Optical device and apparatus comprising the same

Abstract

An optical device (1) for implementing magnification and comprising a primary lens placement (2) and a secondary lens placement (3) defining an optical axis (O). The primary lens placement (2) is spheroidal, i.e. can be at least partially spherically shaped or spherical, and has a plane of symmetry (P) dividing the primary lens placement (2) into two halves. The primary lens placement (2) comprises at least one primary lens element (5, 5a, 5b) and an optical aperture element (7). The one or more primary lens elements (5, 5a, 5b) form one or both of the two halves. The optical aperture element (7) is for spatially limiting the propagation of electromagnetic radiation and extends along the plane of symmetry (P). The secondary lens placement (3) comprises at least one secondary lens element (8, 8a, 8b) and is for directing electromagnetic radiation to the primary lens placement (2) or for receiving limited electromagnetic radiation from the primary lens placement (2). The optical device can have an optical magnification between 1:3 and 3:1, thereby implementing a magnification effect sufficient for the average consumer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device for implementing magnification, the optical device comprising a primary lens placement and a secondary lens placement defining an optical axis. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional medical (e.g. diagnostic or research) microscopes are designed for observation with the naked eye, but can also be equipped with additional interfaces, such as a camera imaging interface. Such microscopes are typically large and expensive devices designed for experts. Furthermore, standalone microscopes have limited use in tasks where a portable microscope is needed, such as inspection work.

[0003] Current portable and / or low-cost microscopes include USB microscopes for use with a computer, and external additional lenses for a standard smartphone or tablet in front of the camera objective of the device. USB microscopes for use with a computer are portable, but this is not easy to implement. The resolution of additional lenses is low and often difficult to use.

[0004] Current consumer devices such as smartphones or tablets do not have a built-in microscope camera module. The prior art has not solved the technical problems related to installing a full microscope camera module in a mobile electronic device. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved optical device for implementing magnification. The above mentioned and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided an optical device for implementing magnification. The optical device comprises a primary lens placement and a secondary lens placement defining an optical axis, the primary lens placement being spheroid and having a plane of symmetry dividing the primary lens placement into two halves. The primary lens placement comprises at least one primary lens element forming one or both of the two halves and an optical aperture element for spatially limiting the propagation of electromagnetic radiation. The optical aperture element extends along the plane of symmetry. The secondary lens placement comprises at least one secondary lens element, the secondary lens placement being for directing electromagnetic radiation to the primary lens placement or for receiving limited electromagnetic radiation from the primary lens placement.

[0007] This technical solution has the following advantages: low complexity, relatively low manufacturing costs, relatively small space required within the device, while the image quality remains good due to the inherent symmetry. The ball lens placement can be provided at the center of the optical device, which makes the device design smaller in size, thus achieving better portability. By having the centrally located ball lens placement provide most of the optical power, and using the other one or more placements only to bring the image surface to a plane, the current technical solution also provides a larger available image area.

[0008] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the optical device further comprises an image sensor, the image sensor sharing the optical axis. This allows taking an image of the magnified object.

[0009] In another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the optical aperture element is an electromagnetic radiation stop, the optical aperture element being partially electromagnetically transparent and partially opaque. This allows limiting the electromagnetic radiation passing through the primary lens placement to the radiation directly passing through the aperture of the optical aperture element, or to the combination of the radiation passing through the aperture and the electromagnetic radiation passing through the additional transparent portion of the optical aperture element.

[0010] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the optical magnification of the optical device is between 1:3 and 3:1. This achieves a magnification effect that is sufficient for ordinary consumers.

[0011] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the pixel size of the image sensor is between 0.7 pm and 5 pm, and / or the diameter of the image sensor is at most 10 mm. This allows the device comprising the optical device and the image sensor to become a small microscope with sufficient image resolution.

[0012] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the primary lens placement is biconvex, preferably equiconvex.

