Superimposing Beam Control for Simultaneous Fluorescence Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescence microscopy instruments are limited to using only one technique at a time due to the need to steer the excitation beam, which restricts the simultaneous implementation of multiple microscopy techniques.
Innovation Solution
A superimposing beam control system that splits and manages excitation light into multiple beams with different polarization states and optical properties, allowing for the simultaneous execution of various microscopy techniques by directing each beam to the specimen according to specific techniques like TIRF and FRAP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fast rotatable mirrors are used to steer the excitation beam when switching between microscopy techniques, then the microscope can switch between different techniques, but the microscope is limited to only one fluorescence microscopy technique at a time because the mirror can only be used to select one optical path at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single excitation beam into multiple separate beams using beam splitting optics. Each beam can be independently directed along different optical paths to support different microscopy techniques simultaneously, resolving the limitation of single-technique execution while maintaining adaptability across multiple techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional beam delivery system where a single excitation source generates multiple beams that can serve multiple microscopy techniques concurrently. This universal approach allows the microscope to perform multiple functions (different microscopy techniques) simultaneously rather than sequentially
2Ease of operation
If the excitation beam is steered using fast rotatable mirrors, then beam direction can be changed, but the system complexity increases and the microscope cannot simultaneously execute multiple microscopy techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical beam steering system (fast rotatable mirrors) with an optical beam splitting and superposition system. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical movement to switch between techniques, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through optical path division rather than mechanical redirection
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
Enables the simultaneous use of multiple fluorescence microscopy techniques, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of fluorescence microscopy instruments without the need for rapid beam steering, thereby expanding the capabilities of the microscope.
Implementation Method 1
Each beam is output with a different polarization state and with different optical properties
Data Source
AI summary
Various superimposing beam controls that can superimpose beams of light with different optical properties are described. In one aspect, a beam control receives a beam of light and outputs one or more beams. Each beam is output in a different polarization state and with different optical properties. Superimposing beam controls can be incorporated in fluorescence microscopy instruments to split a beam of excitation light into one or more beams of excitation light. Each beam of excitation light has a different polarization and is output with different optical properties so that each excitation beam can be used to execute a different microscopy technique.