Multimodal Microscopy System Shared Detection Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy systems cannot accommodate more than two imaging modalities, such as brightfield, fluorescence, and endoscopic microscopy, without significant modifications, which limits their ability to minimize footprint while maintaining high image resolutions.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal microscopy system that includes an illumination module and an optical arrangement capable of switching among brightfield, fluorescent, and endoscopic microscopy modalities, sharing a detection path to reduce system footprint and maintain high spectral and spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated into a single system, then the system can perform RGB, monochrome, and hyperspectral imaging across brightfield, fluorescent, and endoscopic modalities, but the system complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical platform that can perform multiple imaging modalities (brightfield, fluorescent, endoscopic) and multiple imaging types (RGB, monochrome, hyperspectral) through a single integrated system. The shared optical path and detector can be configured for different modalities using optical elements such as beam splitters, filters, and gratings, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging system into functional modules including illumination sources, optical elements, and detection components that can be independently configured for different modalities. The illumination module can be selectively activated for different modalities, and the optical path can be reconfigured using movable components, allowing the system to switch between modalities without complete redesign.
2Illumination intensity
If endoscopic imaging with external illumination is used, then illumination can be provided to the sample, but the illumination probe must be placed separately from and at an angle to the collection probe, enlarging the system footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination probe and collection probe into a single integrated probe assembly for endoscopic imaging. The illumination fibers and collection fibers are bundled together in a compact configuration, allowing both functions to be performed from the same access point and minimizing the spatial footprint of the endoscopic setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested probe configuration where illumination fibers are positioned within or adjacent to the collection probe structure. The illumination fibers can be arranged in a circular pattern around the central collection fiber bundle, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides illumination while maintaining a small overall probe footprint.
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 system achieves high spectral and spatial resolution hyperspectral images across multiple modalities within a compact arrangement, reducing the overall system footprint compared to separate systems for each modality.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination module configured to provide a light beam to a sample under test via a delivery path
Implementation Method 2
an optical arrangement configured to receive the light beam from the sample through a detection path to generate a microscopy image of the sample
Implementation Method 3
hyperspectral imaging technology which captures spectral information in the visible range as well as extends the wavelength range from visible to ultraviolet and infrared
Implementation Method 4
fluorescent microscopy
Implementation Method 5
brightfield microscopy
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide for a multimodal microscopy system. The multimodal microscopy system may include an illumination module configured to provide a light beam to a sample under test via a delivery path; and an optical arrangement configured to receive the light beam from the sample through a detection path to generate a microscopy image of the sample. The optical arrangement may be operable to switch among a plurality of imaging modalities using the detection path shared by the plurality of imaging modalities. The plurality of imaging modalities may include brightfield microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, and endoscopic microscopy. The multimodal microscopy system may be a multimodal hyperspectral microscopy system.