[0013] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, each primary lens element is at least partially convex. This allows the primary lens elements to have a shape that is easier to manufacture and / or to fit into a specific available space.

[0014] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the primary lens element is a monolithic biconvex lens element, the optical aperture element extending within the monolithic biconvex lens element. This facilitates simple assembly, reducing components that need to be aligned.

[0015] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the primary lens placement is at least partially spherical or spheroidal.

[0016] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the one-lens arrangement comprises two one-lens elements in the form of a first plano-convex lens element and a second plano-convex lens element, a first main plane of the first plano-convex lens element and a second main plane of the second plano-convex lens element extending parallel to each other and parallel to the symmetry plane, the optical aperture element extending between and adjoining the first main plane and the second main plane. This simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0017] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, each one-lens element is at least partially spherical or spheroidal.

[0018] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first plano-convex lens element has a first thickness as seen from the first main plane, the second plano-convex lens element has a second thickness as seen from the second main plane, the first thickness and the second thickness being identical for at least one portion of the first plano-convex lens element and one portion of the second plano-convex lens element. By being at least partially identical and being arranged in corresponding positions of the two halves, the one-lens arrangement has at least partial symmetry, while the remaining portions of the one-lens arrangement can have any other suitable shape.

[0019] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first thickness and the second thickness have the same deviation as seen from a common center point and in a radial direction.

[0020] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the optical device further comprises a three-lens arrangement comprising at least one three-lens element, the one-lens arrangement being arranged between the two-lens arrangement and the three-lens arrangement along the optical axis. This allows converging and diverging of electromagnetic radiation, if appropriate.

[0021] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least one of the one or more one-lens elements, the one or more two-lens elements, and / or the one or more three-lens elements is aspherical. This allows the image surface to become planar.

[0022] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the incident electromagnetic radiation is allowed to propagate in the one or more one-lens elements by passing the incident electromagnetic radiation from a first side of the symmetry plane through the optical aperture element to a second side of the symmetry plane.

[0023] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation is in one of a visible light wavelength range, an infrared wavelength range and an ultraviolet wavelength range. This allows the optical device to be used for applications other than microscopy, e.g. detecting security markings outside the normal human visual range.

[0024] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the diameter of the optical aperture element is smaller than the peripheral diameter of the primary lens placement.

[0025] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the secondary lens placement and the tertiary lens placement are identical and symmetrically arranged around the primary lens placement.

[0026] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the secondary lens placement comprises a first secondary lens element and a second secondary lens element, and the tertiary lens placement comprises a first tertiary lens element and a second tertiary lens element. This increases the flexibility and power of the optical device.

[0027] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first secondary lens element and the first tertiary lens element are identical, and the second secondary lens element and the second tertiary lens element are identical. This makes the optical device fully symmetric.

[0028] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the secondary lens placement comprises a first secondary lens element and a second secondary lens element, and the tertiary lens placement comprises a first tertiary lens element and a second tertiary lens element, the first secondary lens element and the first tertiary lens element being different, and the second secondary lens element and the second tertiary lens element being different. This allows the optical device to be set up to suit any desired specification.

[0029] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the electromagnetic radiation shield comprises a foil and / or a coating, the foil or coating preferably comprising an electromagnetically opaque plastic and / or a metallic material.

[0030] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the electromagnetic radiation shield comprises a plate with through-going openings, or is part of an outer lens barrel housing.

[0031] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the one or more primary lens elements, the one or more secondary lens elements and / or the one or more tertiary lens elements comprise an optical glass and / or a plastic material.

[0032] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising the optical device provided above. The optical device facilitates a portable apparatus, such as a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop, to have a built-in microscope camera module.

[0033] In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the optical device is not an add-on to the apparatus.

[0034] In another possible implementation form of the second aspect, the apparatus further comprises an image sensor module, the image sensor of which is the image sensor of the optical device. This enables the use of existing functionality of the apparatus, e.g. the camera module of a smartphone, to capture images of magnified objects.

