Multiband TDI Imaging With Fiber Bundles to Reduce Photodamage
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Solution Overview
Problem
TDI imaging systems require high excitation light intensity due to short exposure times, leading to photodamage and photobleaching of biological samples, particularly in sequencing applications, and tall TDI sensors impose stringent hardware requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implement a multi-band TDI imaging system with multiple spaced-apart image sensors and a fiber bundle emitting light beams matched to the sensor design, using beam shaping optics to optimize illumination and reduce power density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high excitation light intensity is used to achieve sufficient illumination dose in short exposure time, then imaging quality is improved, but photodamage and photobleaching of biological samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple TDI sensor bands (e.g., 3 bands) that capture images simultaneously at different spatial positions. By segmenting the detection function across multiple sensors, the system accumulates signal over extended effective exposure time without requiring proportionally higher light intensity, thereby reducing photodamage while maintaining imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic scanning motion where the sample moves continuously through the illumination field and each TDI sensor integrates signal over repeated cycles of the scanning period. This periodic action allows signal accumulation over time without requiring peak power density increases, thus improving signal-to-noise ratio while minimizing photodamage
2Measurement precision
If high excitation light intensity is used to achieve sufficient illumination dose in short exposure time, then imaging quality is improved, but power density increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the detection function across multiple TDI sensor bands, the system distributes the imaging task temporally and spatially. Each sensor captures a portion of the signal over the scanning period, allowing effective integration time extension without requiring proportional increases in excitation power density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-sensor temporal integration approach to a multi-band spatial-temporal approach. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple stacked sensors, the system achieves extended effective exposure time through spatial distribution rather than relying solely on increasing temporal integration or power density
3Speed
If a single TDI sensor is used with short exposure time, then scan speed is maintained, but illumination dose is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function across multiple TDI sensor bands that operate simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to maintain rapid scan speeds while each sensor integrates signal over a portion of the scanning period, collectively achieving sufficient illumination dose without slowing the scan
4Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple spaced-apart image sensors are used to extend exposure time, then photodamage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple TDI sensor bands into a single integrated imaging system with unified illumination and scanning control. By combining the sensors into a multi-band TDI camera module, the system achieves extended effective exposure time and reduced photodamage while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate independent systems
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 multi-band design extends exposure time, reduces peak power density, minimizes photodamage, and optimizes power utilization, improving imaging quality and sequencing efficiency while alleviating hardware specification challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber bundle comprising multiple fiber cores, each of the fiber cores to emit a light beam that is projected on a respective one of the sample locations
Implementation Method 2
photo-electrons created on the imaging sensor can be moved along a pixel column, in synchrony with the sample motion, to remove motion blur
Implementation Method 3
The illumination dose can be calculated as a product of the intensity of excitation light (W/cm2) and the exposure time (s)... Fluorescence from a cluster can be linearly dependent on the power of the radiation used to excite the dye modules
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations of the disclosure describe an imaging system comprising: a camera including multiple image sensors that are spaced apart, each of the image sensors to capture an image of a respective sample location of multiple sample locations of a sample; and a fiber bundle comprising multiple fiber cores, each of the fiber cores to emit a light beam that is projected on a respective one of the sample locations.