On-Axis Fluorescence Imaging Device with Dichroic Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence microscopes face issues with weak fluorescence signal intensity due to distant light sources, complex configurations, high manufacturing costs, and difficulty in comparing bright-field and fluorescence images due to light path variations caused by dichroic mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence imaging device with a fluorescence light source positioned on-axis between the objective lens and the subject, using a single light source and dichroic mirror to irradiate excitation light directly to the subject, and multiple emission filters to capture fluorescent emission light without altering the light path, allowing for high-intensity radiation and stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate light source for each wavelength is used, then different fluorophores can be excited, but the light source is distant from the subject and the fluorescence signal intensity is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single on-axis light source that serves multiple functions by exciting different fluorophores through wavelength selection filters. This universal light source replaces multiple separate light sources, maintaining adaptability while achieving high-intensity illumination by positioning the source close to the subject through the objective lens
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual filter assemblies are provided for each wavelength, then specific fluorophores can be observed, but the configuration becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single light source with multiple wavelength selection filters that can be selectively positioned in the optical path. This universal filter system replaces multiple separate filter assemblies, maintaining the capability to observe different fluorophores while significantly simplifying the overall device configuration and reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic filter wheel or similar mechanism that allows different wavelength selection filters to be positioned in the optical path as needed. This dynamic reconfiguration enables versatile fluorophore observation without requiring multiple static filter assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If dichroic mirrors are used to separate light paths, then fluorescence and bright-field images can be obtained, but the light paths vary and image comparison becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mirror or beam splitter mechanism that can be positioned to direct light differently based on the imaging mode. In fluorescence mode, the dichroic mirror separates excitation and emission light paths. In bright-field mode, the same mirror is repositioned to maintain a consistent light path, enabling accurate image comparison while maintaining versatility
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 fluorescence signal intensity, simplifies the device structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and enables easy comparison of fluorescence and bright-field images by maintaining a consistent light path, while minimizing focus shifts and optical noise.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation filter configured to selectively transmit an excitation light irradiated by the first light source
Implementation Method 2
a first dichroic mirror configured to transmit an excitation light transmitted by the excitation filter, to the subject and to reflect a fluorescent emission light emitted from the subject
Implementation Method 3
an objective lens configured to concentrate the fluorescent emission light reflected by the first dichroic mirror
Implementation Method 4
an emission filter configured to transmit a light of a predetermined wavelength in the fluorescent emission light concentrated by the objective lens
Implementation Method 5
a detector configured to sense an image from the light that has been transmitted through the emission filter
Implementation Method 6
a first light source which is a fluorescence light source
Data Source
AI summary
An excitation light from a first light source is adapted to be irradiated to a subject without passing through an objective lens so that the first light source and the subject may be arranged to be adjacent to each other. As a result, an excitation light having a high intensity of radiation may be irradiated to the subject to obtain a strong fluorescence signal. In addition, since the optical path of the excitation light from the first light source and the optical path of the fluorescent emission light emitted from the first dichroic mirror and the white light do not coincide with each other, a high S/N ratio may be obtained.