Remote Imaging Module for High-NA Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) systems face limitations in achieving high effective detection numerical apertures when using oblique illumination, which is necessary for subcellular imaging and single-molecule detection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a remote imaging module with mismatched objectives, where one is surrounded by ambient air and the other by a liquid medium with different refractive indices, to minimize numerical aperture loss and achieve high effective detection numerical apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional objective lenses are used to rotate the image plane in oblique illumination microscopy, then the sample can be illuminated obliquely, but large numerical aperture losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote imaging module positioned at a distance from the sample, creating a separated detection path. This spatial separation allows the illumination and detection pathways to be independently optimized, enabling oblique illumination while maintaining high detection numerical aperture through the use of mismatched objectives in the remote module
2Device complexity
If a single objective lens is used for both illumination and detection without additional reflecting elements, then the system is simpler, but the effective detection numerical aperture is limited to less than 0.7
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional modules: an illumination objective for oblique light sheet generation and a remote imaging module with mismatched objectives for high-numerical-aperture detection. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both simplicity and high performance
Solution Approach 2:
The remote imaging module acts as an intermediary between the sample and the detector, using mismatched objectives (one in air, one in liquid) to bridge the numerical aperture mismatch and achieve high effective detection numerical aperture without requiring complex additional reflecting elements at the sample position
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 achieves effective detection numerical apertures of at least 0.7 and up to 1.0, enabling high spatial-temporal resolution for subcellular imaging and single-molecule detection with reduced photobleaching and mechanical instability.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a remote imaging module with mismatched objectives, where one is surrounded by ambient air and the other by a liquid medium with different refractive indices, to minimize numerical aperture loss
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a microscopy system includes a first objective positioned adjacent to a sample to be imaged, the first objective being configured to both illuminate the sample with light and collect light from the sample, and a remote imaging module positioned remotely from the first objective and the sample, the remote imaging module being configured to rotate the image plane of the collected light.