Structured Light Modulator for Microfluidic Imaging Aberrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes are inadequate for imaging micro-objects in light-actuated microfluidic devices due to image aberrations, noise, and mechanical constraints in compact spaces, limiting the quality and resolution of images.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus comprising a first light source, structured light modulator, tube lenses, dichroic beam splitter, and image sensor, designed to capture and manipulate micro-objects within microfluidic devices by transmitting structured light to DEP electrodes, minimizing aberrations and enhancing image quality through confocal imaging and correction lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microscopes are used to image micro-objects in light-actuated microfluidic devices, then the imaging function is provided, but large image aberrations occur which degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A custom-designed optical apparatus serves as an intermediary between the light-actuated microfluidic device and the imaging system. This apparatus includes specialized tube lenses and beam splitters that are specifically configured to work with the microfluidic device geometry, eliminating the image aberrations that occur when using conventional microscopes directly on microfluidic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical apparatus uses tube lenses with specific focal lengths (e.g., 162mm, 155mm) and clear apertures (greater than 45mm) that are optimized for the particular geometry of light-actuated microfluidic devices. These parameter changes in the optical system correct the aberrations that arise from the compact microfluidic device structure.
2Measurement precision
If conventional microscope optical apparatus is used, then imaging is possible, but out-of-focus light causes high noise levels and decreased contrast and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The dichroic beam splitter acts as an intermediary that separates the illumination light path from the imaging light path. This allows confocal imaging techniques to be implemented, where out-of-focus light is rejected and only in-focus light from the focal plane is transmitted to the image sensor, thereby eliminating noise and improving contrast and resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compact space is used for light-actuated microfluidic devices, then device integration is improved, but mechanical constraints limit optical apparatus design
Solution Approach 1:
The optical apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system that simultaneously provides structured light illumination for DEP electrode activation and confocal imaging capabilities. By combining these functions in a single integrated optical path with shared components like tube lenses and beam splitters, the system achieves versatility without requiring separate optical systems, thereby managing complexity while serving multiple purposes in the compact device.
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 optical apparatus enables high-quality imaging and manipulation of micro-objects by reducing noise and aberrations, improving the resolution and contrast of images within the microfluidic device, while accommodating the compact space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
light-actuated microfluidic devices (e.g., optoelectronic tweezers (OET) devices) utilize optically induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) to manipulate micro-objects
Implementation Method 2
The objective lens can be configured to image at least a portion of an enclosure of a microfluidic device within a field of view
Implementation Method 3
The dichroic beam splitter can be configured to reflect (or transmit) structured light beams from the first tube lens to the objective lens and to transmit (or reflect) image light beams received from the objective lens to the second tube lens
Implementation Method 4
The image sensor can be configured to receive the image light beams from the second tube lens and generate an image of the at least a portion of the enclosure of the microfluidic device therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optical apparatus for imaging and/or manipulating micro-objects in a microfluidic device, such as a light-actuated microfluidic (LAMF) device, and related systems and methods. The optical apparatus can comprise a structured light modulator, a first and a second tube lens, an objective lens, a dichroic beam splitter, and an image sensor. The structured light modulator can be configured to receive unstructured light beams and transmit structured light beams for illuminating micro-objects located within an enclosure of the microfluidic device and/or selectively activating one or more of a plurality of dielectrophoresis (DEP) electrodes of the microfluidic device. The image light beams received by the image sensor can be used to form an image of at least a portion of the microfluidic device.