Multi-Photon Detection Using Dynamically Controllable Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-photon processes in optics require high excitation intensities and are challenging to integrate with other imaging modalities due to the low probability of simultaneous photon absorption, making commercially available femtosecond lasers expensive and difficult to incorporate.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a dynamically-controllable light source with a first sub-light source generating controllable time-dependent intensity patterns and an optical amplifier, combined with a detector unit for synchronizing and detecting multi-photon processes, allowing for active time-control of multi-photon excitation and improved integration with various imaging modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If commercially available femtosecond lasers are used to provide high excitation intensities for multi-photon processes, then multi-photon excitation can be achieved, but the system becomes expensive and difficult to integrate into other imaging modalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into multiple sub-light sources (e.g., multiple laser diodes or VCSELs) that can be independently controlled. Each sub-light source operates at a lower intensity individually, but their combined output achieves the required excitation intensity for multi-photon processes, replacing the need for a single high-intensity femtosecond laser
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the light source by modulating the intensity and timing of multiple sub-light sources. This allows the system to achieve high peak intensities only when needed for multi-photon excitation, while maintaining flexibility for integration with other imaging modalities through electronic control
2Reliability
If high excitation intensities are used to overcome the low probability of simultaneous photon absorption, then multi-photon processes can be induced, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic modulation of multiple sub-light sources to create time-dependent intensity patterns. By synchronizing the periodic operation of multiple lower-intensity sources, the system achieves the cumulative intensity effect needed for reliable multi-photon process induction without requiring a single expensive femtosecond laser
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of lower-intensity light sources (sub-light sources) that can be independently controlled and combined. These copied sources collectively provide the necessary excitation intensity, replacing the need for a single high-cost femtosecond laser while maintaining system reliability
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 solution enhances the flexibility and versatility of multi-photon process detection, enabling better integration with additional imaging modalities and reducing the need for expensive femtosecond lasers, while maintaining sufficient intensity for effective multi-photon microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical amplifier, thereby allowing for active time-control of creation of multi-photon-excitation
Implementation Method 2
a detector unit or detector assembly for detecting signals indicative of said multi-photon process, in particular multi-photon fluorescent signals or higher harmonics signals
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a system for inducing and detecting multi-photon processes, in particular multi-photon fluorescence or higher harmonic generation in a sample. The system comprises a dynamically-controllable light source, said dynamically-controllable light source comprising a first sub-light source, said first sub-light source being electrically controllable such as to generate controllable time-dependent intensity patterns of light having a first wavelength, and at least one optical amplifier, thereby allowing for active time-control of creation of multi-photon-excitation. The system further comprises a beam delivery unit for delivering light generated by said dynamically-controllable light source to a sample site, and a detector unit or detector assembly for detecting signals indicative of said multi-photon process, in particular multi-photon fluorescence signals or higher harmonics signals.