Re-Scan Optical Layout Using One Rotary Scanner for Fast Microscopy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing re-scan confocal microscopes face synchronization issues between scanning and re-scanning mirrors, limiting scan speed and image quality, and existing optical setups are bulky due to shared scanning systems for illumination and sample light.
Innovation Solution
A compact re-scan optical system using a rotary scanning element with specific optical elements to direct illumination and sample light paths, including a descanned beam path that reuses the scanning element for rescanning, allowing for a compact and versatile design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single scanning mirror is used for both scanning illumination light and re-scanning sample light, then the device size is reduced, but the optical path becomes more complex and requires precise synchronization control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single rotary scanning element to perform both scanning of illumination light and re-scanning of sample light. This consolidates two separate scanning functions into one component, reducing the overall device volume while requiring careful optical path design to manage the increased functional density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the illumination scanning path and sample light re-scanning path through a common rotary scanning element. The optical paths are combined spatially and temporally, with the scanning element serving as a shared resource for both light paths, thereby reducing device size while integrating multiple functions
2Ease of operation
If scanning and re-scanning mirrors move asynchronously, then the system is easier to control, but the obtained image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through synchronization mechanisms that monitor the rotational position and speed of the scanning element. The system uses feedback signals from encoders or position sensors to adjust the timing and speed of scanning and re-scanning operations, ensuring asynchronous movements are coordinated to maintain image quality while allowing operational flexibility
3Productivity
If scan speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but the acceptable margin of synchronization error becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a rotary scanning element that can operate at variable speeds with adjustable rotational frequency. The system dynamically adapts the scanning speed to match the re-scanning speed, allowing high-speed operation while maintaining synchronization through real-time speed matching and dynamic adjustment of operational parameters
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 improved image quality and reduced size, facilitating integration with microscopes while maintaining synchronization and enabling higher scan speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary scanning element and first optical elements defining an incident illumination beam path to the scanning element for directing a beam of illumination light onto the scanning element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A re-scan optical system is provided comprising a scanning element and first optical elements defining an incident illumination beam path to the scanning element for directing a beam of illumination light onto the scanning element to provide a scanning illumination light beam from the scanning element; second optical elements defining a scanning beam path for directing the scanning illumination light beam from the scanning element towards a sample and illuminating the sample thus causing sample light, and for directing a beam of captured sample light onto the scanning element to provide a descanned sample light beam from the scanning element; third optical elements defining a descanned beam path for directing at least part of the descanned sample light beam from the scanning element and back onto the scanning element to provide a rescanning sample light beam from the scanning element; and fourth optical elements defining a rescanning beam path for directing the rescanning sample light beam towards an imaging plane of an imaging system. In the system, the third optical elements define a first beam path segment of the descanned beam path extending from the scanning element and a second beam path segment of the descanned beam path extending to the scanning element. Further, the fourth optical elements define a third path segment extending from the scanning element between the first and second beam path segments and/or extending from the scanning element (10) at an enclosed angle with the scanned sample light path in a range of 80-100 degrees.