TEM Laser Pulse Synchronization for Consistent Image Exposure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In transmission electron microscopes, illuminating a specimen with a pulse train of a laser beam causes periodic changes, making it difficult to correctly evaluate images generated by the camera due to differing state changes during each exposure duration.
Innovation Solution
A transmission electron microscope design that synchronizes the pulse period of the laser beam with the exposure period of the camera, using an illumination control section to ensure consistent state changes during each exposure, and includes a camera control section to manage pulse illumination durations within exposure durations, preventing signal saturation and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pulse train of laser beam is illuminated onto the specimen with independent pulse period and camera exposure period, then the laser beam can illuminate the specimen for heating observation or photoreaction observation, but the specimen undergoes different state changes for each exposure duration making it difficult to correctly evaluate the captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the pulse period of the laser beam with the exposure period of the camera. Both are set to the same period T, creating a synchronized periodic cycle where the laser pulse and camera exposure occur together repeatedly. This ensures that each captured image represents the same phase of the specimen's periodic state change, enabling accurate evaluation and comparison of images taken at different times while maintaining the ability to observe heating and photoreaction effects.
2Measurement precision
If the pulse period of laser beam is synchronized with the exposure period of camera, then accurate evaluation of images becomes possible with consistent state changes during each exposure, but the control system becomes more complex requiring coordination between laser beam illumination section and camera operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of the laser beam illumination section and the camera operation section into a unified control system. By combining these two control functions, the system synchronizes the pulse period of the laser beam with the exposure period of the camera, ensuring that both operate in coordination with the same period T. This unified approach simplifies the overall control architecture while achieving the goal of consistent state changes during each exposure for accurate image evaluation.
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 synchronization allows for accurate evaluation of camera images by maintaining a constant state change of the specimen during each exposure, enabling proper comparison of images captured at different times and reducing issues like signal saturation and noise.
Implementation Method 1
Electrons are converted to photons in the scintillator panel
Implementation Method 2
When it is desired to observe a change of the specimen due to heating or to observe a photoreaction caused in the specimen, a laser beam is illuminated onto the specimen
Data Source
AI summary
A laser beam illumination equipment has a laser beam generation section and a mirror unit. An image generation section has a camera and a camera controller. A laser beam illumination control section sets a pulse period of a laser beam to the same period as an exposure period of the camera. With this configuration, a state change of a specimen can be set uniform over exposure durations. A pulse train of the laser beam may be generated based on a synchronization signal which is output from the camera controller.