[0035] In yet another possible implementation form of the second aspect, the optical device is arranged entirely within the apparatus, such that no alignment of the optical device with other functionality of the apparatus by a user is required.

[0036] In yet another possible implementation form of the second aspect, the apparatus further comprises at least one illumination source for illuminating an object to be magnified through the optical device. This not only improves the illumination of the object to be magnified, but also enables the optical device to be used for 3D imaging. By controlling the angle of the illumination, e.g. by two illumination sources providing illumination at two different steep angles, two images can be captured which are used to generate a 3D image. By controlling the color of the illumination, e.g. by two illumination sources providing illumination at two different wavelengths, a spectral analysis of the object can be performed.

[0037] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of providing a magnified image of an object emitting electromagnetic radiation. The method comprises a number of steps, including providing a primary lens arrangement defining an optical axis. The primary lens arrangement is spherical and is divided into two halves by a plane of symmetry, the primary lens arrangement comprising an optical aperture element for spatially limiting propagation of electromagnetic radiation within the primary lens arrangement, the optical aperture element extending along the plane of symmetry. Further, the method comprises the step of providing a secondary lens arrangement along the optical axis, wherein the secondary lens arrangement is for directing electromagnetic radiation to the primary lens arrangement or for receiving limited electromagnetic radiation from the primary lens arrangement. The method further comprises the step of allowing the electromagnetic radiation to propagate in the secondary lens arrangement before the electromagnetic radiation has propagated in the primary lens arrangement or allowing the limited electromagnetic radiation to propagate in the secondary lens arrangement after the optical aperture element has spatially limited the propagation of electromagnetic radiation.

[0038] This technical solution has the following advantages: low complexity, relatively low manufacturing cost, relatively small space required in the device, while the image quality is still good. The ball lens placement can be arranged at the center of the optical device, which makes the design size of the device smaller, thus achieving better portability. In addition, the ball lens placement is combined with other one or more lens placements before or after the ball lens placement, which provides a larger available image area.

[0039] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the method comprises the steps of providing a third lens placement along the optical axis, such that the first lens placement is arranged along the optical axis between the second lens placement and the third lens placement; allowing the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the object to propagate in the third lens placement before the electromagnetic radiation propagates in the first lens placement; or allowing the limited electromagnetic radiation to propagate in the third lens placement after the optical aperture element spatially limits the propagation of the electromagnetic radiation. This makes the electromagnetic radiation converge and diverge as appropriate, and the optical device used by the method is symmetrical.

[0040] In a further possible implementation form of the third aspect, the second lens placement and / or the third lens placement comprises at least one aspherical lens. This makes the image surface become a plane.

[0041] These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] In the following detailed description of the application, various aspects, embodiments and implementations are explained with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1a and Figure 1b is a perspective view and a sectional side view of an optical device according to an embodiment of the application;

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a device comprising an optical device according to an embodiment of the application;

[0045] Figure 3 is a sectional side view of an optical device according to an embodiment of the application;

[0046] Figure 4 is a sectional side view of an optical device according to an embodiment of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 2A device 11, e.g. a smartphone, tablet or laptop, is shown comprising an optical device 1 implementing magnification of an object. The optical device 1 is entirely arranged within the device 11, in other words the optical device 1 is not an add-on to the device 11.

[0048] The device 11 can further comprise an image sensor module 12, the image sensor in the image sensor module 12 can also be part of the optical device 1, as the image sensor 4 of the optical device 1. The device can further comprise several additional components, e.g. an autofocus actuator, other related optomechanical devices and electronics. If the device 11 and the optical device 1 do not comprise an image sensor 4, the device 11 instead comprises additional optics, e.g. an eyepiece.

