SPIM Microscope Galvanometric Switching for Dual Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SPIM microscopes face limitations in user-friendliness, flexibility, and throughput due to complex adjustments for image field size, light sheet generation methods, and illumination from opposite directions, which result in light losses, artifacts, and sample handling issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a quickly switchable switching element with a switching time of less than 10 ms, coordinated with the integration time of the surface detector, to achieve simultaneous or quasi-simultaneous illumination from opposite directions, and using astigmatic optical elements for correct imaging of scanning mirrors, along with adjustable illumination and detection zoom elements for flexible light sheet adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static light sheet is generated using cylindrical optics, then the illumination is simple and stable, but the flexibility to adjust image field size and illumination parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable optical components including a variable magnification objective lens and adjustable light sheet parameters that can be changed during operation. This allows the system to adapt between different image field sizes and illumination configurations without requiring multiple fixed setups, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by implementing controlled dynamic adjustment rather than multiple static systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If illumination is performed from opposite directions using separate beam paths, then the imaging quality is improved, but the device complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal illumination system where a single optical beam path can function in multiple modes: it can illuminate from one direction or be configured to illuminate from opposite directions by adjusting the same optical components. This multi-functional design maintains high imaging quality while reducing device complexity compared to completely separate dual beam paths, as the same components serve multiple illumination purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the illumination functions into a unified beam path system where the light sheet generation and switching mechanisms are integrated. By combining the illumination functions and using a single coordinated beam path system rather than completely separate paths, the system achieves opposite direction illumination capability while reducing overall device complexity and alignment requirements.
3Speed
If motor-driven rotating mirrors are used for switching illumination directions, then the switching capability is achieved, but the vibrations and switching time are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motor-driven rotating mirrors with a galvanometrically driven switching mirror system. This substitution uses galvanometric technology which provides faster switching times (less than 10 ms) while generating minimal vibrations. The galvanometric system achieves the required switching capability without the mechanical vibrations and slow response times associated with motor-driven rotating mirrors, thereby eliminating harmful effects on the sample.
4Productivity
If the switching time is reduced to less than 10 ms, then the throughput is improved, but the coordination with detector integration time becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-controlled coordination system between the galvanometric switching mirror and the detector integration time. The control system monitors and synchronizes the switching operations with the detector's integration cycle, ensuring that illumination switching occurs at optimal moments during the integration period. This feedback mechanism enables fast switching (less than 10 ms) to improve throughput while maintaining proper coordination, as the system automatically adjusts timing based on detector state.
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 solution enhances the flexibility and efficiency of SPIM microscopes by reducing light losses, minimizing artifacts, and simplifying sample handling, allowing for high-throughput imaging with improved user-friendliness and reduced sample stress.
Implementation Method 1
the switching means comprise a galvanometrically driven switching mirror
Implementation Method 2
arranged in a plane conjugate to the illumination pupil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a microscope comprising an illumination device (19) which produces a sheet of light to illuminate a sample region (P), said sheet having an approximately planar extension in the direction of an illumination axis (X) of an illumination beam path (35) and in the direction of a transverse axis (Y) lying at a right angle to the illumination axis (X). The microscope further comprises a detection device (1) used to detect light that is emitted by the sample region (P) along an axis of detection (Z) of a detection beam path, the illumination axis (X) and the axis of detection (Z) as well as the transverse axis (Y) and the axis of detection (Z) being oriented relative each other at an angle unequal zero. The illumination device (19) also comprises means for deflecting illumination light to an additional illumination beam path (36) and for producing an additional sheet of light, the sheet of light and the additional sheet of light illuminating the sample region (P) on the same illumination axis (X) from opposite directions, and switching means for switching the illumination light between the illumination beam path (35) and the additional illumination beam path (36). The detection device (1) also comprises a detection lens system (2) for imaging light reflected by the sample region (P) onto a spatially resolved surface detector (4) for the location-dependent detection of the light. The switching means of the microscope according to the invention comprise a rapidly switchable switching element with a switching time of less than 10 ms, a predetermined integration time of the surface detector (4) and the switching time of the switching element being synchronized such that the sample region (P) is illuminated on the illumination axis (X) at least once from every direction during the integration time.