Microstructured Fiber Optic Probe for Single-Cell Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices struggle to acquire dynamic signals from individual cells with ultrafast sampling rates and sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, particularly in deep brain regions, due to limitations in optical penetration depth and resolution.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device utilizing a multichannel optical waveguide with microstructured fibers, featuring solid cores separated by hollow tubes, coupled with a silicon photomultiplier array, allows for efficient collection and transmission of fluorescence signals, enabling ultrafast sampling rates and single-cell specificity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical fibers are used for signal transmission, then the device structure is simple, but the signal-to-noise ratio is insufficient and ultrafast sampling cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented into multiple solid cores (at least two) separated by hollow tubes, creating a multichannel waveguide structure. Each solid core independently transmits optical signals from specific detection regions, enabling multi-point simultaneous measurement while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio through dedicated transmission paths that prevent signal interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber structure incorporates hollow tubes (air-filled or fluid-filled) as separating elements between solid cores. These hollow tubes reduce optical cross-talk between adjacent cores by providing optical isolation, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio while allowing the fiber to maintain flexibility and biocompatibility for in vivo applications.
2Measurement precision
If a single fiber is used for detection, then the device is simple to operate, but individual cell detection with ultrafast sampling rate cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from single-point detection to multi-point spatial distribution by arranging multiple solid cores in different spatial positions within the fiber. This allows simultaneous detection of optical signals from multiple individual cells or regions, achieving single-cell detection capability while maintaining a single-fiber insertion approach that remains relatively simple to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The multichannel optical fiber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a multi-channel signal transmission medium and a spatially distributed detection array. Each solid core can be independently coupled to detect signals from specific cells, enabling the fiber to function as both a simple insertion device and a sophisticated multi-point measurement system.
3Length of stationary object
If conventional imaging devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but penetration depth and resolution are insufficient for deep brain regions
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber is divided into multiple solid cores that can be positioned at different depths and locations within brain tissue. This segmentation allows the detection system to reach deep brain regions while maintaining high spatial resolution, as each core can be optimized for specific depth ranges and target regions, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-point imaging devices.
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
The device achieves high signal-to-noise ratio and ultrafast sampling rates, allowing for the detection of dynamic signals from individual cells and vessels, exceeding the penetration depth of conventional methods, and enabling the mapping of neuronal activity at the single-cell level.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional optical fibers use the effect of total internal reflection to guide the elctromagnetic radiation. The guiding occurs within a core of refractive index higher than refractive index of the surrounding material.
Implementation Method 2
the sensor device is a photomultiplier array, preferably a silicon photomultiplier array
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~6
AI summary
Imaging device to detect electromagnetic radiation, which is preferably fluorescence-emission, wherein a collection unit collects the electromagnetic radiation and transmits it to a sensor device, wherein the sensor device is a photomultiplier array, preferably a silicon photomultiplier array, and the collection unit comprises a multichannel optical waveguide in the form of a mi-crostructured fiber, comprising at least two solid cores separated by at least one hollow tube, wherein in each solid core propagates a portion of the collected electromagnetic radiation and wherein the emitted portion of electromagnetic radiation of each individual solid core is projected by a projection-/ magnification unit on an individual pixel of the photomultiplier array.