[0049] The device 11 can further comprise at least one illumination source 13 for illuminating the object to be magnified through the optical device 1. This can not only improve the illumination of the object to be magnified, but also enable the optical device 1 to be used for 3D imaging. By controlling the angle of the illumination, e.g. by providing illumination with two different steep angles by two illumination sources, two images can be captured which are used to generate a 3D image. By controlling the color of the illumination, e.g. by providing illumination with two different wavelengths by two illumination sources, a spectral analysis of the object can be performed.

[0050] Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 An embodiment of the optical device 1 is shown. The optical device 1 implements magnification of an object by a primary lens placement 2 and a secondary lens placement 3, the primary lens placement 2 and the secondary lens placement 3 together defining an optical axis O along which electromagnetic radiation emitted by the object propagates in parallel along the general direction of the optical axis O or at various angles, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The optical magnification of the optical device 1 can be between 1:3 and 3:1, preferably between 1:2 and 2:1.

[0051] The wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation can be in one of the visible light wavelength range, the infrared wavelength range or the ultraviolet wavelength range. Visible light can be used to generate two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) images, while infrared light and ultraviolet light can both be used, e.g. to detect security markings outside the normal human vision range.

[0052] The primary lens placement 2 is spherical and has a plane of symmetry P dividing the primary lens placement 2 into two halves, as shown in Figure 1b 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 The two halves can be actual physical halves, as shown in Figure 4as shown, or imaginary halves, as shown. The two halves can have the same shape and size, or can have uneven shapes and sizes. By "spherical" is meant at least partially spherical in shape, wherein at least a portion of each half is convex. In other words, a singlet placement 2 is at least partially biconvex. Figure 3 A singlet placement 2 that is entirely spherical and equiconvex is shown. Figure 3 A singlet placement 2 that is entirely spherical and equiconvex is shown. Figure 4 A singlet placement 2 that is partially spherical and equiconvex is shown. The singlet placement 2 can be a sphere and / or include cutouts, for example, Figure 4 those cutouts shown in the upper and lower portions of the singlet placement 2 in

[0053] The singlet placement 2 can have a first thickness T1 and a second thickness T2, as shown. Figure 3 The first thickness T1 and the second thickness T2 can correspond to the placement radius at the convex portion of the singlet placement 2 as viewed from the common center point of the singlet placement 2.

[0054] The singlet placement 2 includes at least one singlet element 5, 5a, 5b, which forms one or both of the two halves described above. Each singlet element 5, 5a, 5b can be at least partially convex.

[0055] The singlet placement 2 further includes an optical aperture element 7 for spatially limiting the propagation of electromagnetic radiation. The optical aperture element 7 extends within the singlet placement 2 along the plane of symmetry P. The optical aperture element 7 can allow incident electromagnetic radiation to propagate in the singlet element 5, 5a, 5b by passing through the optical aperture element 7 from a first side of the plane of symmetry P to a second side of the plane of symmetry P. The diameter of the optical aperture element 7 can be smaller than the peripheral diameter of the singlet placement 2.

[0056] The optical aperture element 7 can include an electromagnetic transparent aperture, while the rest of the optical aperture element 7 surrounding this aperture can form an electromagnetic radiation baffle. The area of the optical aperture element 7 that does not form an aperture can be completely or partially opaque. Thus, the optical aperture element 7 can allow electromagnetic radiation to propagate only in the aperture of the optical aperture element, or in the aperture and in additional transparent portions of the optical aperture element 7. A partially transparent, partially opaque optical aperture element 7 can be useful, for example, for waveband plates when trying to control diffraction and improve resolution.

[0057] The optical aperture element 7 can include a plate with a through-going opening, i.e. an aperture, or can be part of an external lens barrel housing. The optical aperture element 7 can include a foil and / or a coating, which preferably comprises an electromagnetic opaque plastic and / or a metallic material.

[0058] The primary lens arrangement 2 can comprise only one primary lens element 5, which is a single piece lenticular lens element. The optical aperture element 7 extends within the single piece lenticular lens element 5, as shown. Figure 3 Each primary lens element 5, 5a, 5b can be at least partially spherical or spheroidal.

