Microscopic Observation Apparatus with Segmented Photoelectric Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional observation methods do not effectively utilize fluorescence from an observation target irradiated with excitation light, limiting the ability to easily observe the entire target without adjusting optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A microscopic observation apparatus that includes a light source for irradiating the target with excitation light, a first optical system for controlling light rays, a filter to reduce excitation light intensity, and photoelectric conversion elements to convert filtered light into electricity, allowing for flexible positioning and high sensitivity observation without trade-offs in field of view and magnification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical microscopes are used to observe fluorescence, then magnification can be achieved, but field of view is reduced and optical system adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the observation space into multiple discrete detection regions, each with its own photoelectric conversion element. This segmentation allows simultaneous high-magnification observation of multiple fields of view, resolving the contradiction between magnification and total observable area by creating a mosaic of high-res images that collectively provide both detail and wide coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional optical magnification to three-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple photoelectric conversion elements. By distributing detectors in space and combining their signals, the system achieves effective high magnification across an extended field of view that would be impossible with a single optical path
2Measurement precision
If excitation light intensity is increased to enhance fluorescence signal, then detection sensitivity improves, but excitation light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the fluorescence signal from the total light by using photoelectric conversion elements with spectral sensitivity matched to the fluorescence wavelength range, effectively separating the desired fluorescence signal from the harmful excitation light background through selective detection rather than attempting to filter the excitation light beforehand
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength-selective photoelectric conversion element as an intermediary that responds only to fluorescence wavelengths. This intermediary converts only the fluorescence photons into electrical signals while being transparent to excitation light, thereby eliminating excitation light interference without compromising fluorescence detection sensitivity
3Length of stationary object
If observation distance is increased to accommodate thick samples, then space for optical system movement is gained, but light control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system with fixed lenses and mirrors with a photoelectric conversion element that can be positioned at an optimal distance from the sample. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical adjustments of optical components while maintaining the ability to observe thick samples at appropriate distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of detection from optical focusing to photoelectric conversion. By using a photoelectric conversion element with appropriate spectral sensitivity positioned at a fixed distance, the system achieves effective light control without the mechanical complexity of adjusting optical systems, particularly benefiting observations of thick samples where focal depth becomes problematic
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 easy observation of the entire observation target by effectively reducing excitation light and enhancing fluorescence detection sensitivity, allowing for high magnification and wide field of view without the limitations of conventional optical microscopes.
Implementation Method 1
a filter that reduces an intensity of light in a wavelength band of the excitation light among the plurality of light rays light-controlled by the first optical system
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that converts a plurality of light rays that has passed through the filter into electricity
Implementation Method 3
an observation method has been proposed that allows easy observation of the entire observation target without the need for adjustment of the optical system such as imaging and scaling and scanning of the observation target
Data Source
AI summary
A microscopic observation apparatus that irradiates an observation target with excitation light to observe fluorescence generated from the observation target, the microscopic observation apparatus includes a light source that irradiates the observation target with excitation light; a first optical system that light-controls a plurality of light rays including fluorescence generated from the observation target by radiating the excitation light and part of the excitation light; a filter that reduces an intensity of light in a wavelength band of the excitation light among the plurality of light rays light-controlled by the first optical system; and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that converts a plurality of light rays that has passed through the filter into electricity.