Single Light Source Structured Illumination Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structured illumination microscopy (SIM) systems are complex, costly, and have high operational costs due to the need for multiple light sources and optical switches, which increases the complexity and size of the system, and relies on fine tuning of positional accuracy and thermal stability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a single light source, two fixed gratings, and a selectively positionable reflective component, such as a rotatable mirror, that directs the light beam between the gratings to generate spatially structured light, eliminating the need for multiple light sources and optical switches, and reducing the reliance on precise positional tuning and thermal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and optical switches are used in SIM systems, then the illumination coverage and pattern switching capability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source is segmented in function through the use of multiple fixed gratings that create different structured illumination patterns. Each grating acts as an independent pattern generator, effectively dividing the illumination function across multiple optical elements while maintaining a single physical light source, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving pattern diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source is made multi-functional through the reflective component that directs light to different gratings. This universal light source serves multiple illumination purposes by switching between different grating configurations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated light sources and reducing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and optical switches are used in SIM systems, then the pattern switching capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources and optical switching mechanisms are merged into a single light source configuration with fixed gratings and a reflective component. This consolidation maintains the ability to switch between different illumination patterns while significantly reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple light sources with switching mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by using a single light source with multiple fixed gratings and a reflective component to achieve pattern switching. This inversion eliminates the need for complex optical switches and multiple light sources, reducing both manufacturing and operational costs
3Measurement precision
If fine tuning of positional accuracy and thermal stability is required, then the imaging precision is improved, but the operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gratings are pre-positioned at fixed locations with precise orientations during system assembly. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for continuous fine-tuning during operation, as the fixed gratings are designed to provide the required spatial frequency bandwidth without requiring operational adjustments, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining imaging precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical adjustment systems with fixed gratings and a reflective component that directs light without requiring precise mechanical positioning during operation. This substitution eliminates the need for fine-tuning mechanisms, reducing operational complexity and time consumption while maintaining the required imaging precision through fixed optical geometry
4Device complexity
If a single light source is used with fixed gratings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination intensity distribution may become less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic control through the reflective component that can be positioned to direct light to different gratings. This dynamic switching capability allows the single light source to achieve variable illumination intensity distributions by selecting which grating receives the light, maintaining flexibility in illumination control while keeping the device simple with fixed gratings
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 simplifies the optical path, reduces the number of components, and increases compactness, allowing for faster and more reliable SIM imaging with improved throughput by using a single light source and fixed gratings, while maintaining high optical efficiency and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable mirror that assumes the first or second positions... reflects first light originating at the light source toward the first grating... reflects second light from the second grating toward the subsequent component
Implementation Method 2
a first grating and a second grating... direct the light beam between the gratings to generate spatially structured light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system includes: a light source (502); first and second gratings (508,, 506); and at least one reflective component (504,510) that in a first position forms a first light path originating at the light source and extending to the first grating and thereafter to a subsequent component (512) in the system, and that in a second position forms a second light path originating at the light source and extending to the second grating and thereafter to the subsequent component.