Microscope Spectral Imaging Layout to Prevent Light Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence microscopy using multiple pieces of excitation light and slits faces issues with overlapping first-order and zeroth-order light, leading to inaccurate imaging data due to light mixing.
Innovation Solution
A microscope device with a configuration that includes a first slit and a second slit, a dispersion element, and an imaging element, where the imaging element receives light such that zeroth-order light from the second slit and first-order light from the first slit do not overlap, using a diffraction grating for wavelength dispersion and a scanning mechanism for continuous imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pieces of excitation light and multiple slits are used for fluorescence microscopy, then imaging speed and productivity are improved, but light mixing occurs between zeroth-order and first-order light leading to degraded measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light path into multiple discrete channels, each with its own slit and detection region. The imaging element is segmented into multiple regions that independently detect light from different slits, preventing light mixing while maintaining simultaneous multi-color imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension separation by arranging multiple slits and their corresponding detection regions in a specific geometric configuration. This dimensional arrangement ensures that zeroth-order and first-order light from different slits are spatially separated on the imaging element, eliminating overlap while preserving the benefits of multiple excitation wavelengths.
2Productivity
If multiple dyes are excited at one excitation wavelength, then productivity is improved by simultaneous multi-color imaging, but color mixing occurs between adjacent dye fluorescence leading to degraded measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns each dye channel to a separate slit and corresponding detection region on the imaging element. This segmentation isolates the fluorescence signals from different dyes, preventing color mixing while enabling simultaneous detection of multiple fluorescent labels in a single imaging operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength-dispersive elements as intermediaries between the slits and the imaging element. These elements separate the fluorescence wavelengths spatially before detection, acting as a mediator that prevents direct mixing of adjacent dye signals while maintaining the simultaneous multi-color imaging capability.
3Device complexity
If first-order light from one slit and zeroth-order light from another slit overlap on the imaging element, then device complexity is reduced by using a single imaging element, but measurement precision is degraded due to light mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging element into multiple independent detection regions, each associated with a specific slit. This segmentation allows a single imaging element to function as multiple independent detectors, avoiding the need for multiple spectroscopes while preventing light mixing through spatial separation of detection zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the two-dimensional surface of the imaging element to separate light paths spatially. By carefully positioning slits and their corresponding detection regions in different spatial locations on the imaging element, the patent prevents overlap between zeroth-order and first-order light while maintaining a compact single-element design.
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 accurate imaging data acquisition by separating and dispersing light effectively, reducing noise and improving imaging accuracy, allowing for simultaneous multi-color imaging without the need for multiple spectroscopes and reducing observation time.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersion element that wavelength-disperses the plurality of pieces of light passing through the opening
Implementation Method 2
using a diffraction grating for wavelength dispersion
Implementation Method 3
an imaging element that receives the plurality of pieces of light wavelength-dispersed by the dispersion element
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope device includes an opening (31) that includes a first slit and a second slit through which a plurality of pieces of light from an observation target resulting from a plurality of pieces of irradiation light emitted to the observation target and having different wavelengths pass, a dispersion element that wavelength-disperses the plurality of pieces of light passing through the opening (31), and an imaging element (32) that receives the plurality of pieces of light wavelength-dispersed by the dispersion element. The imaging element (32) performs light reception so that, as for the plurality of pieces of light wavelength-dispersed, zeroth-order light of light passing through the second slit and first-order light of light passing through the first slit do not overlap with each other.