Single Mirror Scanning Microspectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-spectrometry devices are complex and expensive, requiring synchronization of multiple mirrors for beam scanning, which limits their ability to efficiently scan large areas without compromising spatial resolution or measurement quality, and prolongs the duration of acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A light-beam scanning micro-spectrometry device utilizing a single planar scanning mirror mounted on a rotatable stage with two transverse axes of rotation, combined with focusing optical components to move the excitation light beam along two spatial directions, allowing for simpler, faster, and cheaper scanning while maintaining high spatial resolution and measurement quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple mirrors are used for beam scanning, then the scanning area can be covered, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates one of the two galvanometric mirrors from the conventional two-mirror scanning system, retaining only a single mirror that rotates about two transverse axes. This reduction from two mirrors to one mirror directly decreases device complexity and cost while still achieving the required scanning area coverage through the dual-axis rotation capability of the single mirror.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple mirrors are synchronized for beam scanning, then the scanning area can be covered, but the acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing one mirror from the system, the patent eliminates the synchronization requirements between multiple mirrors. The single mirror rotates independently about two transverse axes without needing coordination with another mirror, thereby reducing control complexity and eliminating synchronization delays that would otherwise extend acquisition time.
3Device complexity
If a single mirror is used for beam scanning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scanning area coverage may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single mirror to achieve two-dimensional scanning capability by allowing rotation about two different transverse axes. This dual-axis rotation transforms the single mirror's movement from one-dimensional to two-dimensional, covering the same scanning area as conventional two-mirror systems while maintaining reduced device complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If the beam scanning area is increased, then more sample area can be scanned, but the spatial resolution may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis rotation of the single mirror enables independent control of beam position in two transverse directions while maintaining a fixed focal point on the sample. This capability allows the system to scan large areas by changing the focal point position through angular rotation, thereby increasing scanning area without compromising the spatial resolution determined by the focal spot size.
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 efficient scanning of extended spatial and angular areas on a sample with improved measurement quality and reduced acquisition time, addressing the complexity and cost issues of existing systems while preventing beam vignetting.
Implementation Method 1
a single scanning mirror arranged on the optical path of the excitation light beam between the first focusing optical component and the intermediate focal plane, the scanning mirror being planar and mounted on a stage rotatable about two transverse axes of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a first focusing optical component adapted to receive and focus the excitation light beam to a focusing point in an intermediate focal plane, another focusing optical component arranged on an optical path of the beam between the intermediate focal plane and the microscope objective
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for light-beam scanning microscopy includes a microscope objective and a movement system for moving an excitation light beam. The movement system for moving the excitation light beam includes a first focusing optical component suitable for focusing the excitation light beam in an intermediate focal plane, another focusing optical component suitable for forming an image of the intermediate focal in a focal plane of the microscope objective and a single scanning mirror arranged between the first optical component and the intermediate focal plane, the scanning mirror being mounted on a stage, the orientation of which can be adjusted, so as to move the image of the focusing point in two transverse directions in the object focal plane or in the image focal plane of the microscope objective.