Laser Scanning Microscope Optical Assembly with Nested Pupils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanning microscopes face challenges in creating multiple optical pupils in a compact space with minimal transmission losses, requiring complex and costly setups, and struggle with rapid switching between different scan modes due to mechanical limitations and the need for additional scanners.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement with a third focusing device and variable beam deflection means allows for the creation of additional pupil planes, enabling rapid switching between different beam paths and scan modes using a combination of scanners and wavefront-altering elements, such as concave mirrors and dichroic mirrors, to manage excitation and manipulation radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple scanners are used to enable rapid switching between scan modes, then switching speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into separate modules: a first scanner for lateral scanning and a second scanner for angular scanning. This segmentation allows each scanner to be optimized for its specific function while enabling rapid switching between scan modes through coordinated control of the two independent scanning units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different scanning patterns (lateral scanning, angular scanning, and combined scanning) by dynamically controlling the operation of the first and second scanners. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt scanning modes based on the specific imaging or manipulation requirements without requiring multiple fixed scanning systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pupil planes are created for versatile scanning, then adaptability is improved, but structural space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested optical paths where the second scanner is positioned within the optical path of the first scanner. The second scanner can be mechanically integrated into the structure formed by the first scanner and its optical elements, allowing multiple pupil planes to be created without proportionally increasing the overall structural footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates additional pupil planes by introducing angular scanning in a second dimension beyond the conventional lateral scanning. This dimensional expansion allows the system to generate multiple effective pupil planes through coordinate transformation rather than requiring proportional increases in physical space for each additional plane.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanning systems are used, then switching between scan modes is possible, but switching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous scanning operation by coordinating the first and second scanners such that scanning actions overlap in time. The first scanner performs lateral scanning while the second scanner performs angular scanning, and their operations are synchronized to maintain continuous beam coverage without idle waiting time, thereby reducing the effective switching time between scan modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reduces mechanical switching delays by using electronic control of the scanners rather than purely mechanical beam switching. The scanning mirrors are controlled through electronic drive systems that can rapidly adjust their position and orientation, minimizing mechanical inertia and switching time while maintaining the versatility of multiple scan modes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex optical elements are used to create multiple pupils, then functionality is improved, but transmission losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple pupil generation into a single integrated optical path that shares common optical elements. The first and second scanners share common mounting structures, support optics, and beam paths, reducing the total number of optical interfaces and elements that could cause transmission losses while still enabling multiple pupil planes to be generated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical system so that the same optical elements (lenses, mirrors, and beam paths) serve multiple functions: they can be configured to support lateral scanning, angular scanning, or combined scanning modes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated optical components needed for each scanning mode, thereby reducing overall transmission losses while maintaining versatile pupil generation capability.
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 solution enables efficient, compact, and rapid switching between imaging and manipulation modes, supporting three-dimensional optical manipulation and high-resolution imaging with reduced optical losses and complexity, allowing for versatile use in confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a scan optical unit for providing a first pupil plane
Implementation Method 2
wavefront-altering elements, such as concave mirrors and dichroic mirrors
Implementation Method 3
dichroic mirrors
Implementation Method 4
at least one laser light source for emitting laser radiation for exciting and/or manipulating a sample
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly for scanning excitation radiation and/or manipulation radiation in a laser scanning microscope. The assembly an optical scanning unit as a first focusing device for providing a first pupil plane, a first beam deflecting device, which is made of a first scanner arranged in the first pupil plane, for scanning the excitation radiation and/or manipulation radiation in a first coordinate direction, and a second focusing device for generating a second pupil plane, which is optically conjugated to the first pupil plane. A second beam deflecting device is provided for deflecting the excitation radiation and/or manipulation radiation, said second deflecting device being arranged in the second pupil plane. A third focusing device is provided in order to generate a third pupil plane, optically conjugated to the first pupil plane. A third beam deflecting device is arranged in the third pupil plane in order to deflect the excitation radiation and/or manipulation radiation, and a variable beam deflecting means is provided in order to switch an optical beam path between a first beam path and a second beam path.