Phase Mask Fringe Generation for Low-Overhead SIM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) systems face challenges with expensive and inefficient spatial light modulators (SLMs) that are complex and require additional optical and electronic overhead.
Innovation Solution
A phase mask with a light blocking layer and optically transmissive regions, configured to spatially modulate intensity and phase, is used in a confocal microscope to generate fringe patterns for improved imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spatial light modulator (SLM) is used to generate fringe patterns for SIM, then arbitrary intensity and phase modulation is achieved, but the system becomes prohibitively expensive, inefficient in light power utilization, and requires complex optical and electronic overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of fringe pattern generation from the complex SLM system. By using a simple phase mask with fixed phase shifts (0, 2π/3, 4π/3) combined with intensity modulation, the system achieves the necessary structured illumination without the arbitrary modulation capability of SLMs, thereby eliminating the complex optical and electronic overhead while maintaining core functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, complex SLM with a simple, inexpensive phase mask that can be manufactured as a static optical element. This phase mask, combined with intensity modulation, provides a cost-effective solution that sacrifices arbitrary phase modulation capability but maintains sufficient functionality for SIM applications
2Ease of operation
If a spatial light modulator (SLM) is used to generate fringe patterns, then spatial modulation of intensity and phase is achieved, but light power utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the spatial modulation function needed for SIM from the SLM system. By using a phase mask with predetermined phase shifts combined with intensity modulation, the system achieves spatial modulation of the illumination beam without the inefficiencies of SLMs, thereby improving light power utilization while maintaining the essential spatial modulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronically-controlled SLM system with a static phase mask optical element. This substitution eliminates the energy inefficiencies associated with SLM operation while maintaining the spatial modulation capability through the fixed phase pattern and intensity modulation approach
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
The phase mask achieves higher efficiency and lower cost than SLMs, enabling superior spatial resolution and intensity discrimination in SIM applications like Raman Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Spectroscopy.
Implementation Method 1
A phase mask with a light blocking layer and optically transmissive regions, configured to spatially modulate intensity and phase
Implementation Method 2
generate fringe patterns for improved imaging
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of a phase mask is described that comprises a light blocking layer disposed on a substrate, where the light blocking layer has a number of optically transmissive regions each configured as a first pattern. The first pattern includes two segments that have different phase configurations from each other, and the light blocking layer includes at least three angular orientations of the first pattern.