Observation Device for Multiple-Scattering Phase Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical diffraction tomography (ODT) struggles to effectively observe three-dimensional cell tissues due to the overwhelming influence of multiple scattered light, which causes speckle generation and deteriorates the single-to-multi-scattering ratio (SMR), making it difficult to extract structural information from these multiple scattering objects.
Innovation Solution
An observation apparatus and method that utilizes an interference intensity image acquisition unit, complex amplitude image generation, transmission matrix calculation, complex differential interference image generation, and phase differential image generation to reduce the impact of multiple scattered light, allowing for non-invasive imaging of multiple scattering objects without staining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical diffraction tomography (ODT) is used to image three-dimensional cell tissues, then non-staining and non-invasive imaging is achieved, but the resolution is low and multiple scattered light causes speckle generation making it difficult to extract structural information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiple scattered light into different scattering orders (single scattering, double scattering, etc.) and processes each order separately. By dividing the complex multiple scattering problem into manageable components, the system can selectively enhance single-scattering information while suppressing higher-order scattered light that causes speckle and reduces resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts single-scattering information from the total scattered light by using statistical properties and correlation analysis. The single-scattering component is separated and isolated from the multiple scattered light background, allowing clear structural imaging without the harmful effects of higher-order scattering.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent probes are used to label the observation object for high-resolution imaging, then imaging resolution and depth are improved, but the observation object requires staining which is invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical staining process with an optical processing approach. Instead of using fluorescent probes to label structures, the system uses optical correlation and statistical analysis to extract structural information from scattered light patterns, achieving high-resolution imaging without any staining or labeling.
3Ease of manufacture
If quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is used for non-staining imaging, then physical information such as optical path length is acquired, but the acquired image is merely a two-dimensional projection unable to grasp true three-dimensional structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional projection imaging to three-dimensional structural imaging by analyzing the angular distribution of scattered light. By measuring scattering patterns from multiple directions and applying tomographic reconstruction, the system recovers true three-dimensional structural information that was lost in conventional QPI projections.
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
Enables clear observation of multiple scattering objects like three-dimensional cell tissues by minimizing the influence of multiple scattered light, thereby preserving the single-scattering information necessary for accurate structural analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an interference intensity image acquisition unit that acquires an interference intensity image of light that has passed through the observation object
Implementation Method 2
The above three-dimensional cell tissue is an optically transparent multiple scattering object
Data Source
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AI summary
An observation apparatus 1A includes a light source 11, a mirror 22, a condenser lens 24, an objective lens 25, a beam splitter 41, an imaging unit 43, and an analysis unit 50. The analysis unit 50 irradiates an observation object S with light along each of a plurality of light irradiation directions by changing an orientation of a reflection surface of the mirror 22, acquires an interference intensity image at a reference position for each of the plurality of light irradiation directions from the imaging unit 43, and obtains a phase differential image of the observation object by performing predetermined processing based on the acquired interference intensity images. Thus, an observation apparatus capable of reducing influence of multiple scattered light and observing an observation object without staining the observation object even in the case in which the observation object is a multiple scattering object is realized.