Raman Microscope Filter Unit for Fluorescence Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raman microscopes face complications and size increases when attempting to integrate a fluorescence observation function, as they require additional optical elements and light sources, making it difficult to select an optimal excitation wavelength that avoids overlap with fluorescence emissions.
Innovation Solution
A dark-field UV irradiation type filter unit with a long-pass filter is developed, which can be easily mounted to a Raman microscope, featuring UV light-emitting elements and a gradation long-pass filter that transmits longer wavelengths, allowing for fluorescence observation without complicating the microscope's design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional optical elements and light sources are added to integrate a fluorescence observation function, then the fluorescence observation capability is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the Raman microscope's existing optical system to perform both Raman observation and fluorescence observation. The same objective lens and optical path are used for both functions, with the addition of a simple filter unit that can be attached to the Raman microscope to enable fluorescence observation capability without requiring separate dedicated optical paths or complex additional components
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional optical elements and light sources are added to integrate a fluorescence observation function, then the fluorescence observation capability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the Raman microscope's existing optical system to perform both Raman observation and fluorescence observation. The same objective lens and optical path are used for both functions, with the addition of a simple filter unit that can be attached to the Raman microscope to enable fluorescence observation capability without requiring separate dedicated optical paths or complex additional components
3Device complexity
If a simple optical element is added for fluorescence observation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to avoid fluorescence-Raman overlap is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a filter unit with a long-pass filter as a mediator between the sample and the detector. This filter selectively transmits fluorescence wavelengths while blocking Raman scattering wavelengths, enabling effective separation of the two signals. The filter acts as an intermediary that allows the simple optical addition to achieve both low complexity and high measurement precision by properly separating the overlapping fluorescence and Raman signals
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 configuration enables dark-field fluorescence observation, allowing for the selection of an excitation laser that minimizes fluorescence interference, thus enhancing Raman spectrum measurement without increasing the microscope's size or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a long-pass filter that is supported to the frame body to cover the window part of the frame body, and transmits a light having a wavelength longer than the wavelength of the UV light
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of UV light emitting elements that is disposed around a window part of the frame body to emit UV light
Implementation Method 3
a fluorescence in accordance with the laser light is emitted from the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A filter unit for a Raman microscope mounted with a dark-field objective lens unit includes a frame body, a plurality of UV-LED elements that is disposed around a window part of the frame body to emit UV light, and a long-pass filter that is supported to the frame body to cover the window part of the frame body and transmits a light having a wavelength longer than the wavelength of the UV light. The filter unit has a dark-field UV irradiation function, and is able to impart a fluorescence observation function to the Raman microscope.