Optical Diffraction Microscopy With Static Illumination Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical diffraction tomography microscopes are complex, costly, and time-consuming for observing biological samples, with limitations in resolution and adaptability to multi-well plates, and require markers for high-quality imaging.
Innovation Solution
An optical diffraction tomography microscope with a static illumination system, annular aperture lens, and common-path detection system, using a reference beam generation system with a tapered optical fiber and multiple static illumination sources, allowing marker-free imaging of biological samples in various container systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotating beam mechanism is used to achieve large numerical aperture for tomographic reconstruction, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple static beam sources arranged around the sample observation zone, each capable of emitting beams at different inclination angles. This segmentation replaces the single rotating beam mechanism with multiple fixed sources, achieving the same tomographic illumination效果 without mechanical rotation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining image resolution
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating a single beam source to achieve different illumination angles, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple static beam sources positioned at different locations around the sample, each providing a fixed illumination angle. This static multi-source configuration achieves the same effect as dynamic single-source rotation but with simpler mechanics
2Measurement precision
If a rotating beam mechanism is used for tomographic reconstruction, then image quality is improved, but observation time for multiple samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple static beam sources can be activated simultaneously or in rapid succession to illuminate the sample from different angles, enabling continuous data acquisition for tomographic reconstruction. This eliminates the mechanical rotation delay and allows faster switching between different illumination configurations, improving observation speed for multiple samples while maintaining image quality
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional illumination systems are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to multi-well plates and various container systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system with multiple static beam sources arranged around the sample observation zone can accommodate various container configurations including multi-well plates, cuvettes, and other sample holders. The beam sources are positioned to illuminate samples regardless of their specific container type, providing universal adaptability while maintaining cost-effectiveness through static optical components
4Ease of operation
If separate reference beam and sample beam paths are used, then detection flexibility is improved, but system complexity and sensitivity to environmental disturbances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system merges the reference beam and sample beam paths into a common optical path, where both beams travel through the same optical components and are detected by the same sensor. This common-path configuration reduces system complexity by eliminating separate optical trains and improves stability by making the system less sensitive to environmental disturbances such as vibrations and thermal fluctuations, while maintaining detection flexibility through appropriate beam separation at the detection plane
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 high-resolution, economical, and efficient imaging of biological samples without markers, adaptable to multi-well plates, with reduced manufacturing costs and improved image quality over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
a reference beam filter comprising an optical fibre comprising a tapered entry portion and a single mode fibre section, the tapered entry portion arranged to capture and funnel a rotating beam into the single mode fibre section
Implementation Method 2
a reference beam filter comprising an optical fibre comprising a tapered entry portion and a single mode fibre section
Implementation Method 3
a lens downstream of the sample observation zone configured for directing the sample beam towards the at least one image sensor
Implementation Method 4
a lens with an annular aperture, the wave collection system configured to collect sample illumination beams emitted by the sample illumination beam sources at a beam inclination angle with respect to a center axis extending through the sample observation zone, of between 10° and 85°
Implementation Method 5
a common-path configuration, said reference beam generation system configured to generate a reference beam from the sample beam
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Optical diffraction tomography microscope (2) comprising an illumination system (4) configured for transmitting a sample beam through a sample observation zone, a detection system (8) comprising at least one image sensor (54), and a wave collection system (6) comprising a lens (16) downstream of the sample observation zone configured for directing the sample beam towards the at least one image sensor.