Phase Object Visualization Using Oblique Illumination and Spatial Light Modulator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In microscopes that use both fluorescent and phase contrast or differential interference contrast observations, maintaining high transmissivity of the image forming optical system is challenging due to the need for additional optical elements, which can complicate the configuration and reduce image quality.
Innovation Solution
A visualization method and apparatus that uses oblique illumination from different directions to acquire phase distribution images, allowing for the generation of high-contrast phase distribution images without the need for optical elements typically required for phase contrast or differential interference contrast observations, thereby maintaining high transmissivity and simplifying the optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If phase contrast observation optical path is separated from fluorescent observation optical path, then transmissivity of image forming optical system is maintained, but device complexity increases due to separate optical elements and relay optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase contrast observation function into the fluorescent observation optical path by using a spatial light modulator to modulate the fluorescence images. This allows both phase contrast and fluorescent observations to share the same optical path, eliminating the need for separate optical elements and relay systems while maintaining high transmissivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent observation optical path is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture both fluorescent images and phase contrast images. The spatial light modulator enables the system to switch between different observation modes without requiring dedicated optical paths for each function.
2Loss of information
If optical elements (phase plate, polarizer, Nomarski prism) are added for phase contrast or differential interference contrast observation, then phase distribution visualization is achieved, but transmissivity of image forming optical system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical elements (phase plates, polarizers, Nomarski prisms) with a spatial light modulator that uses electronic control to achieve phase contrast. This substitution eliminates the need for physical optical elements in the image forming path, maintaining high transmissivity while still enabling phase distribution visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial light modulator changes the phase parameter of the light waves electronically to generate phase contrast images. By modulating the phase of fluorescence images through electronic means rather than physical optical elements, the system achieves phase contrast observation without the transmissivity losses associated with traditional optical components.
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 the generation of high-contrast phase distribution images at high speed, reduces the risk of image degradation from mechanical vibrations, and allows for simultaneous fluorescent and phase contrast or differential interference contrast observations without compromising transmissivity.
Implementation Method 1
a light source 11a and an illumination optical system 12 including a condenser lens 12a that guides light from the light source 11a to a body specimen 13
Data Source
AI summary
A visualization apparatus includes a light source, an illumination optical system configured to guide light from the light source to an observation target object, an image forming optical system configured to form an optical image of the observation target object on an image plane, an image pickup element arranged on the image plane, a calculation device configured to calculate a plurality of first electronic images of the observation target object obtained from the image pickup element to generate a second electronic image, and an oblique illumination control section configured to control an illumination direction of oblique illumination provided by the illumination optical system. The plurality of first electronic images include first electronic images of the observation target object illuminated from different illumination directions by the oblique illumination control section.