Polymeric Calibration Object for Imaging Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging flow cytometers face challenges in achieving high image quality due to optical aberrations when imaging objects in a flow cell, such as spherical, chromatic aberration, and coma, which are difficult to correct with existing methods like free-form optics that are complex and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A calibration object made of a transparent polymeric compound, such as hydrogel beads with an optically detectable calibration pattern, is used to correct optical aberrations in imaging systems, allowing for efficient and easy calibration of microscopes and flow-through imaging systems by matching refractive indices and using machine learning for precise corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If free-form optics or Alvarez plates are used to correct optical aberrations, then image quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a calibration object with a known calibration pattern to create a reference model that captures optical aberrations. Instead of manufacturing complex corrective optics, the system creates a digital copy of the aberration characteristics and uses computational algorithms to correct images based on this reference, replacing physical manufacturing complexity with digital processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical correction system (free-form optics, Alvarez plates) with a computational system. The calibration object captures aberration characteristics, and machine learning algorithms process images to correct distortions, substituting physical optical components with software-based correction
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light sheet hits the flow cell window at an angle different from 0°, then Z-stack capture is enabled, but optical aberrations including spherical, chromatic aberration and coma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by imaging the calibration object at the same angled orientation used for sample imaging. This pre-characterizes the optical aberrations specific to the angled light sheet configuration, allowing the system to compensate for these known distortions before actual sample imaging occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration object serves as an intermediary that mediates between the angled light sheet illumination and the imaging detection. It captures the transformation and aberration characteristics introduced by the angled configuration, providing reference data that enables correction of subsequent sample images without changing the physical imaging geometry
3Manufacturing precision
If standard microscopes are used for imaging, then image quality is high, but imaging speed and throughput are limited compared to flow cytometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal calibration object that can be used across different imaging systems and configurations (different angles, different objectives). This single calibration standard enables high-speed flow cytometry imaging to achieve quality comparable to standard microscopy by providing systematic correction that works across multiple imaging modes and speeds
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 calibration object enables accurate correction of optical aberrations, improving image quality in imaging flow cytometers by simplifying the calibration process and reducing manufacturing costs, while maintaining high hydrodynamic properties for efficient handling in flow-through systems.
Implementation Method 1
The discrete entity is made of at least one transparent polymeric compound... matching refractive indices
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration object for calibrating an imaging system includes a discrete entity with a calibration pattern. The discrete entity is made of at least one transparent polymeric compound.