Telecentric Light Sheet Microscope with Single Scanning Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light sheet microscopes face challenges in efficient volume imaging due to the need for large mass movements, geometric distortions, and complex synchronization of scanning elements, which result in vibrations and limited volume image rates.
Innovation Solution
A light sheet microscope design featuring telecentric transport optics with a single scanning element and coordinated illumination and detection optics, eliminating the need for dichroic elements and allowing precise volume imaging with reduced vibrations and increased frame rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single objective lens is used for both illumination and detection in an inclined plane microscope, then access to fluorescence-based microscopic light sheet imaging is enabled in specimens that cannot be imaged using conventional two-lens microscopes, but the system requires telecentric transport optics with precise magnification adjustment which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines illumination and detection functions into a single objective lens system, merging two separate optical paths into one. This allows the microscope to access fluorescence-based imaging in previously inaccessible specimens while using a unified optical design that reduces overall system complexity despite the sophisticated transport optics required
Solution Approach 2:
The single objective lens serves multiple functions: it acts as both the illumination lens for creating the light sheet and the detection lens for capturing fluorescence signals. This multi-functional design enables the system to perform both illumination and detection tasks with one component, achieving versatility in imaging capabilities
2Productivity
If the light sheet is focused at an angle to the optical axis of a single lens, then volume imaging becomes possible with one objective, but the system is referred to as an oblique plane microscope which requires complex telecentric transport optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focusing capability within the telecentric transport optics, allowing one lens to be moved axially for focusing and volume imaging. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to achieve proper focus at different depths while maintaining telecentricity, thereby enabling volume imaging with a single objective lens
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the magnification parameter of the telecentric transport optics to correspond to the refractive index ratio between the sample and intermediate image space. This parameter adjustment ensures correct imaging of the aperture angle and enables proper volume imaging while maintaining the telecentric design
3Measurement precision
If large masses such as lenses or samples are moved along the optical axis for focusing and volume imaging, then image plane adjustment is achieved, but vibrations occur and only a low volume image rate is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement of large masses (lenses or samples) with a different approach: axial movement of a single lens within the telecentric transport optics combined with angular deflection of the light sheet. This substitution reduces the mass being moved, minimizing vibrations and enabling higher volume image rates while maintaining precise image plane adjustment
4Ease of operation
If two deflection elements on a polygon mirror are used for lateral scanning, then volume scanning is enabled, but the arrangement is not telecentric causing geometric distortions and limiting light efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanning function from the complex two-element polygon mirror system and implements it through a single deflection element that operates within the telecentric transport optics. This extraction simplifies the scanning mechanism while maintaining telecentricity, thereby eliminating geometric distortions and improving light efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using two deflection elements that create non-telecentric scanning, the patent inverts the approach by using a single deflection element within a telecentric optical system. This inversion of the scanning architecture maintains telecentricity throughout the light path, preventing geometric distortions and maximizing light efficiency
5Ease of operation
If a polygon mirror is used for scanning, then lateral scanning of the volume is enabled, but the moment of inertia is comparatively large which limits the volume image rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function from the heavy polygon mirror and implements it using a lighter single deflection element within the telecentric transport optics. This segmentation reduces the moment of inertia of the moving scanning component, enabling faster scanning speeds and higher volume image rates while maintaining lateral scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical polygon mirror system with a lighter single deflection element that operates within the telecentric optical system. This substitution reduces the moment of inertia significantly, allowing for faster scanning operations and higher volume image rates while maintaining the lateral scanning function
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 efficient, vibration-free volume imaging with higher frame rates and simpler, cost-effective implementation by using a single scanning element and avoiding complex synchronization and dichroic elements, thus improving light efficiency and reducing geometric distortions.
Implementation Method 1
the light sheet is focused into the sample in such a way that it is inclined to the optical axis of the lens
Implementation Method 2
transport optics designed telecentrically on both sides for imaging the light sheet generated in the intermediate image plane in a sample and for imaging a region of the sample illuminated with the light sheet as an intermediate image in the intermediate image space
Implementation Method 3
detection optics for imaging the intermediate image generated in the intermediate image space onto a detector
Implementation Method 4
This transport optics is a 4f system or double-sided telecentric imaging system, the magnification of which must correspond to the refractive index ratio between the sample and intermediate image space in order to ensure correct imaging of the aperture angle
Data Source
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AI summary
A light sheet microscope (10) is described, comprising an illumination optical unit (12) for producing a light sheet in an intermediate image space (18), a transport optical unit (14) that is embodied in a telecentric manner on both sides, for imaging the light sheet produced in the intermediate image space (18) into a sample and for imaging a region of the sample illuminated by the light sheet as an intermediate image into the intermediate image space (18), and a detection optical unit (16) for imaging the intermediate image produced in the intermediate image space (18) onto a detector (30). The optical axes (O1, O2, O3) of the illumination optical unit (12), the transport optical unit (14) and the detection optical unit (16) intersect one another in the intermediate image space (18). A scanning element (50) is arranged in the transport optical unit (14), by means of which scanning element the light sheet in the sample is movable transverse to the optical axis (O2) of the transport optical unit (14).