Laser Microscope Optical Assembly Pupil Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser scanning microscopes face challenges in producing multiple optical pupils with minimal installation space and low transmission loss, while also requiring quick switching between pupil planes, which is complicated and expensive, and often limits high-resolution microscopy and three-dimensional optical manipulation.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement with additional pupil planes is designed, featuring a second and third focusing device, beam-deflecting devices, and a variable beam-deflecting means to switch between beam pathways, allowing for quick switching between pupil planes and enabling three-dimensional optical manipulation with minimal additional space and optical loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical pupils are produced using different ports on the stand, then the number of available pupils increases, but the microscope stand becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single microscope stand that can accommodate multiple types of scanners (resonance scanner, galvanometric scanner, acousto-optic scanner) and beam-deflecting devices through a universal mounting interface. This allows one stand to serve multiple functions that previously required separate stands, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility in pupil plane configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple beam-deflecting devices and scanners within a single optical path hierarchy. The resonance scanner, galvanometric scanner, and acousto-optic scanner are arranged in nested configurations where each can be activated or deactivated independently, allowing multiple pupil planes to be created within one stand structure rather than requiring separate standalone components
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical methods are used to switch between pupil planes, then switching between pupils is possible, but the switching speed is slow (faster than 10 ms)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical switching methods with a hybrid system that incorporates acousto-optic scanners and electronically controlled beam-deflecting devices. The acousto-optic scanner can switch beam paths at speeds limited only by acoustic wave propagation, dramatically exceeding the 10 ms limitation of mechanical systems while maintaining the ability to switch between multiple pupil planes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamically reconfigurable optical system where the beam path can be switched between different scanners and pupil planes in real-time. The system allows dynamic selection of which scanner (resonance, galvanometric, or acousto-optic) is active in each pupil plane, enabling adaptive switching speeds based on the specific manipulation or imaging requirements
3Speed
If galvanometric scanners are used to achieve fast switching, then switching times are relatively short, but the moment of inertia must be kept low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acousto-optic scanners as intermediary devices that can perform beam deflection without the mechanical inertia constraints of galvanometric scanners. The acousto-optic scanner uses sound waves to modulate the refractive index of a crystal, creating dynamic diffraction gratings that deflect light without moving heavy components, thus achieving fast switching without the moment of inertia problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the advantages of different scanner types by combining resonance scanners (for high-speed periodic scanning), galvanometric scanners (for precise positioning), and acousto-optic scanners (for fast switching without inertia) within the same system. Each scanner type is deployed in pupil planes where its specific strengths are most beneficial, creating a hybrid system that overcomes the limitations of any single scanner type
4Ease of operation
If larger masses like mirrors are switched for manipulation, then beam deflection is achieved, but switching rates cannot exceed 10 ms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mirror switching with acousto-optic beam deflection. Instead of physically moving large mirror masses, the system uses acousto-optic modulators that change the refractive index of a crystal through acoustic waves, creating dynamic beam steering capabilities without mechanical inertia. This substitution enables switching rates far exceeding 10 ms while maintaining full beam deflection 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 allows for efficient and rapid switching between imaging and manipulation modes, supporting high-resolution microscopy and three-dimensional optical manipulation with reduced complexity and cost, while maintaining low optical losses.
Implementation Method 1
a first beam-deflecting device that is formed by a first scanner arranged in the first pupil plane for scanning the excitation radiation and/or manipulation radiation in a first coordinate direction
Implementation Method 2
a first focusing device for producing a second pupil plane that is optically conjugate to the first pupil plane, wherein the first focusing device comprises a first concave mirror
Implementation Method 3
a second beam-deflecting device for deflecting the excitation radiation and/or manipulation radiation, which is arranged in the second pupil plane, wherein the second beam-deflecting device comprises a second scanner
Implementation Method 4
a second focusing device for producing a third pupil plane, which is optically conjugate to the first pupil plane and the second pupil plane, wherein the second focusing device comprises a second concave mirror
Implementation Method 5
a variable beam-deflecting means is provided between the first focusing device and the second pupil plane, on the one hand, and the second pupil plane and the second focusing device, on the other, for deflecting an optical beam path between a first beam pathway and a second beam pathway
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly in a laser scanning microscope, having an optical scanning unit providing a first pupil plane, a first beam deflecting device, made of a first scanner arranged on the first pupil plane, for scanning excitation radiation in a first coordinate direction, a first focusing device generating a second pupil plane, optically conjugated to the first pupil plane, and a second beam deflecting device for deflecting the excitation radiation. The second deflecting device is arranged on the second pupil plane. A second focusing device to generate a third pupil plane, is optically conjugated to the first pupil plane and the second pupil plane. A third beam deflecting device is arranged on the third pupil plane, and a variable beam deflecting device is provided to switch an optical beam path between a first beam path and a second beam path.