Multimodal Sample Observation Device Using Wavelength-Sequential Pulse Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multimodal microscopy systems are complex and difficult to handle due to the need for multiple light sources and wavelength separation elements, and switching wavelengths for fast observation is challenging, leading to increased invasiveness and system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sample observation device with a light source unit generating a pulse train of optical pulses with different center wavelengths at predetermined intervals, allowing for time-resolved measurement and linear unmixing processing based on an excitation spectrum, which simplifies the optical system and avoids cross-talk between targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and wavelength separation elements are incorporated for multimodal observation, then observation accuracy for multiple targets is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources with different wavelengths into a single pulsed laser system that sequentially emits pulses at different wavelengths. This merging approach maintains the capability for multimodal observation while significantly reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate light sources and their associated wavelength separation elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single detection system that can detect optical responses from multiple targets across different wavelengths. By making the detection system universal and capable of handling multiple wavelengths simultaneously, the patent eliminates the need for multiple specialized detectors and wavelength separation elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining observation accuracy.
2Speed
If wavelength switching is performed for each modality, then observation speed is improved, but time lag occurs reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed laser emission at different wavelengths in a cyclic manner. By systematically alternating between different wavelengths in a periodic sequence, the system achieves fast observation speeds while maintaining measurement precision through consistent, repeatable measurement cycles that minimize time lag effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration to establish the relationship between pulsed laser parameters and optical responses before actual measurement. This preliminary action allows the system to compensate for time lag effects and maintain high measurement precision during rapid wavelength switching operations.
3Device complexity
If excitation wavelength is set near average for all modalities, then system simplicity is improved, but pulse energy must be increased increasing invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the excitation process into distinct temporal pulses, each at an optimized wavelength for specific modalities. By dividing the excitation into separate wavelength-specific pulses rather than using a continuous average wavelength, the system maintains simplicity while avoiding the need for excessive pulse energy that would increase invasiveness.
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
Enables multimodal observation with a simple optical system, reducing invasiveness and complexity by eliminating the need for multiple light sources and wavelength separation elements, while maintaining high accuracy and convenience in data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit configured to output a pulse train in which multiple optical pulses with different center wavelengths are arranged at predetermined time intervals as excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a nonlinear optical microscope based on a phenomenon such as multiphoton excited fluorescence and harmonic generation
Implementation Method 3
a measurement unit configured to perform time-resolved measurement on an optical response that is transmitted from the sample and corresponds to irradiation with the optical pulses included in the pulse train
Implementation Method 4
a processing unit configured to perform linear unmixing processing on the measurement data with respect to the optical pulses on the basis of an excitation spectrum for every target included in the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A sample observation device includes a light source unit configured to output a pulse train in which multiple optical pulses with different center wavelengths are arranged at predetermined time intervals as excitation light; a measurement unit configured to perform time-resolved measurement on an optical response that is transmitted from the sample and corresponds to irradiation with the optical pulses included in the pulse train while scanning the sample with the excitation light, and to acquire measurement data with respect to the optical pulses; and a processing unit configured to perform linear unmixing processing on the measurement data with respect to the optical pulses on the basis of an excitation spectrum for every target included in the sample.