Reflective Objective Fluorescence Illumination Without Dichroic Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence microscopes struggle to efficiently deliver excitation light directly to a microscope sample with an excitation light source, and the use of dichroic mirrors introduces optical aberrations, leading to poor image quality and increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A dichroic-free fluorescence microscopy system that delivers excitation light directly to the sample using a mirror-based objective, eliminating the need for dichroic mirrors by employing a series of mirrors and a diffuser unit to achieve achromatic illumination, allowing for homogeneous excitation across the field of view and enabling seamless switching between multiple fluorophores without optical aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dichroic mirrors are used to deliver excitation light to the sample, then the fluorescence microscopy system can be assembled with standard components, but optical aberrations occur and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dichroic mirror from the optical path entirely, extracting the problematic component that causes optical aberrations. The excitation light is delivered directly to the sample through a simplified optical path, eliminating the source of reflective and chromatic aberrations while maintaining the fluorescence microscopy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a dichroic mirror to reflect excitation light at an angle (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by delivering excitation light directly along the optical axis without reflection. This fundamental reversal of the light delivery method eliminates the optical interface that causes aberrations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dichroic mirrors are used to image multiple fluorophores, then the system can detect multiple fluorophores, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal excitation light delivery system that can accommodate multiple fluorophores without requiring multiple specialized dichroic mirrors. The simplified optical path with direct light delivery can be adapted to different excitation wavelengths and fluorophores through a single configurable system, eliminating the need for complex multi-mirror arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the entire dichroic mirror subsystem, including multiple mirrors and their mounting mechanisms. This elimination of complex components directly reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to image multiple fluorophores through alternative light delivery methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dichroic mirrors are exchanged between measurements, then different fluorophores can be imaged, but time is lost during mirror exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pre-configured excitation light delivery system where the optical path is prepared in advance to accommodate different excitation wavelengths. The system can be programmed or pre-adjusted to switch between fluorophores without requiring physical mirror exchanges during measurements, thereby eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic, programmable control of the excitation light delivery system that allows rapid switching between different fluorophores. Instead of static mirror configurations requiring manual exchange, the system dynamically adjusts parameters or configurations electronically, enabling fast transitions between measurements.
4Ease of operation
If dichroic mirrors are used in the optical path, then excitation light can be directed to the sample, but reflective and chromatic aberrations are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the dichroic mirror from the optical path, eliminating the component that introduces reflective and chromatic aberrations. The excitation light is delivered directly to the sample without passing through the dichroic mirror interface, thereby removing the source of optical degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional light delivery approach by eliminating the reflective dichroic mirror interface and using direct transmission or alternative routing methods. This fundamental reversal removes the optical interface that causes both reflective and chromatic aberrations, delivering aberration-free excitation light to the sample.
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 system provides high-quality imaging by eliminating chromatic and reflective aberrations, reduces complexity and cost, and allows for efficient switching between fluorophores, enhancing the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective objective 201, 301 configured for use with an objective collar 202, 302... The objective 201, 301 may be focused by the focusing element 204, 304
Implementation Method 2
A first mirror 464, 564 may be disposed on or within the objective collar 402, 502... A second reflective element 465, 565 may be positioned in line with the first reflective element 464, 564
Implementation Method 3
A diffuser unit 600 may be positioned between the second mirror 565 and a sample 690
Implementation Method 4
A fundamental principle of fluorescence microscopy is based upon delivery of short-wave excitation light ('excitation light') to a biological sample whereupon the sample itself, or a photoreactive dye mixed with or staining the sample, emits a longer-wave fluorescent light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for a system and methods of directly delivering excitation light to a sample by a path that avoids traveling though the objective and dichroic mirror. Certain embodiments of the system may include an excitation light source, and a series of mirrors and lenses to direct the excitation light to a diffuser unit. The diffuser unit may then generate a configurable illumination profile to evenly illuminate a sample.