Multicolor Optical Resonator for Simultaneous Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical imaging techniques are limited in imaging optically dense samples and struggle with samples of low optical density, such as thin samples like adherent single-cell layers, due to the need for low light intensities to avoid damage, and often cannot simultaneously use multiple imaging techniques effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing an optical resonator with wavelength-dependent finesse to enhance the optical path length, allowing for simultaneous multicolor imaging with different techniques by adjusting the finesse for each wavelength to optimize image quality indicators for each imaging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light intensity is increased to improve signal strength for imaging low optical density samples, then image quality improves, but sample damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple wavelengths, with each wavelength optimized for specific imaging techniques. By using multiple resonators tuned to different wavelengths, the system can perform absorption imaging, phase contrast imaging, and fluorescence imaging simultaneously without requiring high intensity at any single wavelength that would damage the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-wavelength imaging to multi-wavelength imaging, adding the wavelength dimension to the imaging process. This allows the system to achieve enhanced optical path length through resonance at each wavelength while distributing the total energy across multiple wavelengths, thereby avoiding sample damage from high intensity at any one wavelength.
2Measurement precision
If optical path length is increased to enhance interaction between light and sample, then signal strength improves, but imaging technique specificity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical resonator system into multiple resonators, each tuned to a specific wavelength optimized for particular imaging techniques. This segmentation allows each resonator to provide enhanced optical path length for its specific wavelength while maintaining the versatility to perform multiple imaging techniques by activating different resonators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging system where a single multi-wavelength resonator configuration can perform multiple imaging techniques (absorption, phase contrast, fluorescence) by tuning to different wavelengths. Each wavelength provides specialized enhancement for its intended technique while the overall system remains versatile for various imaging applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If focusing elements are added to enable direct imaging of extended samples, then imaging capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the focusing function from complex resonator configurations and implements it through simpler wavelength-selective resonators. By removing the need for complicated focusing elements and alignment mechanisms, the system achieves direct imaging of extended samples through the inherent resonance enhancement at specific wavelengths without requiring additional optical components.
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 enhances the image quality and information extraction from samples by increasing the effective optical path length, enabling the simultaneous use of various imaging techniques like absorption, phase contrast, and fluorescence imaging, improving signal strength and contrast ratios.
Implementation Method 1
an optical resonator for enhancing an optical path length
Implementation Method 2
in which light coupled into the resonator is reflected back and forth multiple times before leaving the resonator
Implementation Method 3
leading to an enhanced interaction between the light and the sample, e.g. a larger absorption, scattering and/or phase shift of the light
Implementation Method 4
fluorescence spectroscopy of fluorophore-labeled objects
Implementation Method 5
absorption imaging for samples with spatially varying absorption properties
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a device (100) for multicolor optical imaging of a sample (102) with wavelength-dependent optical path length enhancement, the device (100) comprising an optical resonator (106) for enhancing an optical path length, wherein the optical resonator (106) has a first finesse at a first wavelength and a second finesse at a second wavelength;a sample holder (104) for mounting the sample (102) in the optical resonator (106), wherein the sample holder (104) is configured to hold the sample (102) such that an optical axis (112) of the optical resonator (106) intersects with the sample (102);a first imaging system (114) for imaging the sample (102) at the first wavelength with a first imaging technique, and a second imaging system (126) for imaging the sample (102) at the second wavelength with a second imaging technique, wherein the second wavelength is different from the first wavelength;wherein the first finesse and the second finesse are chosen such that the optical resonator (106) enhances a first image quality indicator of the imaging with the first imaging system (114) and a second image quality indicator of the imaging with the second imaging system (126).