Resonator Microscope for Label-Free Nanoparticle Signal Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical microscopy techniques for detecting nanoparticles face challenges with signal-to-noise ratio, particularly due to photon noise and speckle noise, and require fluorescent labeling which is time-limited and difficult to implement.

Innovation Solution

An optical microscope design incorporating a resonator with specific optical index layers enhances scattering cross-section and concentrates scattered light into a small solid angle, using an amplitude filter to attenuate non-scattered light and selectively filter scattered light, combined with image processing to enhance signal-to-noise ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If interferometric techniques or dark-field techniques are used to detect nanoparticles without labeling, then the detection can be performed without pre-labeling preparations, but the signal-to-noise ratio is poor due to photon noise, speckle noise, and other technical noises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a resonator structure as an intermediary between the light source and the sample. This resonator enhances the scattering signal from nanoparticles through resonant coupling, effectively mediating the interaction between light and particles to improve the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining the label-free detection advantage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the optical parameters of the detection system by using a resonator with specific resonant frequencies. By tuning the resonator parameters to match the scattering characteristics of nanoparticles, the system enhances the scattering signal intensity and improves measurement precision without requiring fluorescent labeling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If fluorescent labeling is used to detect nanoparticles, then the detection sensitivity can be improved, but the method reaches its limitations in time and requires extensive upstream preparations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidpreparation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator-based detection system enables nanoparticles to be detected through their intrinsic scattering properties without requiring external fluorescent labels. The resonator itself provides the enhancement mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complex labeling preparations while maintaining detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the illumination beam is attenuated to improve image contrast, then the contrast increases, but the signal intensity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage contrastVSAvoidsignal intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator exploits periodic resonant oscillations to enhance the scattering signal. By operating at resonant frequencies, the system achieves signal enhancement without requiring continuous attenuation of the illumination beam, thus maintaining both contrast and signal intensity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Improves the signal-to-noise ratio by enhancing the effective scattering cross-section and allowing efficient spatial filtering, enabling detection of nanoparticles without labeling, with reduced noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

the illumination light resonantly excites at least one mode in the waveguide layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

illuminates the sample with an enhanced evanescent wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvanescent wave:

Implementation Method 3

at least one first layer having a first optical index, at least one spacer layer having a second optical index... the second optical index being less than the first optical index

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260086343A1Optical microscope with resonator
Publication Date: 2026.03.26 UNVEIL
  • US20260086343A1 patent drawing
  • US20260086343A1 patent drawing
  • US20260086343A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical microscope (200) comprising a light source (201) emitting illumination light (202), an optical device comprising a microscope objective (205), a resonator (212) placed between the optical device and the sample, comprising, successively in a direction of an optical axis of the microscope objective, a first layer having a first optical index, a spacer layer having a second optical index, and a waveguide layer having a third optical index, the second optical index being less than the first optical index and the third optical index, the resonator having a support surface facing away from the optical device and intended to receive the sample, and an optical detector (206),the optical device being arranged to collect light exiting the resonator,the outgoing light comprising light scattered (204) by the sample and a reflected non-scattered portion (215) of the illumination light.