Oblique Plane Microscope Anamorphic Magnification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light sheet microscopes with two separate objectives are not suitable for space-constrained applications, and oblique plane microscopes with a single objective face challenges in achieving correct volumetric imaging due to tilted optical axes, leading to inefficiencies in image acquisition and resolution.
Innovation Solution
An oblique plane microscope with a detection optical unit featuring an image sensor with sensor lines orthogonal to the transport optical unit's axis, utilizing an anamorphic magnification system to reduce the number of pixels to be read out, and a scanning element for volumetric imaging, which allows for faster image acquisition and reduced distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single objective is used for both illumination and detection in an oblique plane microscope, then access to fluorescence-based microscopic light sheet imaging in specimens is enabled, but the optical axes of the detection optical unit and transport optical unit are tilted relative to each other, causing inefficiencies in image acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally tilting the detection optical unit relative to the transport optical unit at a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees). This asymmetric configuration allows the single objective to serve both illumination and detection functions while maintaining proper optical paths. The tilted detection optical unit redirects the light path to achieve efficient image acquisition without requiring two separate objectives, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and productivity.
2Device complexity
If the detection optical unit is tilted relative to the transport optical unit, then a single objective can be used for both illumination and detection, but the number of pixels to be read out increases, leading to longer readout times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anamorphic magnification system that applies different magnification factors in orthogonal directions (x and y dimensions). By adjusting the magnification in the direction parallel to the sensor lines, the field of view is optimized to reduce the number of pixels that need to be read out. This dimensional differentiation allows the tilted detection optical unit to maintain a compact single-objective configuration while minimizing readout time through selective magnification adjustment.
3Productivity
If anamorphic magnification system is used with different magnification in orthogonal directions, then the number of pixels to be read out is reduced, but the sensor lines must be precisely oriented orthogonal to the transport optical unit axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a sensor rotation mechanism that allows the sensor lines to be precisely oriented orthogonal to the transport optical unit axis before image acquisition begins. This preliminary alignment ensures that the anamorphic magnification system can operate at full efficiency by matching the sensor orientation with the optical geometry. The rotation mechanism is adjusted in advance to achieve the exact orthogonal orientation required, thereby enabling fast image acquisition without compromising manufacturing precision requirements.
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 configuration enables faster image acquisition, reduced readout time, and improved resolution by minimizing the number of pixels to be digitized, while maintaining accurate volumetric imaging and eliminating the need for dichroic elements, thus enhancing the precision and efficiency of the microscope.
Implementation Method 1
The detection optical unit has an anamorphic magnification system. A magnification of the anamorphic magnification system, in a direction lying orthogonal to the sensor lines of the image sensor, is less than a magnification of the anamorphic magnification system in a direction lying parallel to the sensor lines
Implementation Method 2
a transport optical unit with a specimen-facing objective, which is provided both for specimen illumination by means of a light sheet tilted in relation to the optical axis of the transport optical unit
Implementation Method 3
for imaging a specimen plane illuminated with the light sheet onto the sensor surface of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An oblique plane microscope includes a detection optical unit having an image sensor which has a sensor surface formed from sensor lines arranged in parallel, and a transport optical unit having an objective arranged for specimen illumination by a light sheet tilted relative to an optical axis of the transport optical unit and for imaging a specimen plane illuminated with the light sheet onto the sensor surface. An optical axis of the detection optical unit is tilted relative to the optical axis of the transport optical unit. The sensor lines each extend in an orthogonal direction with respect to the optical axis of the transport optical unit. The detection optical unit has an anamorphic magnification system. A magnification of an anamorphic magnification system of the detection optical unit, in a direction lying orthogonal to the sensor lines, is less than in a direction lying parallel to the sensor lines.