[0059] The primary lens arrangement 2 can also comprise two primary lens elements 5a, 5b in the form of a first plano-convex lens element 5a and a second plano-convex lens element 5b, as shown. Figure 4 A first main plane 6a of the first plano-convex lens element 5a and a second main plane 6b of the second plano-convex lens element 5b extend parallel to each other and parallel to the plane of symmetry P. The optical aperture element 7 extends between and adjoins the first main plane 6a and the second main plane 6b.

[0060] The first plano-convex lens element 5a can have a first thickness T1 as seen from the first main plane 6a, and the second plano-convex lens element 5b can have a second thickness T2 as seen from the second main plane 6b. The first thickness T1 and the second thickness T2 can be identical for at least one portion of the first plano-convex lens element 5a and one portion of the second plano-convex lens element 5b. Nonetheless,

[0061] The thicknesses or (in some cases) the radii of curvature of the first plano-convex lens element 5a and the second plano-convex lens element 5b do not necessarily have to be defined exactly from the plane of symmetry (i.e. from the common center point). One or more of the primary lens elements 5, 5a, 5b can be aspherical, so that the ideal radii of curvature can slightly differ between the halves and / or elements. If the magnification is 1 : 1, the parameters of the radii of curvature of the halves and / or elements can be exactly the same.

[0062] Furthermore, the portions with the first thickness T1 and the second thickness T2 can have the same deviation, rather than the same thickness / radius of curvature. The range of deviation over the entire surface of the primary lens arrangement depends on the shape of the element(s) and is defined according to an equation that takes into account a number of parameters. It is therefore sufficient that the corresponding portions of the halves and / or elements achieve a generally symmetrical shape adjacent to the aperture region of the optical aperture element 7.

[0063] The secondary lens arrangement 3 comprises at least one secondary lens element 8, 8a, 8b. The secondary lens arrangement 3 is used to direct electromagnetic radiation to the primary lens arrangement 2, or to receive limited electromagnetic radiation from the primary lens arrangement 2. In other words, the secondary lens arrangement 3 can be arranged before or after the primary lens arrangement 2, as seen in the direction of propagation of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object to be magnified.

[0064] The optical device 1 can comprise an image sensor 4, which is arranged such that the image sensor 4 shares the optical axis O with the primary lens arrangement 2 and the secondary lens arrangement 3. As mentioned above, the image sensor 4 can be part of the image sensor module 12 in the apparatus 11. However, the image sensor 4 can also be a separate, additional image sensor. The pixel size of the image sensor 4 can be between 0.7 pm and 5 pm, and / or the diameter of the image sensor 4 can be maximally 10 mm.

[0065] The optical device 1 can further comprise a tertiary lens arrangement 9 comprising at least one tertiary lens element 10, 10a, 10b. The primary lens arrangement 2 is arranged between the secondary lens arrangement 3 and the tertiary lens arrangement 9 along the optical axis O, as shown in Figure 1b 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 .

[0066] The secondary lens arrangement 3 can comprise a first secondary lens element 8a and a second secondary lens element 8b, and the tertiary lens arrangement 9 can comprise a first tertiary lens element 10a and a second tertiary lens element 10b.

[0067] The secondary lens arrangement 3 and the tertiary lens arrangement 9 can be identical and symmetrically arranged around the primary lens arrangement 2 (not shown), i.e. the magnification is 1 : 1. The first secondary lens element 8a and the first tertiary lens element 10a can be identical, and the second secondary lens element 8b and the second tertiary lens element 10b can be identical.

[0068] The secondary lens arrangement 3 can be different, as shown in Figure 1b 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 . The first secondary lens element 8a and the first tertiary lens element 10a are different, and / or the second secondary lens element 8b and the second tertiary lens element 10b are different.

[0069] At least one of the primary lens elements 5, 5a, 5b, the secondary lens elements 8, 8a, 8b and / or the tertiary lens elements 10, 10a, 10b can be aspherical.

