Solid-State Microscope LED Array for Lensless Biological Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical microscopes are not suitable for observing biological samples due to photo-toxicity from strong illumination and lack of portability, compactness, and moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state microscope (SSM) using a semiconductor substrate with a light emitter array, where each light emitter can be biased into an emit, detect, or off state, and a GaN-based LED epitaxial layered structure is used to form LED mesa structures with a passivation layer and dielectric material for controlled illumination and high image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional optical microscopes use strong illumination to observe samples, then image brightness is improved, but biological samples are degraded due to photo-toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs time-division multiplexing where each LED in the array alternates between emitting light and detecting reflected light in periodic cycles. This allows the system to use strong illumination only during brief emission phases while spending most time in detection mode, dramatically reducing cumulative photo-exposure to samples while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
Each LED serves dual functions as both illumination source and light detector. The LEDs illuminate the sample during emission mode and detect the reflected light during detection mode, eliminating the need for separate illumination and detection systems. This self-service capability enables the same component to perform both functions with minimal sample exposure
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical microscopes are designed for high image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical components (lenses, mirrors, complex optical paths) with a solid-state LED array that integrates both illumination and detection functions. This substitution of mechanical optical systems with solid-state electronic components dramatically reduces device weight and size while maintaining or improving image resolution through precise electronic control of each LED element
Solution Approach 2:
The LED array serves multiple functions simultaneously: illumination, detection, and imaging. Each LED can operate as an independent pixel that both emits light and detects reflected light, eliminating the need for separate illumination sources, detectors, and optical components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity, size, and weight
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical microscopes are designed for high image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into discrete LED elements arranged in an array, where each LED acts as an independent pixel with its own emission and detection capability. This segmentation allows for precise spatial control and simplifies the overall system architecture by breaking down the complex optical functions into manageable, addressable units that can be controlled individually or in groups
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control of the LED array. Image formation is achieved through electronic switching and timing control of individual LEDs rather than through complex mechanical manipulation of optical components, dramatically reducing device complexity
4Ease of operation
If conventional optical microscopes are designed for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical optical components with compact solid-state LED technology, enabling portable microscope designs that maintain high resolution. The solid-state nature of LEDs allows for miniaturization while preserving the precise control and high spatial resolution needed for detailed imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves high resolution in a compact form factor by changing the operational parameters of the LEDs, including emission wavelength, pulse duration, and detection timing. These parameter optimizations allow the small-scale LED array to achieve imaging performance comparable to much larger conventional optical systems
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 SSM provides a compact, portable, and robust lens-less microscope with controllable illumination and high image resolution, suitable for biological samples without degrading them, and is significantly lighter and smaller than conventional optical microscopes.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode (LED) array can be formed including a pitch p that corresponds to an image resolution. For producing the magnified image, a first image pixel can be formed by switching on a first LED of the LED array to illuminate a first portion of the object
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments provide solid-state microscope (SSM) devices and methods for processing and using the SSM devices. The solid-state microscope devices can include a light emitter array having a plurality of light emitters with each light emitter individually addressable. During operation, each light emitter can be biased in one of three operating states including an emit state, a detect state, and an off state. The light emitter can include an LED (light emitting diode) including, but not limited to, a nanowire based LED or a planar LED to provide various desired image resolutions for the SSM devices. In an exemplary embodiment, for near-field microscopy, the resolution of the SSM microscope can be essentially defined by the pitch p, i.e., center-to-center spacing between two adjacent light emitters, of the light emitter array.