Multi-mode Light Detection Device for Biological Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coherent Raman scattering microscopes, either amplitude-modulated (AM-SRS) or phase-modulated (PM-SRS), are limited in their ability to simultaneously visualize biological structures and the spatial distribution of substances within them, hindering dynamic analysis of molecular localization, transport, and metabolism in living bodies.
Innovation Solution
A light detection device and method that switch between AM-SRS, PM-SRS, and confocal modes, using a single device to acquire images of biological structures, substance distributions, and morphology information, and synthesizing these images to generate a composite view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single light detection device uses only amplitude-modulated coherent Raman scattering (AM-SRS) or phase-modulated coherent Raman scattering (PM-SRS), then it can detect specific types of Raman signals with good sensitivity, but it cannot simultaneously visualize both biological structures and the spatial distribution of substances within them
Solution Approach 1:
The light detection device is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between AM-SRS and PM-SRS detection modes. The same device can detect both biological structures (via confocal microscopy mode) and substance distributions (via Raman scattering modes), eliminating the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining detection capabilities for different targets
2Measurement precision
If separate devices are used for AM-SRS and PM-SRS detection, then each device can be optimized for its specific detection mode, but the overall system complexity increases and multiple devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines AM-SRS detection capability, PM-SRS detection capability, and confocal microscopy capability into a single integrated light detection device. The device includes switching mechanisms that allow it to operate in different detection modes using the same hardware platform, thereby reducing the number of devices needed while maintaining optimized detection performance for each mode
3Measurement precision
If complex light-shielding equipment is used to block stray light in Raman detection, then detection sensitivity can be improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex light-shielding equipment by using temporal gating through pulsed laser excitation and time-resolved detection. By detecting signals only during specific time windows after laser pulse injection, the system effectively filters out stray light and background noise without requiring additional physical shielding components
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a light detection device having a laser light source, a splitting unit, a first modulation unit, a second modulation unit, a first detection unit and a second detection unit that detect light, and a control unit.