[0070] The primary lens elements 5, 5a, 5b, the secondary lens elements 8, 8a, 8b and / or the tertiary lens elements 10, 10a, 10b can comprise an optical glass and / or a plastic material.

[0071] The application also relates to a method of providing an enlarged image of an object emitting electromagnetic radiation. The method comprises providing a primary lens placement 2 defining an optical axis O. The primary lens placement 2 is spherical and is divided into two halves by a plane of symmetry P. The primary lens placement 2 comprises an optical aperture element 7 for spatially limiting the propagation of electromagnetic radiation within the primary lens placement 2. The optical aperture element 7 extends along the plane of symmetry P. The method further comprises providing a secondary lens placement 3 along the optical axis O. The secondary lens placement 3 is for directing electromagnetic radiation to the primary lens placement 2 or for receiving limited electromagnetic radiation from the primary lens placement 2. In other words, the secondary lens placement 3 can be arranged before or after the primary lens placement 2 as seen in the direction of propagation of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object to be enlarged.

[0072] When the secondary lens placement 3 is arranged before the primary lens placement 2, electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object can be allowed to propagate in the secondary lens placement 3 before propagating in the primary lens placement 2. Correspondingly, when the secondary lens placement 3 is arranged after the primary lens placement 2, limited electromagnetic radiation can be allowed to propagate in the secondary lens placement 3 after the propagation of electromagnetic radiation has been spatially limited by the optical aperture element 7.

[0073] The method can further comprise the step of providing a tertiary lens placement 9 along the optical axis O such that the primary lens placement 2 is arranged between the secondary lens placement 3 and the tertiary lens placement 9 along the optical axis O.

[0074] When the tertiary lens placement 9 is arranged before the primary lens placement 2, electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object can be allowed to propagate in the tertiary lens placement 9 before propagating in the primary lens placement 2. Correspondingly, when the tertiary lens placement 9 is arranged after the primary lens placement 2, limited electromagnetic radiation can be allowed to propagate in the tertiary lens placement 9 after the propagation of electromagnetic radiation has been spatially limited by the optical aperture element 7.

[0075] In one embodiment, the secondary lens placement 3 is arranged before the primary lens placement 2 and the tertiary lens placement 9 is arranged after the primary lens placement 2 as seen in the direction of propagation of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object to be enlarged. In other words, the secondary lens placement 3 is arranged closest to the object to be enlarged and the tertiary lens placement 9 is arranged closest to, for example, the image sensor 4.

[0076] The secondary lens placement 3 and / or the tertiary lens placement 9 can comprise at least one aspherical lens. As Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the secondary lens placement can include two different aspherical lenses, and the tertiary lens placement 9 can include two other aspherical lenses. Any suitable number of aspherical lenses can be used in each lens placement, and the aspherical lenses can be the same or different in each lens placement and / or between lens placements.

[0077] Various aspects and implementations have been described herein in connection with various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize certain modifications or changes for the same could be made thereto without departing from the application as set forth in the claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0078] The reference signs used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. The drawings (e.g., cross-sectional views, exploded views, component arrangements, scaling, degrees, etc.) are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Unless otherwise specified, the drawings are to be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered a portion thereof. The terms "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower," and derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "rightwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its normal axis of elongation, or rotation, as the case can be.

Claims

1. An optical device (1) for implementing amplification, characterized in that, The optical device (1) comprises a primary lens arrangement (2) and a secondary lens arrangement (3) defining an optical axis (O); The primary lens arrangement (2) is spheroid and has a plane of symmetry (P) dividing the primary lens arrangement (2) into two halves; The primary lens arrangement (2) comprises: at least one primary lens element (5, 5a, 5b), wherein the at least one primary lens element (5, 5a, 5b) forms one or both of the two halves; an optical aperture element (7) for spatially limiting the propagation of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the optical aperture element (7) extends along the plane of symmetry (P); The secondary lens arrangement (3) comprises at least one secondary lens element (8, 8a, 8b); The secondary lens arrangement (3) is configured to direct electromagnetic radiation to the primary lens arrangement (2) or to receive limited electromagnetic radiation from the primary lens arrangement (2).

