Subwavelength Test Sample Device for Microscope Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test samples for high-resolution microscopy, such as biological samples and DNA origami, face issues with durability, reproducibility, handling complexity, and variability, making it difficult to achieve consistent subwavelength resolution testing.
Innovation Solution
A test sample device with nanostructures on a test piece that can be moved in the subwavelength range, allowing for switchable bright and dark states, enabling reproducible testing of microscopes by simulating different light states through precise movement and illumination control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biological samples are used for testing, then the samples can be prepared and used for microscopy testing, but the samples have low durability and limited reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inorganic test samples (metal plates, glass plates, or resin plates) that copy or simulate the structural features of biological samples. These inorganic substrates provide durable, reproducible test structures while maintaining the subwavelength dimensional characteristics needed for testing localization microscopy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from organic (biological) to inorganic materials, fundamentally altering durability and reproducibility characteristics while preserving the functional test capabilities. The inorganic materials provide stable, non-degradable test structures with precisely controllable geometries.
2Manufacturing precision
If DNA origami structures are used, then fluorophores can be arranged with particular spacing, but the structures are complex to handle and require chemical redox systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential testing function (subwavelength structure with known spacing) from the complex DNA origami system. By using simple inorganic plates with fabricated features, the patent removes the need for chemical redox systems and complex biological handling while retaining the ability to precisely control and measure spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive inorganic test plates that can be easily manufactured and replaced. These disposable-like test samples eliminate the need for complex, expensive DNA origami preparation and handling infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If periodic structures with defined sizes are used, then the structures can be produced with defined spacings, but these structures are not suitable for localization-based high resolution microscopy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating test structures with specific subwavelength dimensions and spacing characteristics tailored for localization microscopy. The test samples feature isolated, discrete structures rather than continuous periodic patterns, enabling individual fluorophore localization while maintaining precise spacing control.
Data Source
AI summary
A test sample device for an optical microscope which images a sample in different light states with a local resolution in the subwavelength range of the visible spectral range, wherein the test sample device comprises: a test piece, which is designed to be microexamined with the microscope and has a surface on which nanostructures are arranged, wherein each nanostructure, viewed along the surface, has a dimension in the subwavelength range, wherein the nanostructures are spaced apart from one another by an amount which lies above the wavelength of the visible spectral range, and wherein the nanostructures are switchable collectively between a bright state, in which they illuminate, and a dark state, in which they do not illuminate, and a drive, which is designed to move the test piece in the subwavelength range, whereby the different light states can be realized by different movement states of the test piece.