Vertical Microscope Conversion for Selective Plane Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional light sheet fluorescence microscopy (SPIM) systems are costly, space-intensive, and limited in sample handling capabilities, requiring special training and imposing constraints on the types and orientations of samples that can be observed.
Innovation Solution
A system is developed to convert a vertical optical microscope into a SPIM microscope by adding illumination and detection components, allowing for selective plane illumination microscopy using a vertical optical arrangement, which includes a light sheet generation system and a sample holding chamber assembly that enables sample rotation and alignment, thereby reducing costs and space requirements while maintaining existing microscope functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standalone light sheet fluorescence microscope is used, then high-resolution imaging with excellent signal-to-noise ratio is achieved, but the system becomes costly and space-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light sheet illumination system with a conventional confocal microscope platform, merging two separate microscopy approaches into a single integrated system. This allows the confocal microscope to perform both traditional confocal imaging and light sheet fluorescence microscopy functions, eliminating the need for a separate standalone SPIM instrument and thereby reducing laboratory space requirements while maintaining high-resolution imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The converted confocal microscope gains multi-functionality by incorporating light sheet illumination capabilities alongside its existing confocal imaging functions. The system can operate in multiple modes including traditional confocal microscopy and light sheet fluorescence microscopy, making it a universal platform that serves multiple imaging needs without requiring separate specialized instruments
2Measurement precision
If a standalone light sheet fluorescence microscope is used, then high-resolution imaging with excellent signal-to-noise ratio is achieved, but the system becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light sheet illumination system with a conventional confocal microscope platform, merging two separate microscopy approaches into a single integrated system. This allows the confocal microscope to perform both traditional confocal imaging and light sheet fluorescence microscopy functions, eliminating the need for a separate standalone SPIM instrument and thereby reducing laboratory space requirements while maintaining high-resolution imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The converted confocal microscope gains multi-functionality by incorporating light sheet illumination capabilities alongside its existing confocal imaging functions. The system can operate in multiple modes including traditional confocal microscopy and light sheet fluorescence microscopy, making it a universal platform that serves multiple imaging needs without requiring separate specialized instruments
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional sample holding techniques are used, then sample stability is maintained, but the type and range of samples that can be observed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotary sample holder that enables dynamic rotation of samples during imaging. This dynamic capability allows samples to be oriented in different positions and angles, accommodating various sample types including embryos, tissues, and other biological specimens that require specific orientations for optimal imaging, while maintaining sample stability through controlled rotation mechanisms
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 conversion enables cost-effective and space-efficient SPIM capabilities in a vertical orientation, allowing for high-resolution imaging of samples with improved signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range, while accommodating a wider range of sample types and orientations without altering the detection optics, thus enhancing productivity and versatility in laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
An illumination source is configured to generate a light sheet along a longitudinal axis to illuminate a sample
Implementation Method 2
exciting the fluorophores in the sample and acquiring light emitted by the illuminated plane inside the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system for converting a vertical optical microscope unit to provide selective plane illumination microscopy includes an illumination source unit configured to generate a light sheet along a longitudinal axis to illuminate a sample placed in a vertical optical detection axis of the vertical optical microscope unit. The illumination source unit is configured to generate the light sheet along the longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the vertical optical detection axis of the vertical optical microscope unit. The illumination source unit is configured to produce an excitation at a plane in the sample that generates fluorescent emissions. A detection sensor is placed in a detection optical path of the vertical optical detection axis of the vertical optical microscope unit. The detection sensor is configured to detect the fluorescent emissions to provide selective plane illumination microscopy.