Optical Diffraction Tomography Microscope With Static Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical diffraction tomography microscopes are complex, costly, and time-consuming for observing biological samples, with limitations in resolution, image quality, and compatibility with multi-well plates, and lack versatility for various container systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical diffraction tomography microscope with a static illumination system using multiple static sample illumination beam sources and a centrally obscured lens, coupled with a holographic detection system, allows for high-resolution, marker-free imaging of biological samples in various containers without mechanical rotation, enabling rapid observation and image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotating beam mechanism is used to achieve large numerical aperture for tomographic reconstruction, then image quality and resolution are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple static beam sources (e.g., 4-8 sources) arranged around the sample observation zone, each emitting at different inclination angles. This segmentation replaces the single rotating beam with multiple static beams, achieving large numerical aperture through angular diversity without mechanical rotation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating a single beam source to achieve angular diversity, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple static beam sources that simultaneously provide the required angular illumination. This inversion eliminates the mechanical rotation mechanism while achieving the same optical effect, reducing complexity and improving reliability
2Measurement precision
If a rotating beam mechanism is used for tomographic reconstruction, then large numerical aperture is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the illumination function into multiple static beam sources with simpler individual structures. Each source can be a standard laser diode or LED coupled with simple optics, avoiding the need for precision rotating mechanisms. This segmentation makes the system more manufacturable and cost-effective while maintaining high resolution through multi-angle illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical rotating beam mechanism with a static optical system using multiple beam sources. This substitution eliminates moving parts, precision mechanical assemblies, and associated control systems, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while achieving the required numerical aperture through static multi-angle illumination
3Measurement precision
If a rotating beam mechanism is used, then tomographic imaging is achieved, but observation time for multiple samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple static beam sources can illuminate the sample simultaneously from different angles, enabling continuous data acquisition for tomographic reconstruction. This parallel illumination approach eliminates the sequential scanning required by rotating mechanisms, significantly reducing observation time for multiple samples while maintaining tomographic imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic switching or simultaneous activation of multiple static beam sources to achieve angular diversity. This periodic or parallel illumination strategy replaces the continuous mechanical rotation, enabling faster data acquisition rates and improving productivity when observing multiple biological samples
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
The system provides economical, easy-to-use, and high-quality imaging of biological samples, including living cells, with improved resolution and versatility across different container configurations, reducing manufacturing costs and time required for observation.
Implementation Method 1
the holographic detection system is configured to capture a plurality of holograms generated by interference of said sample illumination beams with reference beams generated by the holographic detection system
Implementation Method 2
the wave collection system comprises a lens downstream of the sample observation zone configured for directing the sample beam towards the at least one image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Optical diffraction tomography microscope (2) comprising an illumination system (4) configured for transmitting a sample beam through a sample observation zone, a detection system (8) comprising at least one image sensor (54), and a wave collection system (6) comprising a lens (16) downstream of the sample observation zone configured for directing the sample beam towards the at least one image sensor.