2. The optical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The optical device (1) further comprises an image sensor (4) sharing the optical axis (O).

3. The optical device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The pixel size of the image sensor (4) is between 0.7 pm and 5 pm, and / or the diameter of the image sensor (4) is at most 10 mm.

4. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The primary lens arrangement (2) is biconvex.

5. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The primary lens arrangement (2) is equiconvex.

6. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Each primary lens element (5, 5a, 5b) is at least partially convex.

7. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The primary lens element (5) is a monolithic biconvex lens element; The optical aperture element (7) extends within the monolithic biconvex lens element (5).

8. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The primary lens arrangement (2) comprises two primary lens elements (5a, 5b) in the form of a first plano-convex lens element (5a) and a second plano-convex lens element (5b); A first main plane (6a) of the first plano-convex lens element (5a) and a second main plane (6b) of the second plano-convex lens element (5b) extend parallel to each other and parallel to the plane of symmetry (P); The optical aperture element (7) extends between and adjoins the first main plane (6a) and the second main plane (6b).

9. The optical device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The first plano-convex lens element (5a) has a first thickness (T1) as seen from the first main plane (6a), and the second plano-convex lens element (5b) has a second thickness (T2) as seen from the second main plane (6b); The first thickness (T1) and the second thickness (T2) are identical for at least one portion of the first plano-convex lens element (5a) and one portion of the second plano-convex lens element (5b).

10. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The optical device (1) further comprises a tertiary lens arrangement (9) comprising at least one tertiary lens element (10, 10a, 10b); The primary lens arrangement (2) is arranged between the secondary lens arrangement (3) and the tertiary lens arrangement (9) along the optical axis (O).

11. The optical device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that At least one of the at least one primary lens element (5, 5a, 5b), the at least one secondary lens element (8, 8a, 8b) and / or the at least one tertiary lens element (10, 10a, 10b) is aspherical.

12. An apparatus (11), characterized by The device (11) comprises an optical apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The apparatus (11) according to claim 12, characterized in that The device (11) further comprises an image sensor module (12), the image sensor of which is the image sensor (4) of the optical apparatus (1).

14. A method of providing an enlarged image of an object emitting electromagnetic radiation, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: providing a primary lens placement (2) defining an optical axis (O), wherein the primary lens placement (2) is spherical and is divided into two halves by a plane of symmetry (P), the primary lens placement (2) comprises an optical aperture element (7) for spatially limiting the propagation of electromagnetic radiation within the primary lens placement (2), the optical aperture element (7) extending along the plane of symmetry (P); providing a secondary lens placement (3) along the optical axis (O), wherein the secondary lens placement (3) is for directing the electromagnetic radiation to the primary lens placement (2) or for receiving limited electromagnetic radiation from the primary lens placement (2); allowing the electromagnetic radiation to propagate in the secondary lens placement (3) before the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the object propagates in the primary lens placement (2); or allowing the limited electromagnetic radiation to propagate in the secondary lens placement (3) after the optical aperture element (7) has spatially limited the propagation of the electromagnetic radiation.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: providing a tertiary lens placement (9) along the optical axis (O) such that the primary lens placement (2) is arranged between the secondary lens placement (3) and the tertiary lens placement (9) along the optical axis (O); allowing the electromagnetic radiation to propagate in the tertiary lens placement (9) before the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the object propagates in the primary lens placement (2); or allowing the limited electromagnetic radiation to propagate in the tertiary lens placement (9) after the optical aperture element (7) has spatially limited the propagation of the electromagnetic radiation.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The secondary lens placement (3) and / or the tertiary lens placement (9) comprises at least one aspherical lens.

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