Sub-500nm Light Source Array for Super-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems, such as microscopes, are limited by the diffraction limit, making it difficult to observe small structures like single proteins or cellular complexes with high resolution, and existing super-resolution techniques are complex and require non-linear optical properties or environments.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device with a matrix of separately controllable electric light sources, arranged with a pixel pitch less than 500 nanometers, providing spatially highly resolved illumination without the need for additional optical elements, allowing for super-resolution capabilities in optical detection devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical systems are used, then the system is simple and robust, but the resolution is limited by the diffraction limit
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is segmented into a light source array with multiple separately controllable light sources arranged in a matrix structure. Each light source can be independently activated to illuminate specific regions, enabling super-resolution imaging by synthesizing high-resolution information from multiple lower-resolution measurements through computational processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial resolution in the optical domain to temporal sequencing in the control domain. By sequentially activating different light sources in the array and capturing multiple images over time, the system achieves super-resolution through temporal dimension, then computationally reconstructs the high-resolution spatial information
2Measurement precision
If super-resolution techniques like STED, STORM or PALM are used, then the resolution exceeds the diffraction limit, but the optical system becomes very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resolution-enhancing function from complex optical components and transfers it to a simpler light source array combined with computational processing. Instead of using complex nonlinear optical properties or specialized detectors, the system uses a controllable array of light sources and algorithms to achieve super-resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical mechanisms (nonlinear optical properties, specialized optical elements) with a controllable light source array and computational processing. The resolution enhancement is achieved through electronic control and software algorithms rather than complex optical physics
3Measurement precision
If a light source array with pixel pitch less than 500 nanometer is used, then super-resolution illumination is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter from requiring extremely small pixel pitch (less than 500 nm) to using a larger pixel pitch that is achievable with current manufacturing techniques. The super-resolution capability is then achieved through the controllable activation patterns and computational processing rather than relying solely on sub-500nm fabrication precision
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 approach enables super-resolution imaging without complex optical systems, achieving resolutions below the diffraction limit, suitable for applications like photolithography and 3D printing, with low technical complexity and robustness, using LEDs that can be produced with nanoscale methods and have high intensity with moderate power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a light source array which comprises a plurality of separately electrically controllable electric light sources
Implementation Method 2
a light detection device, which is arranged for producing an electrical signal in response to light reaching a light detection side of the light detection device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a light emitting device comprising a light source array which comprises a plurality of separately electrically controllable electric light sources which are arranged in a matrix structure or any other defined geometrical arrangement. Advantageously, the pixel pitch of the light source array is less than (500) nanometer. The invention further relates to an optical detection device comprising a light detection device, which is arranged for producing an electrical signal in response to light reaching a light detection side of the light detection device, and to a method for operating such an optical detection device. The invention further relates to a computer program with program coding means arranged for performing such a method.