Microscope Light Sheet Generation with Astigmatic and Scanning Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SPIM microscopes face challenges in user-friendliness and throughput due to complex adjustments for image field size variation, light sheet generation methods causing light losses and inflexibility, and vibrations affecting sample integrity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating second light sheet generation means with astigmatic lenses and selection mechanisms, allowing for static or quasi-static light sheet generation, along with adjustable angle scanning and independent detection zoom elements for flexible image field adjustments and reduced sample interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static light sheet is generated using cylindrical optics, then the light sheet structure is simple and stable, but light losses occur and the system lacks flexibility for different image field sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic light sheet generation by scanning a rotationally symmetrical light beam across the sample area. The scanning means (galvanometer mirrors) dynamically sweep the light beam to create a quasi-static light sheet effect, allowing flexible adjustment of light sheet dimensions and position without the light losses associated with static cylindrical optics
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of light sheet generation by using a rotationally symmetrical beam that is scanned across different areas. The scanning angle, speed, and range can be adjusted to create light sheets of varying sizes and positions, eliminating the need for physical realignment of optical components while maintaining high light transmission efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detection lens is changed to adjust image field size, then the image field size can be varied, but the sample chamber is adversely affected and refocusing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image field adjustment function from the detection lens itself and relocates it to the illumination side. By using scanning means to dynamically adjust the illuminated area, the system achieves image field size variation without changing the detection lens or disturbing the sample chamber environment
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning means act as an intermediary between the light source and the sample, dynamically controlling the illuminated area without requiring physical access to the sample chamber. This allows image field adjustment while maintaining stable detection optics and eliminating the need for refocusing
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotationally symmetrical light beam is scanned quickly to generate a quasi-static light sheet, then the light sheet can be generated without cylindrical optics, but the scanning time must be coordinated with camera integration time
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback coordination between the scanning means and camera integration time. The control unit synchronizes the scanning duration and speed with the camera's integration time to ensure that the quasi-static light sheet is fully formed during the exposure period, optimizing image quality while maintaining operational simplicity
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
Enhances the adaptability and flexibility of light sheet generation, reduces light losses, and minimizes sample interactions, improving user experience and throughput by allowing seamless adjustments without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
first astigmatically acting optical element with at least one astigmatic lens for generating a static light sheet
Implementation Method 2
fluorophores that are contained in the sample or that were introduced into the sample for contrasting purposes are excited with laser light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a microscope comprising an illumination device (19) which produces a sheet of light to illuminate a sample region (P), said sheet having an approximately planar extension in the direction of an illumination axis (X) of an illumination beam path and in the direction of a transverse axis (Y) lying at a right angle to the illumination axis (X). The microscope further comprises a detection device (1) used to detect light that is emitted by the sample region (P) along an axis of detection (Z) of a detection beam path, the illumination axis (X) and the axis of detection (Z) as well as the transverse axis (Y) and the axis of detection (Z) being oriented relative each other at an angle unequal zero. The illumination device (19) comprises first sheet of light producing means, which in turn have means for producing a rotationally symmetrical light beam and scanning means for scanning, in the manner of a sheet of light scanner, the sample region (P) along the transverse axis (Y) in a predetermined time interval. The illumination device (19) of the microscope according to the invention comprises second sheet of light producing means, which in turn have a first astigmatically active optical element (27) with at least one astigmatic lens for producing a static sheet of light. The microscope further has selection elements which can be used to select either the first or the second sheet of light producing means or both together to produce the sheet of light.