Laser Scanning Microscope Resonant Scanner Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soundproof structures for resonant scanners in laser scanning microscopes require large and expensive systems, and existing solutions do not efficiently minimize noise without prolonging observation times.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanning microscope design that alternates between using a galvanometer scanner and a resonant scanner based on user-input observation modes, deactivating the resonant scanner during low-speed scans and maintaining it active during high-speed scans to minimize noise generation without the need for extensive soundproofing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a soundproof structure is used to surround the resonant scanner, then noise from the resonant scanner is reduced, but the system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between two scanning modes: a first scanning mode using only the galvanometer scanner for high-resolution observation, and a second scanning mode using both the galvanometer scanner and resonant scanner for high-speed observation. The resonant scanner is activated only during the second mode, eliminating continuous noise generation while maintaining the capability for fast observation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scanning system adaptable through mode switching. The control unit dynamically selects between the first scanning mode (galvanometer only) and the second scanning mode (galvanometer plus resonant) based on observation requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize between noise reduction and speed without requiring permanent soundproofing infrastructure.
2Speed
If the resonant scanner is activated continuously, then high-speed observation capability is maintained, but noise is generated during low-speed scanning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant scanner operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated only during the second scanning mode when high-speed observation is required, and deactivated during the first scanning mode when only high-resolution observation is needed. This periodic operation eliminates noise during low-speed scanning while preserving the ability to perform fast scanning when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the scanning configuration based on operational needs. The control unit switches between using only the galvanometer scanner for slow, high-resolution scanning and using both scanners for fast scanning. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high-speed capability when needed while avoiding unnecessary noise during routine low-speed operations.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the resonant scanner is deactivated during galvanometer-only scanning, then noise is eliminated, but the system cannot perform high-speed observation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by implementing two distinct scanning modes that are selected based on observation requirements. The first mode uses only the galvanometer scanner for high-resolution observation, while the second mode activates both scanners for high-speed observation. This periodic switching allows the resonant scanner to be deactivated during low-speed operations (eliminating noise) while remaining available for high-speed observation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system is made dynamic through mode switching capability. The control unit can adaptively select between the first scanning mode (galvanometer only, noise-free) and the second scanning mode (both scanners, high-speed). This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by allowing noise elimination during routine operations while maintaining the capability for high-speed observation when productivity is the priority.
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 approach effectively minimizes noise from the resonant scanner without requiring a large system and reduces observation time by stabilizing the resonant scanner's operation before switching to high-speed scans.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant scanner (9) that scans laser light emitted from a light source (2) two-dimensionally across a specimen (O) at high speed in a main scanning direction and at a low speed in a sub-scanning direction
Implementation Method 2
laser light emitted from a light source (2) two-dimensionally across a specimen (O)
Implementation Method 3
a light-detecting unit (4) that detects light coming from the specimen (O)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a laser scanning microscope including a scanning unit that scans laser light emitted from a light source two-dimensionally across a specimen, a light-detecting unit that detects light coming from the specimen, an information-acquiring unit that acquires information about an observation mode, and a control unit that controls the scanning unit based on the information acquired by the information-acquiring unit. The scanning unit includes a galvanometer scanner and a resonant scanner that are alternately operable. The control unit controls the scanning unit to deactivate the resonant scanner if the information acquired by the information-acquiring unit indicates an observation mode in which the galvanometer scanner is used alone and to maintain the resonant scanner in an active state if the information acquired by the information-acquiring unit indicates an observation mode in which the galvanometer scanner and the resonant scanner are alternately used.