Scanner Head for Fluorescence Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light microscopes are not easily upgradable to high-resolution scanning fluorescence microscopes due to the complexity of adjusting optical elements for STED microscopy, which requires precise alignment of excitation and fluorescence prevention light beams to achieve the desired intensity distribution.
Innovation Solution
A scanner head with first connection devices for alignment with a light microscope's intermediate image, separate optical fibers for excitation and fluorescent light, beam shaping devices for intensity distribution, and rotating mirrors for independent deflection and compensation of optical errors, allowing for easy integration with various light microscopes to achieve high-resolution scanning fluorescence microscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical elements are precisely adjusted for STED microscopy, then high-resolution scanning fluorescence microscopy is achieved, but the adjustment complexity and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner head is divided into functionally independent modules: beam shaping devices for intensity distribution, scanning devices for beam deflection, and connection devices for integration. This modular segmentation allows each module to be optimized and adjusted independently, reducing overall system adjustment complexity while maintaining high spatial resolution through precise control of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam shaping devices are configured in advance to generate the required intensity distributions (e.g., donut-shaped fluorescence prevention light) before the light reaches the sample. This preliminary shaping of the beam eliminates the need for complex post-adjustment procedures, as the optimal intensity distribution is established upfront through the integrated optical design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are integrated for beam shaping and scanning, then high-resolution scanning fluorescence microscopy is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines beam shaping devices, scanning devices, and connection devices into a single integrated scanner head assembly. This merging of previously separate components into one unified structure reduces the number of separate adjustments and alignments needed, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining full STED microscopy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner head is designed with universal connection devices that can interface with different light microscope systems. The same integrated scanner head can perform both scanning and beam shaping functions across various microscopy applications, making the device universally applicable and reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate optical paths are used for excitation and fluorescence prevention light, then precise intensity control is achieved, but the alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam shaping devices act as intermediary elements that receive both excitation and fluorescence prevention light paths and process them separately with precise intensity control. These intermediary devices ensure that each light path maintains its optimal intensity distribution without requiring direct alignment between the two paths, thereby simplifying the overall alignment process while preserving manufacturing precision.
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 the straightforward upgrading of different light microscopes to high-resolution scanning fluorescence microscopes by compensating for optical errors and ensuring the desired intensity distributions, reducing the adjustment effort and complexity typically associated with STED microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
beam shaping devices arranged between the second connection devices and the first connection devices and designed to shape a light beam from light from the external light source in such a way that they shape part of the light from the light source in such a way that in the focus of the light microscope it is surrounded by intensity maxima having minimum intensity
Implementation Method 2
rotating mirrors, which are arranged between the beam-shaping devices and the first connection devices and are designed to deflect the light beam by different deflection angles in such a way that a sample is scanned in two different directions
Implementation Method 3
with the light beam focused by the light microscope
Implementation Method 4
in order to stimulate it to emit fluorescent light
Implementation Method 5
second connection devices which are designed to connect the scanner head via optical fibers to an external light source and to an external detector for fluorescent light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A scanner head (1) for high-resolution scanning fluorescence microscopy comprises: - first connection devices (2) for connecting the scanner head (1) to a port of a light microscope (4), with respect to which an intermediate image of the light microscope (1) has a defined position; - second connection devices (5) for connecting the scanner head (1) via optical fibers (7, 9) to an external light source and an external detector for fluorescence light (11), which include separate optical fiber ports (6, 8) for light (10) from the light source and the fluorescence light (11) to the detector;- Beam shaping devices (12 to 14) arranged between the second connection devices (5) and the first connection devices (2) for shaping a light beam (15) from light (10) from the external light source in such a way that they shape a part of the light (10) from the light source so that it has an intensity minimum surrounded by intensity maxima at the focus of the light microscope (4), while shaping another part of the light (10) from the light source so that it has an intensity maximum at the focus of the light microscope (4) at the location of the intensity minimum of one part of the light (10) from the light source;- Rotating mirrors arranged between the beam shaping devices (12 to 14) and the first connection devices (2) for deflecting the light beam (15) by different deflection angles such that a sample is scanned in two different directions with the light beam (15) focused by the light microscope (4), with fluorescence light (11) being directed from the sample back to the second connection devices (5); wherein, for each direction in which the sample is scanned, two rotating mirrors are provided, each with a rotary drive, the two rotary drives being independently controllable to pivot the two rotating mirrors about axes parallel to each other; and - Deflection means (20) arranged between the rotating mirrors and the light guide connection (6) for the light (10) from the light source to deflect the fluorescence light (11) to the light guide connection (8) for the fluorescence light (11).