Reflector Assembly for Multi-Light-Sheet Microscopy Without Moving Mirrors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light sheet microscopy systems rely on complex and error-prone mechanisms, such as moving mirrors, to produce multiple light sheets, which are costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An optical device with a reflector assembly that uses a beam path within the assembly, allowing a light beam to be coupled in and out multiple times, producing parallel and spaced partial beams or beams originating from a common point, to generate differently oriented light sheets without mechanical wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If moving mirrors are used to produce multiple light sheets, then different light sheets can be generated, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce multiple light sheetsVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces moving mirrors and mechanical mechanisms with a fixed reflector assembly that uses multiple reflections of a single light beam to produce multiple light sheets. The beam is reflected between stationary mirrors at specific angles to generate parallel light sheets without any moving parts, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to produce multiple light sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If moving mirrors are used to produce multiple light sheets, then different light sheets can be generated, but reliability decreases due to mechanical wear and errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce multiple light sheetsVSAvoiderror-proneness of mechanical mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention eliminates moving mirrors and mechanical adjustment mechanisms by using a fixed reflector assembly with precisely angled stationary mirrors. The system produces multiple light sheets through multiple reflections of a single beam without any moving parts, thereby eliminating mechanical wear, positioning errors, and reliability issues associated with mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex mechanisms are used to produce multiple light sheets, then different light sheets can be generated, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce multiple light sheetsVSAvoidcost of mechanical mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive moving mirror mechanisms with a simple fixed reflector assembly consisting of stationary mirrors mounted at specific angles. This eliminates the need for motors, controllers, and precision mechanical components, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining the capability to generate multiple light sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If moving mirrors are used to produce multiple light sheets, then different light sheets can be generated, but productivity decreases due to mechanical limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce multiple light sheetsVSAvoidspeed of light sheet production

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical moving mirrors with a fixed reflector assembly that generates multiple light sheets simultaneously through multiple reflections. This eliminates mechanical inertia, acceleration limits, and positioning time, enabling rapid production of multiple light sheets without mechanical speed limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 simplifies and enhances the production of light sheets, providing a more reliable, cost-effective, and faster method for producing multiple light sheets with precise focusing and reduced shadowing.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector assembly (106) including a beam entrance (108), at which a light beam (110) can be coupled into the reflector assembly (106), including a beam exit (112), and including a beam path (114) extending within the reflector assembly (106)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12474560B2Optical device, retrofitting set and method for producing light sheets by means of a reflector

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH

AI summary

An optical device for a microscope includes a reflector assembly including a beam entrance, at which a light beam can be coupled into the reflector assembly, including a beam exit, and including a beam path extending within the reflector assembly. The beam path begins in the reflector assembly at the beam entrance and passes the beam exit multiple times. On each passage of the beam path, partial beams are coupled out of the reflector assembly at the beam exit. The partial beams coupled out at the beam exit either extend in parallel and so as to be spaced apart from one another or are directed out of the reflector assembly starting from a common starting point.