Oblique Plane Microscope Light Collection Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oblique plane microscopy configurations suffer from limited light collection efficiency due to a restricted detection aperture, which restricts the amount of light that can be detected from the sample.
Innovation Solution
The proposed oblique plane microscope design incorporates a single objective for both illumination and detection, along with a beam splitting system and intermediate imaging systems that utilize reflecting elements to re-center and re-direct detection light back into the objectives, effectively increasing light collection efficiency by utilizing both optical outputs of the beam splitting system and allowing for separation of detection light by wavelength and viewing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional oblique plane microscopy configuration with two objectives oriented obliquely is used, then the detection aperture is restricted, but the light collection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate image space as an additional dimensional element between the sample and the detection system. By creating a virtual intermediate image plane through optical transport, the system allows the detection objective to be positioned at a more favorable angle, thereby increasing the detection aperture without compromising light collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediate image space as a mediator that decouples the illumination and detection optical paths. This intermediate space allows the detection light to be transported and redirected through additional optical elements (such as beam splitters and mirrors) without directly limiting the detection aperture, thus resolving the contradiction between aperture size and light collection efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single objective is used for both illumination and detection in OPM, then access to fluorescence-based microscopic light sheet imaging is enabled in samples that cannot be imaged by two-objective setups, but the detection aperture remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the universal capability of the single objective to perform both illumination and detection functions while adding an intermediate image space that enables additional detection pathways. This allows the system to preserve the adaptability of single-objective OPM for accessing difficult-to-image samples while overcoming the detection aperture limitation through the intermediate optical transport system.
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 enhances light collection efficiency, avoids the limitations of a restricted detection aperture, and enables more effective imaging by utilizing the entire detection light collected, allowing for improved imaging capabilities and compact optical design.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflecting element which is positioned in the first intermediate image space and configured to reflect the first detection light bundle back into the first objective
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitting system which is configured to split the collected detection light into first and second detection light bundles propagating along first and second optical paths, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An oblique plane microscope has an objective illuminating a plane of the sample and collecting detection light. A beam splitting system splits the collected detection light into two detection light bundles along two optical paths, respectively. A first intermediate imaging system generates a first intermediate image of the plane in a first intermediate image space. The first intermediate imaging system has a first objective and a first reflecting element in the first intermediate image space and reflecting the first detection light bundle into the first objective. A second intermediate imaging system generates a second intermediate image of the plane in a second intermediate image space. The second intermediate imaging system has a second objective and a second reflecting element positioned in the second intermediate image space and reflecting the second detection light bundle into the second objective. A detection system detects the detection light bundles reflected into the objectives.