Oblique Illumination Microscopy for Translucent Particle Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems for sample fluids, such as urine and blood, face challenges in detecting translucent cells and particles due to lack of contrast, making it difficult to differentiate healthy and diseased states.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an oblique illumination system in microscopy, which includes a light emitter, a collector lens, an aperture mask, and a condenser lens, provides non-symmetrical illumination to the sample, enhancing visibility of translucent particles by directing light at an oblique angle, thereby improving image clarity and contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems are used to image cells and particles in sample fluid, then the imaging process is simple, but the contrast of translucent particles and cells is poor making them difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies oblique illumination at non-zero angles (5-85 degrees) relative to the optical axis, creating asymmetric lighting conditions that enhance contrast for translucent particles. This asymmetric illumination approach makes particles more visible by creating shadowing effects and improving light scattering patterns, directly resolving the contrast problem while maintaining reasonable system complexity through controlled geometric configuration
2Illumination intensity
If oblique illumination is applied to enhance contrast of translucent particles, then image clarity and contrast improve, but the illumination system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular dimension to illumination by directing light at oblique angles (5-85 degrees) rather than straight-on or from the side. This dimensional change in illumination geometry creates enhanced contrast without requiring complex multi-component systems, as the angle adjustment can be achieved through simple geometric configuration of light sources and optical elements
3Manufacturing precision
If light pulses are used to illuminate moving samples, then blurring in captured images is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed illumination rather than continuous lighting, where light is emitted in periodic pulses synchronized with image capture. This periodic action freezes moving particles during exposure, eliminating motion blur while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination, as the light source operates only during the brief pulse duration needed for image acquisition
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 approach significantly enhances the visibility of translucent particles, allowing for more accurate differentiation and identification of cells and particles in fluid samples, improving diagnostic capabilities in medical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a collector lens for collecting the light from the light emitter, the collector lens disposed between the light emitter and the flowcell
Implementation Method 2
a condenser lens for receiving and directing the light from the collector lens toward the sample in the flowcell
Implementation Method 3
a light emitter configured to provide illumination of the sample by emitting light
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for oblique illumination of samples in microscopy imaging are presented. The sample may be obliquely illuminated by directing light from a light emitter toward a sample at an oblique angle, rather than directly along the optical axis of an imaging device. The oblique angle may be created using an aperture mask with an aperture that is not coaxial with the optical axis of the imaging device. The oblique angle may also be created using a light emitter and collector lens that are not coaxial with the optical axis of the imaging device, such that the condenser lens directs the light toward the sample. Images obtained using the oblique illumination provide improved contrast of translucent particles and may have an embossed, three-dimensional appearance.