Solid State White Light Engine for Biomedical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting technologies for biomedical applications, such as arc lamps and LEDs, face issues with instability, durability, heat management, and high power demands, making them unsuitable for portable analyzers and requiring complex light management systems, which increases costs and complicates implementation.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state white light engine that provides continuous white light across the visible spectrum, using light pipe engines to combine multiple solid-state light sources, offering high spectral power, stability, and reliability, capable of replacing traditional light sources like metal halide and Xenon lamps, with integrated optics for efficient light delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If arc lamps are used to provide white light, then spectral flexibility is improved, but stability and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous spectrum into multiple discrete wavelength bands, each generated by a separate solid-state light source (LED or laser). This allows independent optimization of each wavelength channel for both spectral flexibility and stability, eliminating the inherent instability of arc lamps while maintaining comprehensive spectral coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple solid-state light sources emitting at different wavelengths into a single integrated illumination system. This merging approach achieves the spectral flexibility of arc lamps while benefiting from the superior stability and durability of solid-state sources, as each component is independently stable and the combined output provides comprehensive spectral coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If arc lamps are used to provide white light, then spectral flexibility is improved, but heat management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the illumination into discrete wavelength channels from separate solid-state sources, each operating at lower power levels, the patent eliminates the need for high-power arc discharge that generates excessive heat. Solid-state sources inherently produce less heat per unit of useful light output, simplifying thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of heat generation into a benefit by using solid-state sources that naturally operate at lower temperatures. The reduced thermal output is not merely a compromise but an advantage that enables compact design, improved reliability, and simplified cooling requirements while maintaining spectral flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If arc lamps are used to provide white light, then spectral flexibility is improved, but power demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total power requirement into smaller, independently controllable portions from multiple solid-state sources. Each LED or laser operates at low power, and only the wavelengths needed for a particular application are activated, eliminating the need for high continuous power consumption of arc lamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of individual wavelength channels, allowing the system to activate only the necessary light sources based on real-time requirements. This dynamic operation enables spectral flexibility while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to arc lamps that must operate continuously at high power to provide comprehensive spectral coverage.
4Ease of manufacture
If lasers are used to provide light, then cost effectiveness for red outputs is improved, but maintenance requirements and ancillary components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser or LED sources into a single integrated illumination system with unified control. This consolidation maintains the cost effectiveness of individual solid-state sources (particularly red LEDs) while eliminating the need for separate mounting, alignment, and maintenance procedures for each source, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal illumination platform that can operate across the entire visible spectrum using the same solid-state source architecture. This multi-functionality allows a single system design to replace multiple specialized setups, reducing ancillary components and simplifying maintenance while maintaining cost effectiveness for specific wavelength ranges.
5Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs are used to provide light, then availability in wide wavelength range is improved, but spectral stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wavelength range into discrete channels, each generated by a dedicated LED or laser source. This segmentation allows precise characterization and stabilization of each wavelength channel independently, compensating for the broad spectral output of individual LEDs by using narrowband filtering or selecting specific emission lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes including temperature control, current regulation, and optical filtering to stabilize the spectral output of each LED channel. By actively controlling these parameters, the system maintains spectral stability across the wide wavelength range made available by using multiple LEDs with different peak emissions.
6Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs are used to provide light, then availability in wide wavelength range is improved, but light delivery complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LED sources with different wavelength outputs into a single integrated illumination head with unified optical delivery. This consolidation maintains the wide wavelength range availability while simplifying light delivery by using a common optical path, coupling mechanism, and control interface for all wavelength channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal light delivery system that can efficiently couple and transmit multiple wavelengths through the same optical components. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate delivery paths for each LED wavelength, reducing overall system complexity while preserving the ability to deliver light across a wide spectral range.
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 solid-state white light engine provides a cost-effective, reliable, and powerful light solution for biomedical applications, supporting portable analyzers and disposable devices with improved performance and reduced complexity, enabling efficient light delivery for microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and endoscopy.
Implementation Method 1
The solid state illumination system utilizes multiple solid state light sources operating simultaneously to generate one white light output
Implementation Method 2
The solid state illumination system utilizes multiple solid state light sources operating simultaneously to generate one white light output
Implementation Method 3
The solid state illumination system utilizes multiple solid state light sources operating simultaneously to generate one white light output
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon white-light sources for applications in microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and endoscopy. The solid state illumination system generates high quality white light output from LED light sources. The white light output is continuous in the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 650 nm and is suitable for imaging all the most common fluorophores and fluorescent proteins. In embodiments, an LED light pipe engine is used to generate a portion of the spectral content of the white light output.