Multimodal Microscope With Switchable Optics for Easier Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes require costly modifications to switch between different microscopy modes, making it difficult to easily change or switch between various microscopy methods.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal microscope with a switchable optical functional group that can be switched into different states, allowing the first spatial light modulator to be positioned in either an intermediate image plane or a pupil plane of the illumination beam path, enabling easy switching between microscopy modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a microscope is designed to support multiple microscopy modes, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity and cost of modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal illumination beam path that can support multiple microscopy modes (confocal, two-photon, light-sheet, etc.) through a single integrated optical train. The key is making the illumination beam path adaptable to different modes without requiring separate optical paths for each technique, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic, switchable optical elements including a switchable optical functional group that can be positioned in different states, and a spatial light modulator that can be placed in either an intermediate image plane or a pupil plane depending on the desired microscopy mode. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the system to adapt between modes without permanent structural changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a microscope is designed to support multiple microscopy modes, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the cost of modification measures increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal illumination beam path that can accommodate multiple microscopy techniques through software control and repositioning of optical elements, the patent eliminates the need for costly hardware modifications for each new mode. The same physical infrastructure supports confocal, two-photon, light-sheet, and other microscopy methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a spatial light modulator that can be digitally reconfigured to create different illumination patterns and optical functions. Instead of physically copying or duplicating optical components for each microscopy mode, the system uses programmable control of the spatial light modulator to simulate different optical configurations, significantly reducing manufacturing and modification costs
3Ease of operation
If the spatial light modulator can be positioned in different planes, then the ease of operation for switching modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a switchable optical functional group that can be dynamically repositioned between different optical planes (intermediate image plane or pupil plane) depending on the desired microscopy mode. This dynamic switching mechanism, controlled by a controller, allows operators to easily switch between modes by simply actuating the switchable element, making the complex reconfiguration transparent to the user
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable optical functional group acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the illumination source and the sample. By positioning this intermediary in different planes, the system can achieve different microscopy modes without requiring the operator to directly manipulate complex optical components, thereby simplifying operation while managing device complexity through the intermediary mechanism
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 solution allows for simple and efficient switching between multiple microscopy modes, reducing the need for costly modifications and enabling versatile microscopy applications with low device-related complexity and outlay.
Implementation Method 1
adjust the phase of the excitation light in an intermediate image plane and/or in a pupil plane
Implementation Method 2
at least one first spatial light modulator being present in the illumination beam path for the purpose of manipulating the excitation light
Implementation Method 3
an illumination beam path having a microscope objective for guiding the excitation light onto and/or into a sample to be examined
Implementation Method 4
a detector for detecting detection light emitted by the sample owing to illumination with the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
A multimodal microscope having a light source for transmitting excitation light, an illumination beam path having a microscope objective for guiding the excitation light onto and/or into a sample, at least one first spatial light modulator being present in the illumination beam path for manipulating the excitation light, a detector for detecting detection light emitted by the sample owing to illumination with the excitation light, a detection beam path, comprising the microscope objective or a further microscope objective, for guiding the detection light onto the detector, and a controller at least for controlling the first spatial light modulator. The multimodal microscope includes a switchable optical functional group, which is switchable at least into a first and a second switching state, and the first spatial light modulator is situated either in or in the vicinity of an intermediate image plane or a pupil plane of the illumination beam path, depending on the switching state.