Plasmonic Sample Holder for Dielectric Contrast Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical microscopy techniques provide only intensity contrast in a single color, limiting the ability to distinguish different areas of a sample based on dielectric constant, and require staining or biomarkers for additional contrast.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with a plasmonic layer featuring a periodic array of sub-micron structures is used in optical microscopy, allowing for enhanced color contrast imaging without staining, by reflecting light with a spectrum dependent on the local dielectric constant of the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical microscopy is used with non-specific stains, then intensity contrast is achieved in a single color, but the ability to distinguish different areas of sample based on dielectric constant is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using a plasmonic layer with periodic sub-micron structures that interact with light to produce color contrast in the image. Different areas of the sample with different dielectric constants appear with different colors due to the plasmonic resonance effects, enabling direct visualization of dielectric properties without staining.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the sample holder by incorporating a plasmonic layer with specific periodic structures. This structural parameter change enables the system to detect and differentiate dielectric constants through color variations, transforming the microscopy capability from single-color intensity detection to multi-color dielectric property mapping.
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical microscopy with stains or biomarkers is used, then additional contrast is achieved, but device complexity and additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the sample holder itself to provide the contrast enhancement function through its plasmonic layer. The periodic sub-micron structures in the plasmonic layer automatically interact with light to produce color contrast based on the sample's dielectric properties, eliminating the need for external stains or biomarkers and simplifying the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If plasmonic layer with periodic array of sub-micron structures is used, then color contrast imaging is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the plasmonic layer into a periodic array of discrete sub-micron structures. This segmentation approach allows the complex plasmonic functionality to be achieved through repetitive, standardized units that can be manufactured using conventional techniques, reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden compared to creating a continuous complex pattern.
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
Enables color contrast imaging that distinguishes sample areas with different dielectric constants, improving image intensity and providing clear color differentiation without the need for stains or biomarkers, suitable for both reflected light and fluorescence microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
the periodic array of sub-micron structures comprise an array of separated plasmonic regions
Implementation Method 2
reflected light microscopy is a microscopy technique that uses light reflected from the sample to form an image of the sample
Implementation Method 3
areas of the sample having different dielectric constant appear in the image with different colours
Data Source
AI summary
A sample holder for use in an optical microscope is disclosed. The sample holder includes a plasmonic layer defining a periodic array of sub-micron structures wherein the periodic array of sub-micron structures comprise an array of separated plasmonic regions. The regions may be a circle, a torus, an ellipse, a cross, rectangle, square, line, strip. Methods of performing reflection and fluorescence microscopy using such a sample holder and other sample holders are also disclosed.