Waveguide Chip Structured Illumination Microscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing structured illumination in light microscopes require complex and costly setups with optical fibers, which demand high positioning accuracy and long-term stability, and involve the use of large, heavy components that limit speed and stability.
Innovation Solution
A light microscope design that uses a waveguide chip with outputs arranged transversely to its plane, eliminating the need for optical fibers and allowing for stable and efficient structured illumination by directing light directly into a pupil plane, reducing complexity and improving alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are used to direct light to a pupil plane, then light can be delivered to the structured illumination element, but the setup becomes complex and requires high positioning accuracy and long-term stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the optical fiber component from the system by using a waveguide chip that directly integrates light guiding paths. This removes the need for separate optical fiber connections and their associated alignment requirements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide chip merges the light guiding function and the structured illumination element into a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate optical fibers and alignment mechanisms, reducing both device complexity and positioning requirements while maintaining reliable light delivery
2Adaptability or versatility
If large, heavy components such as gratings or image rotators are used to produce structured illumination, then different illumination patterns can be generated, but the speed of movement and response is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation of heavy components with an optical-based solution using a waveguide chip. The structured illumination patterns are generated through optical path divisions within the chip rather than mechanical movement, enabling faster switching between patterns without the inertia and speed limitations of mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide chip enables dynamic switching between different structured illumination patterns through optical means rather than mechanical movement. The system can rapidly change illumination patterns by switching between different input-output paths within the chip, achieving high-speed adaptability without mechanical constraints
3Manufacturing precision
If optical fibers are used to arrange light patterns in the pupil plane, then structured illumination can be achieved, but precise fiber alignment is required which increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide chip merges the light guiding and pattern formation functions into a single integrated component. The light paths are defined within the chip structure itself, eliminating the need for separate optical fibers and their precise alignment, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the optical fiber alignment requirement by using an integrated waveguide chip. The light paths are predetermined by the chip structure rather than requiring external fiber alignment, eliminating this source of complexity and manufacturing difficulty
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 design enhances stability and reduces complexity, enabling faster image recording with improved accuracy and reduced costs by eliminating the need for precise fiber alignment and minimizing coherence issues, while maintaining high-resolution structured illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide chip with a plurality of inputs; an input selection device for variably directing light to one of the inputs; the waveguide chip further comprising a light guide path following each of the inputs; each light guide path divides into several path divisions; and each path division leads to one output of the waveguide chip
Data Source
AI summary
A light microscope comprises: a structuring optical unit comprising a waveguide chip for providing a structured illumination; an input selection device for variably directing light to one of several inputs of the waveguide chip; the waveguide chip further comprising a light guide path following each of the inputs; each light guide path divides into several path divisions; and each path division leads to one output of the wave-guide chip. The outputs of the waveguide chip can be arranged at a pupil plane of the light microscope, and an exit direction of light from the outputs is transverse to a plane defined by the waveguide chip. A method for providing structured illumination light using the light microscope is also described.