Spatial Light Modulator Selective Illumination Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical microscopes lack the capability to selectively illuminate and target specific organisms within a sample while imaging, often exposing non-target regions to harmful light, which can lead to adverse effects.
Innovation Solution
A microscope system equipped with an optical imaging assembly, a spatial light modulator, and an electronic controller that captures images, identifies targets, and selectively directs light of specific wavelengths or intensities to the targets using a spatially modulated light pattern, avoiding unnecessary exposure to other regions of the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light is used to illuminate and kill targets in a sample, then the targets are deactivated, but non-target regions are also exposed to harmful light causing adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a spatially modulated light pattern that delivers different light intensities to different locations. The SLM modulates the light beam so that only regions containing targets receive high-intensity deactivating light, while other regions receive minimal or no light exposure, thus eliminating collateral damage to non-target areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the illumination field into multiple spatial zones using the SLM. Each zone can be independently controlled to receive appropriate light intensity based on target presence. This segmentation allows selective application of deactivating light only to necessary regions while leaving other regions unaffected.
2Productivity
If the entire sample is exposed to light for target identification and deactivation, then all regions are treated uniformly, but this causes unnecessary damage to non-target areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by first identifying target locations through image analysis before applying deactivating light. The system captures images of the sample, analyzes them to locate targets, and only then directs modulated light to those specific locations. This preliminary identification step ensures that subsequent light exposure is precisely targeted and avoids unnecessary damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The SLM creates a spatially varying light pattern where each region receives light intensity appropriate to its content. Regions with targets receive high-intensity deactivating light, while regions without targets receive minimal or no light,实现ing localized treatment that maintains productivity while eliminating collateral damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a spatial light modulator is added to enable selective illumination, then targeted deactivation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SLM serves multiple functions within the system: it modulates the light pattern for selective illumination, enables spatial control of deactivating light, and works with the existing imaging system to achieve targeted treatment. By making the light modulation capability multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The SLM acts as an intermediary component between the light source and the sample. It receives light from the source and transforms it into a spatially modulated pattern before delivering it to the sample. This intermediary role allows the system to achieve selective illumination without requiring fundamental redesign of the entire microscope system, thus limiting complexity increase.
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 rapid identification and targeted deactivation of specific populations within biological samples, such as bacteria, using UV light, while minimizing exposure to non-target areas, thus preventing damage and enhancing the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator (SLM) arranged to receive the light emitted from the light source and to provide a spatially modulated light pattern
Implementation Method 2
Ultraviolet light exposure, for example, can be used to kill bacteria
Data Source
AI summary
A system, including an optical imaging assembly configured to image a sample at an object plane to an image plane; an image sensor arranged at the image plane and configured to capture images of the sample for a field of view of the system; a light source configured to emit light having a wavelength, λ; a spatial light modulator (SLM) arranged to receive the light emitted from the light source and to provide a spatially modulated light pattern; one or more optical elements arranged to receive the spatially modulated light pattern from the SLM and to direct the spatially modulated light pattern to the image plane; and an electronic controller in communication with the image sensor and the spatial light modulator, the electronic controller being programmed to identify one or more targets in the field of view of the optical imaging assembly and to control the spatial light modulator to selectively direct light from the light source to the one or more targets identified by the electronic controller.