Telecentric Imaging Optical System for Low-Light Specimen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for observing luminescent specimens, such as those with luciferase genes, require long exposure times and high sensitivity CCD cameras, making it difficult to capture images of individual cells emitting low light without photon-counting and at elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A low-light specimen image pickup unit with a telecentric imaging optical system that condenses low light into an Airy disk of a size comparable to or smaller than the pixel size, allowing for high-sensitivity imaging without photon-counting and at relatively high temperatures, using a cooled CCD camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cooled CCD camera with high sensitivity is used to detect low light from luminescent specimens, then detection sensitivity is improved, but exposure time must still be extended and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the imaging approach by changing from conventional one-to-one correspondence between optical points and pixel points to a many-to-one mapping. Multiple optical points (Airy disks from different specimen locations) are deliberately mapped to a single pixel, concentrating light energy from multiple sources onto one pixel to enhance signal strength without requiring longer exposure times or cooled detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple optical images onto a single pixel by using a telecentric imaging system with specific NA ratios. The objective lens and imaging lens are designed to combine light from multiple object points into a single pixel's light-receiving area, effectively accumulating light energy to improve detection sensitivity without extending exposure time.
2Productivity
If conventional imaging optical systems are used, then image formation is achieved, but light from point sources is not sufficiently condensed onto pixels reducing detection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by setting specific relationships between the numerical apertures of the objective lens (NAo) and imaging lens (NAi), where NAo/NAi is between 0.2 and 2.0. This parameter optimization ensures that the Airy disk size matches the pixel size, maximizing light concentration efficiency and detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical characteristics to different parts of the system. The objective lens is designed with high NAo to collect light efficiently, while the imaging lens is designed with specific NAi to control the Airy disk size. This local optimization of optical quality at different stages maximizes light concentration onto each pixel.
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 short exposure time imaging of specimens emitting low light, such as cells with luciferase genes, without photon-counting and at elevated temperatures, improving sensitivity and reducing exposure time.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging optical system condenses low light from the point light source to form an Airy disk of a size which is internally touching a light receiving area in a pixel
Implementation Method 2
an imaging optical system which forms an image of a specimen... the imaging optical system is telecentric on a specimen image side of the imaging optical system
Data Source
AI summary
In order to be able to take an image of a specimen emitting low light in a short exposure time by a cooled CCD at about 0° C., a low-light specimen image pickup unit has an imaging optical system forming a specimen image of a specimen having a point light source emitting a low light, and the low-light specimen image pickup unit further has an image pickup unit having a plurality of pixels receiving incident light, for taking an image corresponding to the specimen image. In the low-light specimen image pickup unit, the imaging optical system is telecentric to a side of the specimen image of the imaging optical system, and condenses the low light emitted from the point light source to form an Airy disk of a size which is substantially the same as a pixel of the pixels, or which is smaller than the pixel. Here, the pixel receives the low light emitted from the point light source.