Asymmetric Aperture Member for Transparent Sample Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample observation devices struggle to effectively observe colorless and transparent samples, particularly in bright-field observation, as they lack the ability to differentiate between flat and inclined surfaces, leading to insufficient contrast and three-dimensional representation.
Innovation Solution
The sample observation device incorporates an illumination optical system with a condenser lens and an aperture member having a light-shielding part and a transmission part, where the transmission part is asymmetrically positioned with respect to the optical axis, forming images of its inner and outer edges within and outside the pupil of the objective lens, respectively, allowing for a change in light flux through the pupil based on sample surface inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rectangular transmission part is formed at a position away from the optical axis in the aperture plate, then illumination light can illuminate the sample from an oblique direction to create modulation contrast, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning and alignment of the transmission part relative to the modulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by forming a transmission part that is asymmetric with respect to the optical axis of the illumination optical system. This asymmetric positioning allows illumination light to strike the sample at oblique angles, creating modulation contrast that enhances the visibility of surface inclinations and three-dimensional structures without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the modulator component from the optical system, achieving modulation contrast observation through asymmetric illumination alone. By removing the modulator and relying solely on the asymmetrically positioned transmission part in the aperture plate, the system simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to observe surface inclinations and internal structures of colorless and transparent samples
2Measurement precision
If multiple regions with different transmittance are formed at the modulator to observe surface inclinations, then the observation precision of surface features improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for both aperture plate and modulator components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the modulator component from the optical system. Instead of using multiple regions with different transmittance at the modulator, the invention achieves the same observation precision for surface inclinations by using a single asymmetric transmission part in the aperture plate that creates oblique illumination, thereby eliminating the need for the modulator and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric illumination through the transmission part positioned away from the optical axis. This localized asymmetric illumination selectively highlights surface inclinations and three-dimensional structures in the sample, providing high observation precision for surface features without requiring multiple transmittance regions across the entire modulator
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission part is positioned asymmetrically to enable oblique illumination for modulation contrast, then the observation capability of colorless and transparent samples improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for aligning the transmission part with the optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the modulator from the system, which eliminates the need for precise alignment between the aperture plate transmission part and the modulator. With the modulator removed, the asymmetric transmission part in the aperture plate alone provides sufficient modulation contrast, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining enhanced observation capability for colorless and transparent samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of the transmission part relative to the optical axis to create oblique illumination that enhances sample observation. This asymmetric design inherently provides the necessary contrast for observing colorless and transparent samples, and when combined with modulator removal, reduces the stringency of positioning precision requirements during manufacturing
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 enables the detection of surface changes in colorless and transparent samples by varying brightness, providing a sample image with shadow and contrast, even without the use of modulators, allowing for enhanced observation of both surface inclinations and internal structures.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination optical system includes a light source, a condenser lens, and an aperture member
Implementation Method 2
the observation optical system includes an objective lens and an imaging lens
Implementation Method 3
the light flux is refracted to the right at the time of passing through the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A sample observation device includes an illumination optical system and an observation optical system. The illumination optical system includes a light source, a condenser lens, and an aperture member. The observation optical system includes an objective lens and an imaging lens. The aperture member has a light-shielding part or a darkening part, and a transmission part. The transmission part is disposed asymmetrically with respect to an optical axis of the illumination optical system. An image of an inner edge of the transmission part is formed inside of an outer edge of a pupil of the objective lens. An image of an outer edge of the transmission part is formed outside of the outer edge of the pupil of the objective lens.