SCAPE Microscope Bidirectional Beam Relay for In Vivo 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic and laparoscopic imaging technologies face limitations in achieving high-resolution, real-time 3D imaging of tissues in vivo, particularly during surgery, due to constraints in fiber bundle resolution and scanning speed.
Innovation Solution
The development of an imaging apparatus with a bidirectional beam relay and scanning element that projects excitation light at an oblique angle into the tissue, preserving angle and position information, and captures detection light to form a stationary intermediate image plane, allowing for high-speed, high-resolution imaging using a light detector array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fiber bundles are used for tissue imaging, then in-vivo imaging capability is achieved, but resolution is limited by the number of fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the imaging function from the fiber bundle and relocates it to a distal scanning element. Instead of using multiple fibers to carry image information, a single scanning element projects excitation light and collects return light, eliminating the need for complex fiber bundles while achieving high resolution through optical scanning at the distal end
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fiber bundle structure with an optical scanning system. Instead of mechanically transmitting images through fibers, the system uses optical scanning with a distal element to project and collect light, substituting the mechanical fiber transmission mechanism with an optical field-based approach that achieves superior resolution
2Productivity
If fiber bundles are oscillated to scan target tissue, then imaging capability is improved, but scanning speed remains relatively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tilted intermediate image plane that is not parallel to the detector array, creating a geometric transformation that allows faster scanning speeds while maintaining imaging quality. This dimensional change in the image plane orientation enables the system to achieve high-speed scanning without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the intermediate image plane, making it tilted relative to the detector array. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both high scanning speed and high imaging quality by optimizing the geometric relationship between the scanned light and the detector surface
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distal end of the fiber is physically moved to scan light, then imaging flexibility is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the objective lens for focusing light and the scanning element for directing the light sheet. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate scanning mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining imaging flexibility and adaptability
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
This solution enables real-time, high-resolution 3D imaging of tissues in vivo, improving the speed and accuracy of optical biopsies during surgery by maintaining image quality and reducing the need for extensive fiber bundles.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional beam relay, and wherein both angle and position information of incoming light arriving at the beam relay is preserved in outgoing light that exits the beam relay
Implementation Method 2
The scanning element is arranged to route a sheet of excitation light so that the sheet of excitation light will pass through the first set of optical components in a proximal to distal direction and project into a sample that is positioned distally beyond the distal end of the first set of optical components, wherein the sheet of excitation light is projected into the sample at an oblique angle
Implementation Method 3
the first set of optical components includes an objective and a bidirectional beam relay
Implementation Method 4
a light detector array arranged to capture images of the intermediate image plane
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
The disclosed subject matter includes devices and systems for extending the imaging capability of swept, confocally aligned planar excitation (SCAPE) microscopes to in vivo applications. In embodiments, the SCAPE microscope can be implemented as an endoscopic or laparoscopic inspection instrument.