Light Path Branching for SSPD Photon Counting in Laser Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser microscope systems face limitations in detection efficiency and response speed due to the saturation of light detectors, particularly when using single photon detectors like SSPDs or PMTs, which restrict the countable photon rate and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A light detecting device with a light path branching unit that splits the detection light path into multiple channels, utilizing SSPDs or Geiger mode APDs for each channel, and a cryocooler to maintain the detectors in a superconductive state, allowing for increased photon counting rates and improved image saturation levels by generating a single image signal from combined detection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single light detector is used to detect observation light, then the device complexity is low, but the maximum photon counting rate is limited due to detector saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The detection light path is branched into multiple paths, and multiple light detectors are provided for respective branched light paths. This segmentation allows the system to handle higher photon counting rates by distributing the detection load across multiple detectors, preventing any single detector from becoming saturated.
2Productivity
If multiple light detectors are used to increase photon counting rate, then the maximum photon counting rate improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Image signals from multiple light detectors are combined by a signal generating unit to create a single image signal. This merging approach allows the system to benefit from multiple detectors for higher photon counting rates while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated signal processing.
3Speed
If the light receiving area per pixel is decreased to improve detection efficiency, then the response speed improves, but the light gathering capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection light path is segmented into multiple branched paths with multiple detectors. This allows each detector to have an optimized smaller light receiving area for fast response, while the combined system maintains high light gathering capability through multiple detection channels working in parallel.
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 configuration enhances the maximum photon counting rate and image saturation levels compared to single detector systems, while maintaining high quantum efficiency and reducing noise, thus improving imaging performance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light detectors that are provided to the respective branched light paths branched by the light path branching unit and include an SSPD or Geiger mode APD to detect the observation light
Implementation Method 2
a cryocooler that cools the light detectors formed of the SSPD or the Geiger mode APD in the light detecting device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a light detecting device including: a light path branching unit that branches a single detection light path of fluorescence from a specimen, into a plurality of branched light paths; a plurality of light detectors that are provided to the respective branched light paths branched by the light path branching unit and that include an SSPD or Geiger mode APD to detect the fluorescence; and a signal adder that generates a single image signal in accordance with the detection signals outputted from the plurality of light detectors.