Microscope Phase Control for High-Speed Deep Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope devices face challenges in observing deep portions of specimens with high speed and accuracy due to the degradation of signal-to-noise ratio caused by feedback light from non-focal surface areas, and the complexity of circuit structures and scanning speed limitations in current techniques.
Innovation Solution
A microscope device with a light source that oscillates coherent illuminating light, a detecting unit for fluorescent light, a phase distribution control unit in the optical path, and a controller to vary the phase distribution, allowing the image generating unit to operate on the difference between pre- and post-phase variation feedback light to generate images without a bandpass filter, thereby removing stray light components and enabling high-speed imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a confocal microscope is used to observe deep portions of a specimen, then the S/N ratio is improved, but the complexity of the circuit structure increases and scanning speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the bandpass filter component from the optical system. Instead of using a bandpass filter to eliminate stray light, the invention uses temporal gating to selectively detect fluorescent light signals within a specific time window, thereby achieving stray light removal without the complex filtering circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical filtering system (bandpass filter) with an electronic timing-based detection system. The controller coordinates the light source oscillation, phase distribution variation, and detection timing to achieve signal separation without physical filters, simplifying the overall system structure
2Productivity
If coherent illuminating light is used to observe deep portions of a specimen, then imaging speed is improved, but stray light from non-focal surface areas degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic oscillation of the light source at a specific frequency, with the phase distribution control unit varying the phase distribution in synchronization with this oscillation. The detection unit is configured to detect feedback light at specific phases of this periodic cycle, allowing temporal separation of in-focus and out-of-focus signals while maintaining high imaging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the phase distribution parameter of the coherent illuminating light during the imaging process. By varying the phase distribution in sync with the light source oscillation and detecting at specific phase points, the system enhances signal contrast and eliminates stray light while preserving high-speed imaging capability
3Measurement precision
If phase distribution control is implemented to eliminate stray light, then image resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase distribution control unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it shapes the illuminating light profile, controls the temporal phase of the coherent light, and enables stray light rejection through coordinated detection. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated component controlled by the controller, avoiding the need for separate optical elements for each function
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 allows for accurate and rapid image generation of deep specimen portions without the need for complex circuits, improving image resolution and scanning speed by eliminating stray light and correcting spherical aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
A microscope device irradiates, for example, a specimen with illuminating light. Thus, the specimen emits fluorescent light.
Implementation Method 2
A known microscope device introduces, for example, fluorescent pigment and/or fluorescent protein into the specimen. Irradiating such a specimen with laser light allows the specimen to be excited. This makes the specimen to emit the fluorescent light.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope device according to the present disclosure (the present microscope device) includes: a light source configured to oscillate coherent illuminating light, the illuminating light being applied on a specimen; a detecting unit configured to detect fluorescent light from the specimen as feedback light, the specimen being irradiated with the illuminating light; a phase distribution control unit disposed in an optical path of the illuminating light, the phase distribution control unit being configured to control phase distribution of the illuminating light; a controller configured to control the phase distribution control unit to vary the phase distribution; and an image generating unit configured to operate a difference of the feedback light between before and after the phase distribution varies, to generate an image of the specimen.