Oblique Laser Scanning for 3D Structural and Molecular Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography and fluorescence microscopy, face limitations in depth penetration, resolution, and compatibility, making it difficult and time-consuming to construct three-dimensional images that combine structural and molecular properties of samples.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system that uses electromagnetic radiation incident on a sample at an oblique angle, combining reflected radiation for structural imaging and emitted radiation for molecular imaging, allowing for simultaneous three-dimensional data acquisition and subsequent co-registration of structural and molecular images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical coherence tomography is used to obtain structural images with high depth resolution, then depth resolution is improved, but field of view is limited due to requirement of high numerical aperture objective lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional orthogonal illumination to oblique angle illumination, changing the geometric dimension of light-sample interaction. This dimensional change allows the imaging system to achieve both high depth resolution and extended field of view by illuminating the sample at an angle rather than perpendicular to the surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between resolution and field of view limitations.
2Loss of information
If separate scanning is performed for optical coherence tomography and fluorescence microscopy to obtain both structural and molecular images, then both types of data are acquired, but imaging time is excessive due to repeated scans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical coherence tomography and fluorescence microscopy into a single integrated system that performs both structural and molecular imaging simultaneously. By combining these previously separate techniques into one unified platform with shared illumination and detection pathways, the system eliminates the need for repeated scanning while acquiring both types of data, thereby resolving the contradiction between data completeness and imaging time.
3Device complexity
If conventional optical pathways are used for both structural and molecular imaging, then system complexity is reduced, but compatibility between different imaging techniques is lost due to different depth discrimination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical imaging platform that can perform both optical coherence tomography and fluorescence microscopy using the same optical pathways. The system achieves multi-functionality by designing the optical architecture to support both structural and molecular imaging modalities simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining compatibility between different imaging techniques through unified depth discrimination mechanisms.
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 the creation of comprehensive three-dimensional images that provide both structural and molecular details of samples with improved resolution and efficiency, overcoming the limitations of individual techniques by allowing for simultaneous data acquisition and integration of structural and molecular properties.
Implementation Method 1
the sample reflecting a first portion of the incident electromagnetic radiation to produce reflected electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
the sample absorbing a second portion of the incident electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
responsive to the absorption of the second portion of the incident electromagnetic radiation, the sample emitting electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for constructing a three-dimensional image of a sample includes producing electromagnetic radiation and directing the produced electromagnetic radiation such that it is incident on the sample at an oblique angle. The incident electromagnetic radiation is scanned in discrete increments to a plurality of discrete locations along a first direction, and at each discrete location, scanned along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The sample reflects a first portion of the incident electromagnetic radiation and absorbs a second portion of the incident electromagnetic radiation, and emits electromagnetic radiation responsive to the absorption. A plurality of cross-sectional images is produced from the reflected electromagnetic radiation and the emitted electromagnetic radiation, and each cross-sectional image is modified to compensate for the oblique angle. The modified cross-sectional images are then combined to create a three-dimensional image of the sample.