Apochromatic Microscope Objective for UV to IR Spectral Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope objectives with apochromatic correction are limited to small spectral regions, such as the visual spectrum, and have a small object field, which is insufficient for newer microscopy techniques like fluorescent microscopy that require operation across visible, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelength ranges without objective changes.
Innovation Solution
A microscope objective design with high aperture and large object field, comprising multiple lens groups with specific refractive powers and configurations, achieving planapochromatic correction from ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths, allowing for extended spectral range and larger object fields without the need for multiple objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If microscope objectives are designed for apochromatic correction in limited spectral regions, then correction quality is improved, but spectral range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single microscope objective that performs multiple functions: it provides apochromatic correction across three distinct spectral regions (ultraviolet 365nm, visible 546nm, and infrared 850nm) simultaneously. The objective serves as a universal optical component that replaces the need for multiple specialized objectives, enabling fluorescence microscopy applications across different wavelength ranges without changing the objective lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by carefully selecting lens materials with specific refractive indices and Abbe numbers that enable apochromatic correction across multiple spectral regions. The design uses cemented lens groups with precisely controlled parameters (focal lengths, curvatures, material properties) to achieve corrected image quality in ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If object magnification is increased, then resolution is improved, but object field size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by optimizing the intermediate image size (25mm) as a separate dimensional parameter. By setting a larger intermediate image dimension, the system achieves both high magnification (40x) for good resolution and a large object field (2.2mm diameter), breaking the traditional inverse relationship between magnification and field size.
3Measurement precision
If aperture is increased, then resolution is improved, but working distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing multiple optical parameters simultaneously: high aperture (1.2) for resolution, short working distance (0.28mm) for compact design, and specific focal lengths for lens groups (G2≥15mm, G3≥20mm, L5≤20mm, L8≤20mm) to achieve the desired performance balance.
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
The design enables apochromatic correction over a large spectral range, providing a larger object field and high aperture, enabling observation of large microscopic fields from ultraviolet to infrared without objective changes, enhancing microscopy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first group of lenses (G1) with overall positive refraction power, having a cemented group with positive-negative refraction power effect
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope objective with high aperture, large object field and apochromatic correction in the wavelength range from ultraviolet to infrared. The microscope objective includes, starting from the object level: a first group of lenses with overall positive refraction power, including a cemented group with positive-negative refraction power effect, made out of one of two lenses, and of a further lens with positive refraction power, a second group of lenses with positive refraction power, including three cemented lenses, a third group of lenses with negative refraction power, including three cemented lenses, in which the side that faces the image plane is convex, a fourth group of lenses, consisting of a lens with positive refraction power and a cemented group of two lenses with positive-negative refraction power, and a fifth group of lenses, including two lenses in a cemented group with negative-positive refraction power.