Microscope Spatial Modulation Element for Super-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope techniques for super-resolution imaging face challenges in achieving real-time observation due to time-consuming computing demodulation methods and limited demodulation accuracy with optical demodulation, which narrows the observation field and affects the quality of super-resolution images.
Innovation Solution
A microscope apparatus that utilizes a spatial modulation element to generate zero-order and first-order light interference fringes, combined with an optical system that ensures alignment and movement of illumination light to produce structured illumination, allowing for high-speed super-resolution imaging by re-modulating the sample surface and using image processing methods like Fourier transforms and deconvolution to synthesize accurate image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computing demodulation is used to achieve super-resolution imaging, then demodulation accuracy is improved, but observation time increases significantly making real-time observation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the computational demodulation process with an optical demodulation system using a spatial modulation element (diffraction grating). Instead of using complex arithmetic processing to demodulate the modulated image, the system uses optical elements to physically demodulate the image in real-time, substituting mechanical/optical means for computational processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial modulation element (diffraction grating) as an intermediary component between the modulated image and the detector. This intermediary element performs the demodulation function optically, acting as a mediator that converts the modulated image back to a demodulated state without requiring computational processing.
2Productivity
If optical demodulation is used to achieve fast super-resolution imaging, then observation time is reduced, but demodulation accuracy deteriorates due to shape and arrangement inaccuracies of the spatial modulation element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical system multi-functional by using the same optical path and spatial modulation element for both modulation and demodulation operations. The system can perform both functions sequentially without requiring separate dedicated paths, improving efficiency while maintaining accuracy through consistent optical geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between modulation and demodulation modes using the same optical path. The spatial modulation element is periodically repositioned or reconfigured to switch between creating interference patterns (modulation) and demodulating the captured image, enabling fast sequential operation.
3Measurement precision
If separate optical paths are used for modulation and demodulation to improve arrangement accuracy, then demodulation accuracy is improved, but the observation field is extremely narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the modulation and demodulation optical paths into a single shared optical path. The same objective lens, spatial modulation element, and detector are used for both operations, eliminating the need for separate parallel paths and thereby maintaining a wide observation field while achieving accurate demodulation through precise re-use of the same optical components.
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 rapid production of high-quality super-resolution images with improved accuracy and field of view by efficiently re-modulating and processing the interference patterns, overcoming the limitations of existing demodulation methods.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial modulation element which receives irradiation light of an obliquely incident substantially parallel light flux to symmetrically generate zero-order light and first-order light with respect to the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
an objective optical system which causes the zero-order light and the first-order light to interfere with each other at a certain position of a sample surface to form an interference fringe
Data Source
AI summary
A diffraction grating produces first diffraction light in a symmetrical direction with respect to the 0-th diffraction light and the optical axis. Each light flux forms two flux interference patterns on a sample surface through first and second objective lenses. A sample is illuminated by spatially modulated illumination light. Fluorescence is generated on the sample by structured illumination light as excitation light. The fluorescence caught by the first objective lens forms a modulated image of the sample on a sample conjugate surface through an objective optical system including the first and second objective lenses. The modulated image is further modulated through the diffractive grating. Fluorescence from the further modulated image passes through a lens and a dichroic mirror, enters into a single light path of an observation optical system, passes through a fluorescent filter, and forms an enlarged image of the further modulated image through a lens.