Paraboloidal Mirror Light Disc Microscopy for Shadowing Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy (LSFM) systems face the challenge of 'shadowing' due to optically inconsistent light paths through the sample, leading to striping patterns that complicate the quantification of fluorescence intensity and reduce image quality.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a theoretically infinite number of coplanar light sheets using a single paraboloidal mirror, which provides 360-degree lateral illumination by focusing a disc of light on the sample, minimizing shadowing effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple co-planar light sheets are introduced to reduce shadowing, then shadowing is reduced, but device complexity increases due to alignment complications and additional lenses required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sheet functions into a single paraboloidal mirror that generates all coplanar light sheets simultaneously. This merging approach eliminates the need for multiple separate lenses and their associated alignment systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining the shadow-reduction benefit of multiple light sheets
Solution Approach 2:
The paraboloidal mirror serves multiple functions: it focuses light to create the focal point, generates coplanar light sheets, and provides 360-degree lateral illumination. This multi-functional element replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall system architecture
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple co-planar light sheets are introduced to reduce shadowing, then shadowing is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional optical elements required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the optical elements by using a single paraboloidal mirror to perform the work of multiple cylindrical lenses. This mirror generates all necessary coplanar light sheets in one component, eliminating the need for multiple separate lenses and reducing the total number of optical elements in the system
3Device complexity
If a single paraboloidal mirror is used to generate coplanar light sheets, then device complexity is reduced, but achieving uniform 360-degree illumination becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a paraboloidal mirror with specific curved geometry to focus light rays from different angles onto the focal plane. This curvature enables the mirror to generate coplanar light sheets that provide uniform 360-degree lateral illumination, achieving illumination uniformity that would be difficult with simpler optical elements
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 enhances image quality and quantitative information by ensuring uniform illumination of the sample, reducing photobleaching and phototoxicity, and is compatible with any detection objective, particularly beneficial for live-cell imaging.
Implementation Method 1
directing a beam of annularly collimated excitation light on the paraboloidal mirror to focus a disc of light on the sample
Implementation Method 2
directing a beam of annularly collimated excitation light on the paraboloidal mirror
Implementation Method 3
Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy (LSFM) has emerged as a powerful approach to restrict the excitation volume of fluorescence microscopy
Implementation Method 4
imaging the sample through the detection objective
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, systems for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, and illumination systems for fluorescence microscopes. In some examples, a method includes positioning the sample such that a plane of interest of the sample is coplanar with a focal plane of a detection objective of a microscope. The method includes positioning a paraboloidal mirror around the sample such that a focal point of the paraboloidal mirror is coplanar with the focal plane of the detection objective and the plane of interest of the sample. The method includes directing a beam of annularly collimated excitation light on the paraboloidal mirror to focus a disc of light on the sample and thereby to provide 360 degree lateral illumination of the sample. The method includes imaging the sample through the detection objective.