Microscope Stimulation Systems for Simultaneous Multi-Region Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope apparatuses face challenges in simultaneously stimulating arbitrary or multiple regions of a specimen without time lag, adapting to intense stimulus applications, and efficiently changing stimulation areas based on specimen shape.
Innovation Solution
The microscope apparatus employs two stimulation optical systems, one using scanning and the other using a spatial light modulator, allowing for simultaneous or sequential stimulation of wide areas or multiple regions without time lag, with the ability to adjust light intensity and position precisely using a control unit and spatial light modulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If scanning optical system is used to stimulate wide area of specimen, then wide area stimulation is achieved, but time lag occurs at start and end of scanning and simultaneous stimulation within same area cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation system into multiple independent stimulation units (first stimulation optical system and second stimulation optical system), each capable of stimulating different regions of the specimen simultaneously. This segmentation eliminates time lag by allowing parallel stimulation operations across different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial light modulator that operates in a different dimension from traditional scanning systems, enabling simultaneous multi-point stimulation across the specimen. This dimensional approach allows multiple regions to be stimulated at the same time without the time lag inherent in sequential scanning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If single stimulation optical system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but cannot change stimulation area according to specimen shape and cannot stimulate multiple positions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal stimulation system where multiple stimulation optical systems can share common optical components and control mechanisms. The system can adapt to different specimen shapes and sizes by configuring which stimulation units are active, providing multi-functionality without requiring completely separate systems for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple stimulation optical systems with shared optical paths and control mechanisms, merging their capabilities into a unified system. This allows the system to stimulate multiple positions simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through resource sharing.
3Ease of operation
If DMD is used in illumination device, then desired region at any position can be irradiated with stimulus light, but power of stimulus light is low and cannot stimulate specimen with sufficient intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stimulation function across multiple optical systems, each capable of delivering high-intensity light to specific regions. By dividing the stimulation task among several systems rather than relying on a single DMD-based system, the patent maintains both region selection flexibility and sufficient light intensity for effective specimen stimulation.
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 simultaneous stimulation of arbitrary or multiple regions without time lag, applying intense stimuli as needed, and efficiently adapting to various applications by combining light paths and using a spatial light modulator for precise control.
Implementation Method 1
By scanning the first stimulus light over the specimen using the scanning unit in the first stimulation optical system
Implementation Method 2
by radiating the second stimulus light while selectively switching the irradiation position of the second stimulus light on the specimen by using the spatial light modulator
Implementation Method 3
By combining the light path of the first stimulation optical system and the light path of the second stimulation optical system with the stimulation light-path combining section
Data Source
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AI summary
An arbitrary entire region of a specimen, or a plurality of individual regions, is simultaneously stimulated without a time lag, or a strong stimulus is applied to an arbitrary region of a specimen. The invention provides a microscope apparatus including a first stimulation optical system having a galvanometer mirror that scans a specimen with first stimulus light, which applies an optical stimulus to a specimen, on the specimen; a second stimulation optical system which has a plurality of two-dimensionally arrayed movable mirrors and which switches the angle of each movable mirror so that second stimulus light, which applies an optical stimulus to the specimen, can be selectively deflected towards the specimen; and a dichroic mirror that combines a light path of the first stimulation optical system and a light path of the second stimulation optical system.