Modular Bio-Imaging Device with Interchangeable Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-channel bio-imaging devices suffer from crosstalk between adjacent channels, leading to imprecision in light signals and artifacts, and do not allow for convenient changes in excitation light sources without significant dismantling or purchasing new devices, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular bio-imaging devices with interchangeable optical modules and dual bandpass filters that reduce crosstalk by aligning optical components precisely and allowing for easy module swapping, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple channels with non-overlapping wavelength ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple channels are scanned simultaneously, then imaging speed is improved, but crosstalk between channels occurs leading to imprecision in light signals
Solution Approach 1:
A dichroic mirror is introduced as an intermediary component in the optical path to separate light signals from different channels. The dichroic mirror reflects specific wavelength ranges while transmitting others, effectively routing channel-specific light to appropriate detectors and preventing crosstalk between simultaneously operating channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical paths are designed with channel-specific optical properties, including wavelength-selective filters and dichroic mirrors tailored to each channel's emission spectrum. This local optimization ensures that each channel's light signal is selectively transmitted or reflected only to its designated detector, maintaining measurement precision during simultaneous multi-channel imaging.
2Measurement precision
If each channel is scanned separately, then crosstalk is reduced, but the time required to capture multi-channel images increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple channel scanning operations are merged into a single simultaneous imaging process. The device captures light signals from multiple channels at the same time using a shared optical path with wavelength-separating components, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the time penalty associated with sequential scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system maintains continuous operation across all channels simultaneously rather than interrupting to scan channels sequentially. The dichroic mirror and wavelength-selective filters enable all channels to operate continuously and concurrently, maximizing imaging speed without sacrificing signal accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the excitation light source is changed, then new imaging capabilities are achieved, but the device requires substantial dismantling or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components, with the excitation light source configured as a replaceable module. This segmentation allows users to swap excitation sources without dismantling the entire device, reducing modification complexity while maintaining adaptability to different imaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a universal mounting interface and optical path design that can accommodate multiple types of excitation light sources. This multi-functionality enables the same device structure to support various excitation sources (e.g., different wavelength lasers, LED sources) without requiring structural modifications, thereby achieving versatility with minimal complexity.
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 solution significantly reduces crosstalk between channels, allowing for accurate multi-channel imaging while enabling convenient changes in excitation light sources without the need for new devices, thereby improving imaging efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a dichroic splitter disposed in optical communication with the aperture and the illumination source
Implementation Method 2
a reflector disposed in optical communication with the dichroic splitter and the optical sensor
Implementation Method 3
an optical sensor disposed in optical communication with the reflector
Implementation Method 4
a first dye limiting filter (e.g., dual bandpass filter) disposed between the first scan lens and the mirror, and a second dye limiting filter (e.g., dual bandpass filter) disposed between the second scan lens and the mirror
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides bio-imaging devices including multiple, modular channels for imaging biological substrates, and methods of using same to obtain mono- or multi-channel images of biological substrates.