit segments the optical system into distinct transmissive and reflective portions, enabling simultaneous efficient handling of irradiation light (through transmissive portion) and emitted light (via reflective portion). This segmentation resolves the contradiction between achieving light separation and maintaining high detection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the isolation unit have different optical properties: the transmissive portion allows irradiation light to pass through efficiently, while the reflective portion efficiently reflects emitted light. This local differentiation of optical properties enables both effective isolation and high detection efficiency simultaneously.
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 allows for more efficient detection of emitted light, including fluorescent and harmonic generation light, by isolating the optical paths of irradiation and emitted light, thereby improving the detection efficiency compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective portion that reflects at least some of light that is included in emitted light generated from the sample as a result of the irradiation light being radiated to the sample
Implementation Method 2
a transmissive portion that enables the irradiation light to pass the transmissive portion
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning microscope includes a scanning unit that causes irradiation light emitted by a light source to scan a sample, an optical system that guides the emitted light that has passed through the scanning unit to the sample, an isolation unit that includes a transmissive portion that enables the irradiation light to pass the transmissive portion and a reflective portion that reflects at least some of light that is included in emitted light generated from the sample as a result of the irradiation light being radiated to the sample and that has passed through the optical system and the scanning unit, and a detection unit that detects the emitted light that has passed through the isolation unit. The isolation unit is disposed in an optical path of the irradiation light between the light source and the scanning unit.