Microscopy Temporal Focus Modulation Scattered Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy methods face limitations in achieving high resolution and deep penetration due to out-of-focus scattered light, which reduces imaging accuracy and resolution.
Innovation Solution
The microscopy method employs temporal focus modulation by rapidly switching between different focus modes of illumination radiation, using phase and polarization modulation in the objective's pupil to create a diffraction-limited Airy disk, thereby reducing out-of-focus components and enhancing resolution and penetration depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional illumination is used to illuminate the sample, then the sample is sufficiently illuminated for detection, but out-of-focus scattered light reduces imaging accuracy and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by temporally modulating the illumination radiation at a modulation frequency, switching between different focus modes periodically. This allows the in-focus signal to be modulated while out-of-focus scattered light remains unmodulated, enabling discrimination through demodulation and improving imaging accuracy despite the presence of scattered light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful out-of-focus scattered light into a beneficial signal by modulating the in-focus illumination and using demodulation to extract the modulated signal. The scattered light, while present, becomes distinguishable from the modulated in-focus signal, transforming the harmful background into a manageable component that can be filtered through frequency discrimination
2Length of stationary object
If conventional illumination is used to illuminate the sample, then the sample is sufficiently illuminated for detection, but penetration depth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By periodically modulating the illumination at high frequency and using temporal focus modulation, the patent enables deeper penetration into scattering media. The modulated in-focus signal can be distinguished from unmodulated scattered light through demodulation, allowing imaging at greater depths where scattered light would normally dominate and reduce penetration effectiveness
3Measurement precision
If focus modulation is applied to reduce out-of-focus components, then resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using a dynamic phase element that can rapidly switch between different phase patterns corresponding to different focus modes. This dynamic switching enables temporal focus modulation without requiring multiple static optical paths, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to modulate focus and improve resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning or multiple optical paths with an electro-optic or acousto-optic phase modulation system. The dynamic phase element modulates the illumination radiation phase electronically or acoustically, substituting mechanical complexity with field-based control and simplifying the overall device structure while achieving focus modulation for improved resolution
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 approach significantly reduces background noise and scattered light, allowing for deeper penetration and improved resolution without reducing scanning speed, enabling imaging beyond the Abbe resolution limit.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination radiation is modulated and directed at a focus. The modulated illumination radiation is here temporally switched between at least two modes, such that a focus modulation is effected in which fields with mutually different modes of the illumination radiation are temporally produced in the focus.
Implementation Method 2
In focus modulation, the phase position and/or the polarization of the illumination radiation is/are modulated, for example shifted or rotated.
Implementation Method 3
The point of origin of the detection radiation is determined by the focus position present at a capture time at which the respective detection radiation is captured. In addition, the point of origin is determined by the focus depth, that is to say the depth of the focus in the sample.
Implementation Method 4
In addition to the illumination radiation, at least one beam of rays of disexcitation radiation is directed at the focus, wherein the bringing about of the detection radiation in the region that is illuminated by the disexcitation radiation is completely or substantially prevented by the disexcitation radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscopy method, and related microscope, including producing illumination radiation and directing it at a focus. The illumination radiation is switched temporally between at least two modes, such that focus modulation is effected at which temporally varying and mutually different mode fields of the illumination radiation are produced in the focus. The focus is guided at least over regions of a sample to be examined, wherein detection radiation in the sample is or may be brought about by the illumination radiation in the focus at least at a point of origin. The detection radiation is captured in a manner assigned to the at least one point of origin. In addition to the illumination radiation, at least one disexcitation beam of rays of disexcitation radiation is directed at the focus. The disexcitation radiation prevents the detection radiation from being brought about in the region that is illuminated by the disexcitation radiation.