Microscope Spatial Light Modulation for Dynamic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope systems have limitations in adjusting the intensity distribution of illumination light, leading to suboptimal observational images, particularly in bright field and phase-contrast microscopes, where the diaphragm shape is fixed, restricting the ability to observe specimens at their best conditions.
Innovation Solution
A microscope system that employs a spatial light modulation element, such as a liquid crystal panel or digital micro mirror device, to dynamically change the shape and size of the illumination region, allowing for the calculation and optimization of the intensity distribution based on real-time image data from the specimen, using methods like hill climbing and genetic algorithms to find the most appropriate illumination shape and wavelength for enhanced observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed diaphragm shape is used in bright field or phase-contrast microscopes, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability of illumination intensity distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a spatial light modulation element that can dynamically change the shape and size of the illumination region in real-time, replacing fixed diaphragms with programmable patterns. This allows the illumination intensity distribution to be adaptively adjusted for different observation conditions without mechanical movement or physical diaphragm changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the illumination region (shape, size, position) by controlling the spatial light modulation element through electrical signals. This enables continuous adjustment of the illumination intensity distribution by modifying the transmission function of the spatial light modulation element, achieving adaptability without mechanical complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If diaphragm shape is selected based on observer determination, then the device structure remains simple, but the observation quality may not be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where the observation quality is evaluated and the spatial light modulation element is controlled to optimize the illumination intensity distribution. This eliminates the need for manual observer determination while achieving optimized observation quality through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-optimization of the illumination parameters by automatically adjusting the spatial light modulation element based on the observation requirements. The device serves itself to achieve optimal observation conditions without requiring manual intervention or expert determination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ring diaphragm and phase ring positions are fixed in phase-contrast microscopes, then the device structure is simple, but the flexibility in selecting illumination shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical position adjustment mechanism of physical diaphragms and phase rings with an optical control system using a spatial light modulation element. The illumination shapes are generated and positioned through electrical control of the spatial light modulation element's transmission function, eliminating mechanical moving parts while achieving greater flexibility.
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 the formation of optimal intensity distributions for improved image quality, allowing for better observation of specimens by dynamically adjusting the illumination, thereby overcoming the limitations of fixed diaphragm shapes and positions in traditional microscopes.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulation element which changes a shape and a size of an illumination region formed by the light blocking section, into an arbitrary shape
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
A microscope system as an optical microscope system for observing a specimen includes: an imaging optical system that forms an image of transmitted light or reflected light from the specimen; an illumination light source that illuminates illumination light on the specimen; an illumination optical system that has a first spatial light modulation element, which changes intensity distribution of the illumination light at a conjugate position of a pupil of the imaging optical system, and illuminates light, which is originated from the illumination light source, on the specimen; an image sensor that detects light through the imaging optical system; and a calculation section that calculates the intensity distribution of the illumination light appropriate for observation of the specimen on the basis of the intensity distribution of the illumination light formed by the first spatial light modulation element and output data detected by the image sensor.