Multi-functional optical imaging system
OwnerJames Jiang, Nada Boustanyinventors
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Abstract
This invention discloses a multi-functional optical microscopy imaging system that integrates multiple imaging techniques, including fluorescence lifetime imaging, bright-field microscopy, Raman microscopy, and one sample manipulation technique, optical tweezers, in a single microscope setup. This allows for the acquisition of structural, functional, and molecular information from the sample with simultaneous sample manipulation function. Various design approaches have been outlined for a multi-modality microscopy by segmenting the entire operational wavelength range of an objective lens into separate spectral channels, each dedicated to a specific optical technique.
Claims8
A multi-functional optical imaging system comprising:
- An infinity-corrected objective lens operable over a broad wavelength range, configured to examine a sample positioned near the objective's focal plane;
- Multiple dichroic beam splitters arranged to separate an optical beam passing through the objective into distinct wavelength channels and beam paths for various subsystems;
- A fluorescence lifetime imaging subsystem operating in a first wavelength channel at the shorter wavelength end of the range supported by the objective, configured to generate fluorescence lifetime images using a scanned optical beam, the subsystem further including a relay lens pair that aligns the beam scanning axis with the back entrance aperture of the objective, where the beam size is matched to the aperture size upon entry;
- A bright-field microscopy imaging subsystem operating in a second wavelength channel, which is longer than the first, adapted to capture bright-field microscope images of the sample using a camera, with illumination provided by light within this wavelength channel;
- An optical tweezers subsystem operating in a third wavelength channel, which is longer than the first but distinct from the second, configured for optical tweezers functionality to manipulate particles within the sample, including an optical beam scanner for moving the beam focused by the objective lens and a relay lens pair that aligns the beam scanning axis with the back entrance aperture of the objective, ensuring the beam size matches the aperture size upon entry;
- and
- A Raman microscopy imaging subsystem operating in a fourth wavelength channel, which is the longest among the four, configured to measure Raman spectra at various sample locations to form Raman spectroscopy images, including an optical beam scanner for beam positioning and a relay lens pair that aligns the beam scanning axis with the back entrance aperture of the objective, where the beam size is matched to the aperture size upon entry.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.