Single-Particle Localization Microscope with Merged Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-particle localization systems require multiple independent optical paths to generate different light distributions, leading to high complexity and tolerance demands for achieving high-resolution imaging in the nanometer range.
Innovation Solution
A single-particle localization microscope with a beam shaper that generates both a localizing light distribution with a zero intensity minimum and an auxiliary light distribution with non-zero intensity using polarization manipulation, allowing for various light distributions to be created with a simple optical setup, including optical vortices and half-moon patterns, using a single optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent optical paths are used to generate different light distributions, then the system can provide various light patterns (localizing and auxiliary), but the device complexity and tolerance demands increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (generating localizing light distribution with zero intensity minimum and auxiliary light distribution with non-zero intensity) into a single optical path. This is achieved by using a single illumination source that is split into two beams, with each beam processed by separate beam shapers to create the required light distributions, thereby eliminating the need for multiple independent optical paths while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The single illumination source and optical path are designed to perform multiple functions: generating both localizing light distribution (for particle localization) and auxiliary light distribution (for state transformation). The system uses a beam splitter to divide the illumination light into two paths, each equipped with beam shapers that can be independently controlled to produce different light patterns, enabling one optical path to fulfill roles that traditionally required separate systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent optical paths are used to generate different light distributions, then various light patterns can be created, but the tolerance demands for high-resolution imaging increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the generation of multiple light distributions into a single optical path with a beam splitter configuration, the system reduces the cumulative tolerance errors that would arise from aligning multiple independent optical paths. The beam shapers in each path can be independently adjusted, allowing for easier calibration and reduced sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining the ability to generate both localizing and auxiliary light distributions
3Device complexity
If a single optical path is used to generate both localizing and auxiliary light distributions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system must efficiently manage multiple light distribution functions
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical path is designed with multi-functionality through the use of a beam splitter and two independently controllable beam shapers. This allows the system to generate both localizing light distribution (with zero intensity minimum for localization) and auxiliary light distribution (with non-zero intensity for state transformation) using the same illumination source and optical path, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining operational flexibility through independent control of each beam shaper
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 approach simplifies the optical setup by enabling the generation of multiple light distributions with a single optical path, reducing complexity and increasing efficiency in super-resolution imaging, while maintaining high spatial resolution and flexibility in light pattern creation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical illumination system configured to shape the illumination light into a localizing light distribution having a substantially zero intensity minimum at a target point within the sample region
Implementation Method 2
The optical illumination system is further configured to shape the illumination light into an auxiliary light distribution having a non-zero intensity at the target point such that the auxiliary light distribution is defined in a spatial extent and/or in its shape by the localizing light distribution
Implementation Method 3
The localizing light distribution is adapted to cause a single particle in a fluorescent state located in the sample region outside the intensity minimum to emit fluorescent light
Data Source
AI summary
A single-particle localization microscope includes a light source configured to generate illumination light for illuminating a sample region, and an optical illumination system configured to shape the illumination light into a localizing light distribution having a substantially zero intensity minimum at a target point within the sample region. The localizing light distribution is adapted to cause a single particle in a fluorescent state located in the sample region outside the intensity minimum to emit fluorescent light. The optical illumination system is further configured to shape the illumination light into an auxiliary light distribution having a non-zero intensity at the target point such that the auxiliary light distribution is defined in a spatial extent and/or in its shape by the localizing light distribution.