Multi-Beam Confocal Scanning Sub-Optical Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-beam confocal scanning systems face limitations in achieving enhanced spatial resolution beyond the Abbe resolution limit, as they lack the precision and synchronization required for step-by-step scanning, unlike single-beam systems.

Innovation Solution

Configuring multi-beam confocal scanners to capture data in sub-optical resolution scan increments by positioning an array of beams at multiple locations on a sample, capturing images at each location, and processing pixel intensity data to create intermediate and final images with improved resolution through Fourier transformations and filtering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multi-beam confocal scanners are used to increase scanning speed, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to achieve sub-optical resolution positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning speedVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the scanning process into multiple passes with different beam arrays. Each pass captures data at a specific orientation or position, and the results are combined to achieve super-resolution. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high scanning speed while achieving precision beyond the diffraction limit by processing multiple lower-resolution datasets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces additional dimensional parameters for beam positioning beyond the standard x-y scan plane, such as angular orientations or depth positions. By scanning at multiple angles or depths and combining the data, the system achieves enhanced spatial resolution in all three dimensions while maintaining high productivity through parallel multi-beam operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If step-by-step scanning is implemented to achieve enhanced spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to synchronization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidsynchronization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical synchronization mechanisms with computational methods. Instead of using precise mechanical step-by-step positioning with synchronized detectors, the system uses multi-beam arrays that can be electronically controlled and processed. The super-resolution is achieved through software-based image processing and data fusion rather than mechanical precision, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple images are captured at sub-optical increments to improve resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple capture cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidimage capture time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple image captures into a single super-resolution image through computational processing. By capturing several images at slightly different positions or orientations and then combining them using algorithms that exploit the sub-optical spacing, the system achieves enhanced resolution without requiring equally long total acquisition times. The parallel multi-beam operation also captures multiple data points simultaneously, reducing overall capture time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables the generation of images with enhanced spatial resolution, surpassing the Abbe resolution limit, and facilitates faster image capture and reduced photo-bleaching, particularly beneficial for imaging living cells.

Implementation Method 1

multi-beam confocal scanning systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConfocal effect:

Implementation Method 2

processing pixel intensity data to create intermediate and final images with improved resolution through Fourier transformations and filtering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFourier transformation:

Data Source

PatentUS9606343B2Enhancing spatial resolution utilizing multibeam confocal scanning systems

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 SHEBLEE TRUSTEE OF THE VISITECH RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEME JAFER

AI summary

A method for utilizing a multi-beam confocal scanning system to generate an image of a sample, the image having an improved resolution, is provided. An array of beams may be positioned at a first location on the sample. A first plurality of images may be captured, where each of the first plurality of images is associated with a beam of the array of beams at the first location. The array of beams may be adjusted by a specific distance to a second location on the sample, the specific distance being smaller than an optical resolution limit of the multi-beam confocal scanning system. A second plurality of images may be captured, where each of the second plurality of images is associated with a beam of the array of beams at the second location.