Optofluidic Microscope Fluid Channel 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optofluidic microscopes are limited to imaging 2D surfaces and structures larger than a wavelength, lacking the capability to capture detailed 3D information and requiring complex setups for interference-based methods.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a fluid channel with a light source and detector configured to capture images of objects as they flow, using structured illumination and sub-pixel displacement to generate 3D images, allowing for phase retrieval and superresolution imaging without mechanical movement, and enabling full 3D reconstruction with a single illumination source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If interference-based holography is used to record both intensity and phase, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional beams and optical paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex interference-based holography system from the optical path, replacing it with a simplified intensity-only detection system that achieves phase information through temporal sampling of flowing objects, thereby eliminating additional beams and complex optical paths while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical interference mechanism with a flow-based temporal sampling mechanism, where the motion of objects through the fluid channel substitutes for the complex optical interference setup, transforming an optical problem into a spatiotemporal sampling problem
2Measurement precision
If conventional 2D imaging is used, then device complexity is kept simple, but measurement precision is limited as only surface information is captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the temporal dimension to the imaging system by capturing multiple images at different time points as objects flow through the channel. This transforms 2D spatial imaging into 3D spatiotemporal imaging, enabling reconstruction of internal structures and depth information without adding complex optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the dynamic motion of objects through the fluid channel to generate temporal sequences of images. By controlling and utilizing the flow velocity and direction, the system captures different spatial positions and orientations of objects over time, enabling 3D reconstruction from a simple 2D imaging system
3Measurement precision
If imaging structures smaller than a wavelength is attempted, then measurement precision improves, but it becomes impossible with conventional optical methods due to diffraction limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent circumvents the optical diffraction limit by transitioning from purely spatial imaging to spatiotemporal imaging. By utilizing the temporal dimension through flow-based sampling, the system achieves effective super-resolution that captures sub-wavelength features through multiple temporal measurements rather than relying on optical resolution alone
4Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured at different heights as objects flow, then 3D profiling capability is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization and association of multiple images during the imaging process itself by using the known flow trajectory and timing information. This pre-processing step structures the data in a way that facilitates efficient 3D reconstruction, reducing the computational burden during final processing and maintaining high throughput
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 enables high-throughput, simple, and cost-effective 3D imaging of objects, overcoming the diffraction limit and providing detailed sub-wavelength features and internal structures without the need for complex optical paths or mechanical shifting.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid channel having an inlet and an outlet configured with a fluid flow to transport the object from the inlet to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
structured illumination techniques
Implementation Method 3
A diffraction grating may be configured for structured illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope is disclosed, the microscope having a light source defining an optical axis along a Z direction and a detector disposed in X-Y direction, orthogonal to the optical axis, the detector configured to capture images of an object. The microscope includes a fluid channel having an inlet and an outlet configured with a fluid flow to transport the object from the inlet to the outlet. The detector is configured to capture a plurality of images of the object as the object moves from the inlet to the outlet. The plurality of images of the object may have different heights of the sample with respect to the detector as the sample flows through the channel. The channel may be tilted with respect to the optical axis. The detector may be tilted with respect to the optical axis.