Super-resolution Microscope Slide with Non-linear Metallic Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical microscopy systems face challenges in providing a clean, sealed environment for fluid samples and achieving high spatial resolution to detect and analyze particles below the diffraction limit, such as microvesicles, due to limited field of view and scanning rate limitations.
Innovation Solution
A microscope slide with a substrate disc and bonded cover glass, featuring nano-structures, grooves, ridges, and microfluidic guidance features, along with a metallic alloy coating for non-linear optical properties, enables a sealed chamber and dual-beam optical pick-up system for stable imaging and focusing, forming a dynamic aperture to surpass diffraction limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical microscopy systems are used to detect particles in fluid samples, then a clean sealed environment can be provided, but spatial resolution is limited by diffraction effects to approximately the wavelength of the optical beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using non-linear optical effects (optical Kerr effect) to create a dynamic aperture that modifies the point spread function. This allows super-resolution imaging by effectively changing the optical transfer function of the system, enabling resolution beyond the diffraction limit without requiring mechanically complex near-field scanning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems (such as near-field optical microscopy with AFM probes) with an optical-based solution using non-linear optical effects. This substitution maintains high resolution capability while eliminating the need for mechanical contact and complex positioning mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If complex scanning systems with AFM probes are used to achieve super-resolution, then spatial resolution below diffraction limit can be achieved, but the systems become expensive and operationally complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical AFM probe systems with an all-optical solution using non-linear optical effects in a liquid crystal layer. This eliminates mechanical contact, reduces operational complexity, and removes the need for delicate probe handling while achieving comparable or superior resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electric field control to modulate the optical properties of the liquid crystal layer, dynamically changing the point spread function. This provides programmable control over the imaging process without mechanical movement, greatly simplifying operation
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical systems are used for imaging, then the system structure is simple, but spatial resolution is limited to approximately the wavelength of the optical beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical transfer function by using non-linear optical effects to create a dynamic aperture that reshapes the point spread function. This parameter change in the optical response enables super-resolution while keeping the physical optical path relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite structure combining liquid crystal material with non-linear optical properties and metallic alloy layers. This composite approach enables complex optical functionality (dynamic aperture control) within a relatively simple physical structure
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 allows for super-resolution imaging of particles as small as 30 nm within a large field of view, improving detection and analysis efficiency while maintaining a controlled environment, and can be implemented using modified optical disc drive units for cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The cover glass comprises a coating of a metallic alloy with non-linear optical properties on a first surface
Implementation Method 2
spatial resolution is limited by diffraction effects, to approximately the wavelength of the optical beam
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope slide comprises a substrate disc characterized by a top surface, and a cover glass characterized by a first surface. The substrate disc comprises a first pattern of nano-structures on the top surface; a second pattern of grooves on the top surface; a third pattern of ridges, characterized by a ridge height, on the top surface; and a fourth pattern of microfluidic guidance features. The cover glass comprises a coating of a metallic alloy with non-linear optical properties on the first surface. The cover glass is bonded to the ridges of the substrate disc to form a sealed chamber between the first surface of the cover glass and the top surface of the substrate disc, such that the ridge height determines a height of the sealed chamber. A method of fabricating such a slide and a method of optical interrogation of a fluid sample are also disclosed.