Microscope Optical Group for Multipoint and Wide-Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional confocal microscopy systems lack flexibility and are limited in their ability to perform multipoint and wide-field imaging, restricting their capability to handle sensitive samples and requiring complex optics with high costs and transmission losses.
Innovation Solution
An optics group with a detection beam path featuring a first and second beam path, allowing for spectrally resolved scanning and enabling both multipoint and wide-field microscopy modes without switching the beam path before the pinhole, using diffracting or refracting elements for spectral splitting and adjustable mirrors for beam selection, and employing high-sensitivity SPAD arrays or other detectors for parallelized imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional confocal microscopy systems are used, then single-point or limited multipoint imaging can be performed, but flexibility and capability for various imaging modes are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical detection system that can perform multiple imaging modes (confocal multipoint, wide-field, direct imaging) using a single integrated detection beam path. The system uses switchable beam paths and configurable detectors to achieve multi-functionality without requiring separate optical systems for each imaging mode, thereby improving versatility while controlling complexity.
2Measurement precision
If high light intensity is used for imaging, then image quality is improved, but photodamage to sensitive samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by using multiple detectors that can simultaneously capture different spatial regions or spectral channels. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high image quality through parallel detection of multiple parameters without concentrating excessive light intensity on a single detector, thereby reducing photodamage to sensitive samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous parallel detection across multiple channels and time points, allowing accumulation of signal information over time without requiring high peak intensities. This continuous useful action maintains measurement precision while minimizing photodamage through distributed detection.
3Area of stationary object
If mechanical scanners are used to compensate for limited sensor pixels, then field of view is improved, but imaging speed and parallelization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-point sequential scanning to multipoint parallel detection by introducing multiple detectors arranged in a spatial array. This dimensional change from 1D scanning to 2D/3D parallel detection enables simultaneous capture of multiple fields of view or spectral channels, thereby expanding the effective field of view while maintaining high imaging speed through parallelization.
4Measurement precision
If spectral separation is implemented for multi-channel detection, then spectral resolution is improved, but optical transmission losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral detection using a diffraction grating that spatially separates different wavelengths onto multiple detectors. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple spectral channels without requiring sequential scanning or multiple beam splitting elements, thereby achieving high spectral resolution while minimizing optical transmission losses through a single-pass spectral separation.
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 enhances flexibility and reduces photodamage by enabling high parallelization, allowing for sensitive sample examination with reduced light exposure while maintaining image quality, and supports various microscopy methods like confocal multipoint, wide-field, and direct imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersive device (26) for spatial splitting of the detection light to be measured spectrally
Implementation Method 2
at least one diffracting or refracting element for splitting the illumination light into a multipoint pattern or line pattern
Implementation Method 3
at least one diffracting or refracting element for splitting the illumination light into a multipoint pattern or line pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical group for detection light of a microscope, in particular a confocal scanning microscope, having an input plane (10) for the passage of detection light to be measured and having a detection beam path arranged downstream of the input plane for guiding the detection light (11) into a detection plane (67), wherein the detection beam path has at least one first beam course (1) having first optical beam-guiding means, in particular first lenses and/or mirrors (20, 30, 34, 36, 58, 60, 66), for guiding the detection light into the detection plane. In the first beam course, the optical group has at least one dispersive device (26) for the spatial spectral splitting of the detection light to be measured and a manipulation device (49) for manipulating the spectrally spatially split detection light. The first optical beam-guiding means together with the dispersive device and with the manipulation device are arranged and designed to produce a spectrally separated and diffraction-limited image of the input plane into the detection plane. The optical group preferably has a second beam course (2) having optical beam-guiding means and has a selection device (22) for selecting the first beam course (1) or the second beam course (2). In further aspects, the invention relates to a method for microscopy and to a microscope.