Microscope Optical Assembly for Rapid Structured Illumination Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical assemblies for generating structured illumination in light microscopes are inefficient in switching between different orientations, requiring complex mechanical adjustments and experiencing high intensity losses, leading to prolonged image capture times.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly with adjustable deflecting means that directs incident light bundles into selectable beam paths, utilizing beam splitting and guiding means to create distinct light spot patterns in the pupil plane, allowing rapid switching between orientations without additional mechanical adjustments and minimizing light loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical assemblies use gratings and mechanical rotation to switch between different orientations of structured illumination, then the structured illumination can be generated in different orientations, but the switching time is prolonged and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single beam path into multiple beam paths (first, second, third beam paths) with different orientations. Each beam path contains beam splitting means that separate the light bundle into partial light bundles forming light spot patterns in the pupil plane. This segmentation allows instantaneous switching between orientations by selecting different beam paths without mechanical rotation, resolving the contradiction between orientation versatility and switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical rotation system (grating rotation or image field rotator) with an optical switching system using beam splitting means and beam guiding means. The orientation switching is achieved by directing the light bundle into different beam paths through optical elements rather than mechanical movement, eliminating the time loss associated with mechanical rotation while maintaining the capability to generate structured illumination in multiple orientations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical assemblies use mechanical adjustment mechanisms to switch between orientations, then different orientations can be achieved, but the device complexity and mechanical requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the optical system into multiple fixed beam paths with different orientations, each containing beam splitting means. This eliminates the need for a single complex mechanical adjustment mechanism, replacing it with simpler, fixed optical elements that require no mechanical movement for orientation switching, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dynamically switchable optical system where the light bundle can be directed into different beam paths using beam splitting means. This dynamic optical switching replaces static mechanical adjustment mechanisms, allowing orientation changes without mechanical complexity. The system adapts to different orientations through optical path selection rather than mechanical reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical assemblies use additional optical components for orientation switching, then different orientations can be generated, but light intensity losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple beam paths into a common detection path using beam combining means. The partial light bundles from different beam paths are combined and directed to the detector without significant intensity loss. This merging approach allows the system to switch between orientations while maintaining light intensity, as the detection path efficiently collects light from whichever beam path is currently active, resolving the contradiction between orientation versatility and energy loss.
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
Enables rapid switching between structured illumination orientations with a simple and cost-effective design, reducing image capture time while maintaining high image quality and minimizing mechanical complexity and light loss.
Implementation Method 1
beam splitting means (50) in order to split the light bundle (15) of the respective beam path into partial light bundles (81 to 89), which are spatially separated from each other
Implementation Method 2
adjustable deflecting means (20) in order to deflect an incident light bundle (15) onto one of several beam paths (21 to 23) in a selectable manner
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly that is designed for positioning in a beam path of a light microscope having means for providing structured illuminating light in a sample plane of the light microscope, so that structured illuminating light can be generated in different orientations. The optical assembly has an adjustable deflector in order to deflect an incident light bundle onto one of several beam paths in a selectable manner. Beam splitting devices are located in the beam paths in order to split the light bundle of the respective beam paths into partial light bundles, which are spatially separated from each other. Beam guides are provided for each of the partial light bundles, and guide the partial light bundles to a pupil plane. The beam guides are arranged in such a way that the partial light bundles that belong to the same beam path form a light spot pattern in the pupil plane; and that the light spot patterns of different beam paths in the pupil plane are different from each other.