Integrated Single-Source Light Sheet Microscope for Photo-Manipulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microscopy methods require additional light sources and optical elements for photo-manipulation, leading to increased complexity, cost, and reduced compactness.

Innovation Solution

A light sheet microscope with an integrated optical system that forms a focused light sheet using a single light source, adjustable field diaphragm, and scanning element to manipulate target areas with adjustable geometry, eliminating the need for additional light sources and optical switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional light sources and optical elements are used for photo-manipulation, then photo-manipulation capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoto-manipulation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of light sources and optical elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination light source is designed to serve dual purposes: both illuminating the sample and performing photo-manipulation. The optical system forms a light sheet that can be scanned to create high-intensity illumination for photo-manipulation without requiring separate manipulation light sources, thereby achieving multi-functionality with a single light source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the illumination function and photo-manipulation function into a single integrated system. The same light source and optical path are used for both sample illumination and targeted photo-manipulation, eliminating the need for separate manipulation light sources and coupling optics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional light sources and optical elements are used for photo-manipulation, then photo-manipulation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoto-manipulation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination light source performs dual functions of sample illumination and photo-manipulation, eliminating the need for expensive additional manipulation light sources and optical components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining photo-manipulation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By combining illumination and photo-manipulation functions into a single optical path, the patent reduces the total number of optical components required, leading to lower manufacturing costs and simpler assembly processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional light sources and optical elements are used for photo-manipulation, then photo-manipulation capability is improved, but system compactness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoto-manipulation capabilityVSAvoidsystem compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single light source and optical system serve both illumination and photo-manipulation functions, eliminating the need for additional separate manipulation light sources and their associated optical elements, thereby maintaining system compactness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a compact and cost-effective microscopy system capable of precise photo-manipulation with flexible target area geometry, reducing complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining high intensity for efficient sample manipulation.

Implementation Method 1

a light source configured to emit illumination light, an optical system configured to form a light sheet from the illumination light in a sample space, the light sheet being focused in a thickness direction perpendicular to a light propagation direction thereof to form a beam waist in the thickness direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12449647B2Light sheet microscope and method for manipulating a target area of a sample

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH

AI summary

A light sheet microscope includes a light source configured to emit illumination light, an optical system configured to form a light sheet from the illumination light in a sample space, the light sheet being focused in a thickness direction perpendicular to a light propagation direction thereof to form a beam waist in the thickness direction, wherein the optical system has a field diaphragm adjustable to vary a width of the light sheet in a width direction, a scanning element configured to move the light sheet a scanning distance in the sample space along a scanning direction, and a control unit configured to control the field diaphragm for adjusting the width of the light sheet and to control the scanning element for moving the light sheet by the scanning distance to manipulate a target area of a sample by scanning the target area with the beam waist.