Split-Path Microlens Imaging for Fast 3D Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy methods struggle to capture three-dimensional sample volumes with high temporal and spatial resolution, often leading to slow data capture, artifacts, or sample damage due to high light power.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a detection beam path with split detection paths and detectors of varying spatial and temporal resolutions, combined with a microlens array, to computationally form a three-dimensionally resolved image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid 2D recording is scanned axially, then three-dimensional sample volumes can be captured, but the capture speed is too slow for functional imaging applications
Solution Approach 1:
The detection radiation is segmented into multiple detection paths using beam splitters, with each path capturing data at different spatial or temporal resolutions. This parallel segmentation enables simultaneous capture of multiple focal volumes, achieving high-speed 3D imaging without sacrificing temporal resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D sequential scanning to 3D parallel detection by introducing multiple detection paths that simultaneously capture data from different focal volumes. This dimensional expansion enables volumetric capture at high temporal resolution
2Productivity
If light power is increased to increase capture speed, then more data can be captured faster, but fluorescent markers become saturated and sample damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The detection radiation is divided into multiple paths with different detectors, allowing the system to capture sufficient data at lower light power levels. Each detector processes a portion of the signal, enabling high-speed capture without saturating fluorescent markers or damaging the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters by using multiple detectors with different spatial and temporal resolutions. This allows optimization of detection sensitivity without increasing light power, thereby avoiding sample damage and marker saturation
3Measurement precision
If a single detector is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot simultaneously achieve high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple paths, each with detectors optimized for different resolutions. One detector captures high spatial resolution data while another captures high temporal resolution data, and both are integrated to produce the final image
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the detection system are assigned different quality characteristics - some detectors are optimized for high spatial resolution while others are optimized for high temporal resolution. This local optimization enables the whole system to achieve both types of resolution simultaneously
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
Achieves high temporal resolution of up to 100 volumes per second and high spatial resolution of approximately 2-3 μm, while minimizing sample damage and background interference.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens array arranged in a pupil plane or in an image plane
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a detection beam path, along which detection radiation is guided, and an dichroic beam splitter configured for splitting the detection radiation between first and second detection paths, with a detector being in each detection path. A microlens array is arranged upstream of at least one detector. The first detector has a first spatial resolution, and the second detector has a second spatial resolution that is lower than the first spatial resolution. Also, the first detector has a first temporal resolution, and the second detector has a second temporal resolution that is higher than the first temporal resolution. Captured image data and computationally combined to form a three-dimensionally resolved resulting image.