Volumetric Imaging Using Multi-Plane Optical Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopy techniques for volumetric imaging are slow and require complex apparatus, often resulting in aberrations and limitations on the number of depths that can be imaged simultaneously, especially when using reflecting slits for optical sectioning.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that illuminates multiple planes in a sample sequentially with an illumination rate matching the sensing rate of an image sensor, allowing each section of pixels to capture light from multiple depths simultaneously, thereby achieving fast and high-quality volumetric imaging without the need for bulky corrective optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If confocal imaging with raster scanning is used to achieve optical sectioning, then out-of-focus light is removed, but imaging speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple sections, with each section dedicated to capturing light from a specific focal plane. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple optical sections without sequential scanning, resolving the contradiction between optical sectioning quality and imaging speed.
2Productivity
If light-sheet imaging is used to achieve fast volumetric imaging, then imaging speed improves, but apparatus complexity increases and aberrations occur
Solution Approach 1:
A single objective lens performs both illumination and collection functions, eliminating the need for separate illumination and detection paths. This multi-functionality reduces apparatus complexity while maintaining fast imaging speeds through parallel capture of multiple focal planes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reflecting slits are used for optical sectioning to image multiple depths simultaneously, then number of depths imaged increases, but aberrations occur requiring bulky corrective optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical sectioning function from physical reflecting slits and implements it through a computational approach using a single image sensor with multiple sections. This eliminates the need for bulky corrective optics while maintaining the ability to image multiple depths simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If reflecting slits are used to separate light from different depths, then multiple depths can be imaged, but physical space required increases limiting number of depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial separation using physical slits to temporal separation through sequential activation of image sensor sections. This dimensional change from spatial to temporal domain allows multiple depths to be imaged without increasing physical space requirements.
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 enables faster imaging with improved optical sectioning and the ability to capture three-dimensional information from multiple depths in a single exposure, allowing for higher frame rates and increased imaging speeds, particularly useful for dynamic biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
sweeping illuminating light through a sample to induce fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
a multi-plane optical assembly arranged to receive light from the plurality of depths in the sample region and, for each section of said sections of pixels, to direct light simultaneously from each of the plurality of depths in the respective plane to a different respective subsection of said section
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for volumetric imaging is provided. The apparatus comprises an illumination assembly arranged to direct light to illuminate a plurality of planes in a sample region sequentially at an illumination rate, each plane extending over a plurality of depths in the sample region; an image sensor comprising a plurality of sections of pixels and arranged to sense each section of pixels sequentially at a sensing rate; and a light-receiving assembly arranged to receive light from the sample region and to direct light received from each of said planes in the sample region to a different respective section of said sections of pixels. The light-receiving assembly comprises a multi-plane optical assembly arranged to receive light from the plurality of depths in the sample region and, for each section of said sections of pixels, to direct light simultaneously from each of the plurality of depths in the respective plane to a different respective subsection of said section. The illumination rate is equal to the sensing rate, such that each section of pixels is arranged to sense light from the plurality of depths in the respective plane as the plane is illuminated by the illumination assembly.