Image Scanning Microscopy with Spectral Encoding for Fluorophore Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image scanning microscopes are limited in their ability to distinguish and determine the spatial distribution of different fluorophore species in a sample, particularly due to limitations in distinguishing fluorophore species based on their emission and excitation characteristics which can be influenced by environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
An image scanning microscope with a spectral encoding element and array detector system that modulates detection light based on wavelength, combined with a control unit to analyze photon arrival times and excitation modalities, enabling the determination of the spatial distribution of multiple fluorophore species by reconstructing fingerprints and fluorescence lifetimes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single point detector is used to detect fluorescent light, then the device complexity is low, but the spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by replacing a single point detector with a multi-element photodetector array, where each element detects fluorescent light from a different spatial location. This segmentation enables simultaneous detection of multiple spatial channels, improving spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular detector design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point detection to two-dimensional array detection by arranging photodetector elements in a spatial array. This dimensional expansion allows parallel detection of fluorescent signals from multiple locations, fundamentally enhancing measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity
2Measurement precision
If existing image scanning microscopy approaches are used, then spatial image resolution is improved, but the capability to distinguish different fluorophore species is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spectral encoding elements as intermediaries between the sample and the photodetector array. These elements modulate the detection light based on wavelength, creating spectral-spatial encoding that enables distinction of different fluorophore species. The intermediary translates spectral information into spatial patterns that the array detector can resolve, enhancing species discrimination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the spectral encoding applied to different fluorophore emissions. By modulating detection light based on wavelength parameters, the system creates distinct spatial patterns for different fluorophore species, enabling their differentiation through computational analysis of the encoded signals
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
Enhances the capability to accurately distinguish and determine the spatial distribution of at least two different fluorophore species in a sample with high spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, improving the precision of image reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spectral encoding element configured to change a spatial distribution of an intensity of the detection light based on a wavelength of the detection light
Implementation Method 2
Each photodetector element in the array is configured to output a detector signal upon receiving fluorescent light
Implementation Method 3
detect the fluorescent light emitted from the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An image scanning microscope includes an excitation unit that generates excitation light according to an excitation modality, and an objective lens directed at a sample space to direct the excitation light and to receive the detection light. A scanning unit of the image scanning microscope is arranged along a beam path between the excitation unit and the objective lens to selectively direct the excitation light. The image scanning microscope includes a detection arrangement including a spectral encoding element to change the spatial distribution of the intensity of the detection light and an array detector. A main beam splitter of the image scanning microscope directs the excitation light into the objective lens, and directs the detection light. The image scanning microscope includes a control unit to control the excitation unit to set the excitation modality, and to determine a spatial distribution of a concentration of two different fluorophore species.