Multi-Probe Microscope Lighting for Independent Beam Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiprobe scanning probe microscopes face challenges with low modulation rates of spatial light modulators and issues with focusing light beams onto different probes, limiting adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A probe microscope with a lighting system comprising multiple light sources, a collector lens, and an objective lens, which focuses each light beam onto a respective probe, optionally using optical fibers or lasers, and allows independent modulation of light power for actuation and detection, without requiring a spatial light modulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spatial light modulator is used to control light beam intensities, then individual probe actuation is achieved, but the modulation rate is limited to 100s of Hz to 1 kHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spatial light modulator from the optical system entirely, extracting the component that limited modulation speed. Instead of using an SLM to modulate a single beam, the system uses multiple independent light sources (laser diodes) that can be modulated at high speeds without the bandwidth limitations of SLM technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical system into multiple independent light sources, each corresponding to a probe. This segmentation allows each light source to be modulated independently at high speeds, bypassing the single-beam modulation bottleneck of SLMs and enabling parallel high-speed actuation of multiple probes.
2Productivity
If a single lens is used to focus light beams, then all beams focus onto the same probe, but the system cannot address individual probes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical focusing system into multiple objective lenses, with each lens dedicated to focusing light onto a specific probe. This segmentation enables independent addressing of each probe while maintaining efficient optical coupling, allowing both high productivity through parallel operation and individual probe control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each objective lens is optimized for its specific probe position, creating local optical quality tailored to that probe's location and orientation. This local optimization ensures efficient light coupling for each individual probe while maintaining the ability to address probes independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe pitch changes, then the microscope must be realigned, but frequent realignment reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability in the optical system, allowing the objective lenses and light sources to be repositioned to accommodate different probe pitches. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various probe array configurations without permanent realignment, reducing time loss when probe arrays are changed.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with universal compatibility for different probe pitches through adjustable mounting mechanisms and flexible optical paths. The same objective lenses and light sources can serve multiple probe array configurations, making the system versatile across different probe pitches without requiring dedicated components for each pitch.
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 high modulation rates, adaptability to changes in probe pitch, and efficient focusing of light beams onto individual probes, enhancing imaging and manipulation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a collector lens configured to collect the light beams from the light sources
Implementation Method 2
an objective lens configured to receive the light beams from the collector lens and focus each light beam onto the cantilever of a respective one of the probes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
A probe microscope comprising a probe array with an array of probes, each probe comprising a cantilever and a probe tip. A lighting system comprises a plurality of light sources. Each light source is configured to output a respective light beam. A lens array comprises an array of lenses. Each source lens is positioned to receive a respective one of the light beams from the lighting system. A collector lens is configured to collect the light beams from the lens array. An objective lens is configured to receive the light beams from the collector lens and focus each light beam onto the cantilever of a respective one of the probes. The lighting system is configured to modulate a power of the light beams to actuate the probes, and the lighting system is configured to modulate the power of some or all of the light beams independently.