SPIM Objective Beam Deflection for Versatile Sample Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SPIM technology lacks flexibility and versatility in sample manipulation, often requiring complex optical structures with multiple beam splitters and dichroic mirrors, leading to light losses and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows for flexible and adjustable sample manipulation by applying manipulation light from various directions using an adjustable beam deflection device, such as galvanometer mirrors, which can deflect light in multiple planes, enabling precise and minimally invasive manipulations without the need for complex beam paths and dichroic mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manipulation light is supplied via both illumination beam path and detection beam path, then manipulation can take place from two directions, but this leads to a complex optical structure and light losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manipulation light paths into a single beam path (either illumination or detection) rather than using separate paths for each direction. This merging approach reduces the number of optical components (beam splitters, dichroic mirrors) while maintaining the capability to manipulate samples from multiple directions through strategic placement of optical elements within the unified beam path.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical arrangement allows a single beam path to serve multiple functions: both illumination and manipulation, or detection and manipulation. By designing the system so that one beam path can perform multiple roles, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated paths for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while preserving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three beam splitters and two diaphragms are inserted in the beam path, then manipulation can take place from two directions, but this leads to light losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes unnecessary optical elements (beam splitters and diaphragms) from the beam path while retaining the essential functionality. By carefully selecting which components are truly necessary and eliminating redundant ones, the system maintains the ability to perform dual-directional manipulation with minimal light loss, directly addressing the energy efficiency problem.
3Productivity
If SPIM technology is used for fast and sample-friendly imaging, then image acquisition is quicker and gentler on the sample, but the technology lacks flexibility and versatility in sample manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, adjustable manipulation capabilities into the SPIM system by incorporating adjustable beam deflection devices (such as galvanometer mirrors) that can be controlled independently during imaging. This allows the system to adapt and respond to different manipulation requirements in real-time while maintaining the fast, gentle imaging characteristics of SPIM, effectively adding versatility without sacrificing speed.
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
This approach allows for precise, versatile, and minimally invasive sample manipulation with reduced light losses and complexity, enabling simultaneous illumination and manipulation of samples from different angles, enhancing the capability to perform various applications like cell ablation and photoactivation.
Implementation Method 1
A well-known area of application for SPIM technology is fluorescence microscopy, in which fluorophores in the sample are excited with laser light
Implementation Method 2
After passing through the objective, the light is deflected by means of a deflection device, which has deflection mirrors, in such a way that it propagates at an angle other than zero degrees to the optical axis of the objective
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method wherein a sample is manipulated by means of manipulation light and wherein the sample is imaged by means of SPIM technology with illumination with illumination light, in particular excitation light for the excitation of a fluorescence in the form of an illumination lightsheet. The method is distinguished by the fact that both the manipulation light and the illumination light are focused by the same objective, which is arranged in an objective operating position, or by different objectives that are brought successively into an objective operating position, and that the manipulation light and/or the illumination light, after passing through the objective, are/is deflected by means of a deflection device in such a way that said light propagates at an angle different from zero degrees relative to the optical axis of the objective.