Microscope Stimulus Light Path Selection for Multi-Region Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope apparatuses face challenges in simultaneously stimulating multiple regions of a specimen without time lag or applying intense stimuli to specific regions, often resulting in inefficient light usage and reduced resolution.
Innovation Solution
The microscope apparatus incorporates a first stimulation optical system with a scanning section for scanning stimulus light and a second stimulation optical system featuring a phase modulation element at a pupil conjugate position, allowing selective switching of stimulus light irradiation positions, along with a light path selecting section to alternate between the two systems, ensuring efficient and targeted optical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a scanning section is used to scan stimulus light across the specimen, then the stimulus light can be applied to different regions sequentially, but it becomes difficult to stimulate multiple regions simultaneously without time lag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulus light path into two separate optical systems: a first stimulation optical system with a scanning section for sequential scanning, and a second stimulation optical system with a DMD for simultaneous multi-region stimulation. This segmentation allows each system to specialize in different stimulation modes, resolving the contradiction between sequential scanning capability and simultaneous stimulation requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different stimulation optical systems (scanning-based and DMD-based) into a single microscope apparatus, allowing the system to switch between or combine both modes of operation. This merging enables the apparatus to achieve both sequential scanning and simultaneous multi-region stimulation capabilities that neither system could achieve alone.
2Productivity
If a DMD is used to simultaneously stimulate multiple regions, then simultaneous stimulation is achieved, but the resolution and light quantity efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the stimulation system dynamic by allowing switching between two different optical configurations. The system can adaptively select the appropriate stimulation mode (scanning or DMD) based on the specific experimental requirements, enabling optimal resolution when scanning is used and high productivity when simultaneous stimulation is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the stimulation system by providing two distinct optical paths with different characteristics. The first system optimizes for resolution through precise scanning control, while the second system optimizes for simultaneous stimulation capability through DMD technology, allowing parameter optimization for each specific application.
3Illumination intensity
If intense stimulus light is applied to specific regions, then the stimulation effect is enhanced, but light quantity is wasted and overall efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling precise control of stimulus light delivery through two specialized systems. The scanning system delivers intense light to specific regions with high spatial precision, while the DMD system distributes light efficiently across multiple regions simultaneously. This localized optimization reduces overall light waste while maintaining intense stimulation where needed.
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
This configuration enables simultaneous stimulation of multiple regions without time lag or intense stimulation of specific areas, maintaining light quantity levels and preventing wasteful stimulus light usage, while reducing the need for multiple light sources and improving resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a phase modulation element arranged at a pupil conjugate position of the objective lens and capable of modulating a phase of the stimulus light irradiated by the objective lens, selectively switches the irradiation position of the stimulus light on the specimen by the phase modulation element
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope apparatus includes: an objective lens; an observation optical system that makes the specimen be irradiated with excitation light by the objective lens, and acquires image information of the specimen; a first stimulation optical system that includes a scanning section which scans stimulus light, makes the scanning section scan an irradiation position of the stimulus light and applies an optical stimulus to the specimen; a second stimulation optical system that includes an SLM arranged at a pupil conjugate position of the objective lens and capable of modulating a phase of the stimulus light, selectively switches the irradiation position of the stimulus light by the SLM and applies the optical stimulus to the specimen; and a light path selecting section that selects at least one of a light path of the first stimulation optical system and a light path of the second stimulation optical system.