Optical Grating Multi-Color Fluorescence Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy techniques face challenges in effectively performing multi-color fluorescence imaging under a single exposure, particularly in distinguishing and separating overlapping spectral channels to study sample structures accurately.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging system incorporates a fluorescence microscope with a spatial mask, a 4f system, and an optical grating to split and separate light beams by wavelength, combined with a method using sparse representation coefficients and over-complete dictionaries to achieve multi-spectrum imaging, enabling spectrum separation and improved imaging accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spectral channels are used for labeling fluorescence samples, then the ability to study different sample structures is improved, but the spectral channels overlap and become difficult to distinguish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overlapping spectral channels by using an optical grating to spatially separate different wavelengths of light. The grating divides the combined fluorescence signal into distinct spectral components, allowing each spectral channel to be resolved and measured independently, thus solving the overlap problem while maintaining multi-color imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical grating as an intermediary element between the sample and the imaging sensor. This grating acts as a mediator that performs spectral decomposition, converting the mixed spectral information into spatially separated signals that can be clearly distinguished and processed
2Measurement precision
If traditional multi-exposure methods are used for multi-color fluorescence imaging, then spectral separation is achieved, but the imaging rate decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spectral channel detections into a single exposure by using the optical grating to disperse all wavelengths simultaneously onto the imaging sensor. This allows all spectral information to be captured in one shot rather than requiring sequential multi-exposure imaging, thereby maintaining spectral separation while dramatically improving imaging rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the spectral separation problem from the temporal domain (multi-exposure over time) to the spatial domain (simultaneous capture with wavelength-based spatial distribution). By mapping different wavelengths to different spatial positions on the sensor through the grating, the system achieves spectral separation without time multiplexing
3Adaptability or versatility
If spectral channels are separated using traditional methods, then multi-color imaging is achieved, but the system complexity and device structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal optical grating component that can separate multiple spectral channels simultaneously with a single element. This grating serves multiple functions: wavelength dispersion, spatial mapping, and spectral decomposition all at once, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path parameters by introducing the grating at a specific position in the optical system. This parameter change enables natural spectral separation through diffraction, converting a complex multi-component spectral imaging system into a simpler single-grating-based system that achieves the same multi-color imaging capability
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 approach allows for high-quality multi-spectrum imaging under a single exposure, enhancing imaging rate and optical efficiency, and effectively reconstructing multi-color fluorescence images by reducing variables and utilizing inherent image sparsity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical grating, disposed on a Fourier plane in middle of the 4f system, and configured to split the beam of the real image of the sample to obtain split beams of the real image
Implementation Method 2
the objective lens is configured to magnify the sample illuminated by the lasers to an image plane of the objective lens, to obtain a real image of the sample
Implementation Method 3
a spatial mask, disposed on the image plane of the objective lens, and configured to perform mask modulation on the real image of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for multi-color fluorescence imaging under a single exposure, an imaging method and system. The imaging system includes: a fluorescence microscope, configured to obtain a real image of the sample; a spatial mask, disposed behind the fluorescence microscope, and configured to perform mask modulation on the real image of the sample; a 4f system, disposed behind the spatial mask, in which the real image of the sample passes through the spatial mask to the 4f system; an optical granting, disposed on a Fourier plane in middle of the 4f system, and configured to split the real image of the sample to obtain a split real image; and an image sensor, configured to obtain the split real image to obtain an image of the sample. The present disclosure advantages of improving imaging rate in multi-spectrum fluorescence microscopy.