Aperture Member Positioning for Flexible Shadow Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample observation devices using the modulation contrast method face difficulties in positioning the aperture plate relative to the modulator, limiting the direction of shadow generation and requiring adjustments when switching between observation methods, and are cumbersome for non-modulation contrast microscopy.
Innovation Solution
A sample observation device with an illumination optical system including a light source, condenser lens, and aperture member where the light-shielding part includes the optical axis, and the transmission part is outside the light-shielding part, allowing the image of the inner edge of the transmission part to form inside the pupil of the objective lens and the image of the outer edge to form outside, enabling flexible positioning and method switching without modulator dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the aperture plate is positioned with the transmission part away from the optical axis to enable oblique illumination for modulation contrast, then colorless and transparent samples can be observed with shadow and three-dimensional appearance, but the positioning of the aperture plate becomes troublesome and requires precise alignment with the modulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the modulator from the optical system, extracting the component that caused the alignment complexity. The aperture plate is repositioned to the illumination optical system rather than being constrained by modulator positioning requirements, eliminating the troublesome alignment process while maintaining modulation contrast capability through a simplified configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the transmission part away from the optical axis in the traditional modulation contrast configuration, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the light-shielding part at the center and the transmission part at the periphery of the aperture plate, achieving oblique illumination through a reversed structural arrangement that simplifies positioning
2Measurement precision
If the modulator is disposed inside the objective lens to achieve modulation contrast, then shadow generation is enabled, but the direction of shadow is restricted to specific directions corresponding to the modulator region positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the shadow direction dynamic and adjustable by positioning the aperture plate in the illumination optical system rather than fixing it inside the objective lens. This allows the illumination angle to be varied, enabling shadow generation in multiple directions and providing flexibility to adapt to different observation requirements without being constrained to fixed shadow directions
Solution Approach 2:
The objective lens is designed to be universal and multi-functional by removing the modulator from inside it. The same objective lens can now be used for both modulation contrast observation (with the aperture plate in the illumination system) and other observation methods, eliminating the need to replace the objective lens when switching between different observation techniques
3Measurement precision
If the modulator is disposed inside the objective lens for modulation contrast observation, then colorless and transparent samples can be observed, but the objective lens must be replaced or modulator removed when performing other observation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The modulator is extracted from inside the objective lens and the modulation contrast functionality is implemented through the aperture plate positioned in the illumination optical system. This separation simplifies the objective lens configuration, making it a standard objective lens without internal modulators, thereby reducing device complexity and enabling the use of a single objective lens for multiple observation methods
Solution Approach 2:
The objective lens becomes universal and can be used for multiple observation methods including modulation contrast (with the aperture plate configuration), bright-field, and other standard microscopy techniques. This eliminates the need to replace the objective lens when switching between different observation methods, simplifying the overall device configuration
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 configuration allows for unrestricted direction of shadow generation and simplifies aperture member positioning, enabling clear observation of colorless and transparent samples with enhanced brightness contrast without the need for modulators, facilitating various observation methods with a single objective lens.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination optical system including a light source 1, a condenser lens 4 and an aperture member 5
Implementation Method 2
illumination light passing through the transmission part is emitted from a condenser lens so as to illuminate a sample from an oblique direction. The illumination light emitted from the condenser lens passes through the sample and reaches the modulator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A sample observation device includes an illumination optical system and an observation optical system, and the illumination optical system includes a light source, a condenser lens and an aperture member, and the observation optical system includes an objective lens and an imaging lens, and the aperture member has a light-shielding part or a darkening part and a transmission part, and the aperture member is disposed so that the light-shielding part or the darkening part includes an optical axis of the illumination optical system, and an image of an inner edge of the transmission part is formed inside of an outer edge of the pupil of the objective lens, and an image of an outer edge of the transmission part is formed outside of the outer edge of the pupil of the objective lens.