Objective Optical System for ATR Measurement with Movable Light Shielding Mask
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional objective optical systems for infrared microscopes face challenges in achieving both high optical throughput and mitigating anomalous dispersion of refractive index, requiring multiple systems and being costly due to the need for precise light shielding masks and limited space for components.
Innovation Solution
An objective optical system with a light shielding mask and sliding mechanism that adjusts the incident angle range of measurement light, allowing for easy switching between high throughput and anomalous dispersion mitigation, using a light shielding mask that can be easily positioned and changed, reducing manufacturing costs and space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the incident angle range is widened to increase optical throughput, then optical throughput is improved, but anomalous dispersion effects increase causing shape changes in absorption peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable light shielding mask that can be positioned at different locations along the optical path. By dynamically adjusting the mask position, the system can vary the incident angle range of light reaching the ATR prism. This dynamic adjustment enables switching between wide-angle mode (high throughput) and narrow-angle mode (reduced anomalous dispersion), resolving the contradiction between optical throughput and measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple objective optical systems are prepared for different measurement purposes, then measurement versatility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple measurement capabilities into a single objective optical system by incorporating a movable light shielding mask. This mask can be positioned at different locations to achieve different incident angle ranges, allowing the same optical system to perform both high-throughput measurements and measurements with reduced anomalous dispersion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate optical systems, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If a light shielding mask is precisely positioned to control incident angles, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable light shielding mask as an intermediary element that simplifies the control of incident angles. Instead of requiring precise manufacturing of fixed mask positions or complex mechanical positioning systems, the movable mask can be adjusted to intermediate positions along the optical path. This intermediary approach achieves accurate incident angle control through simple linear movement rather than complex positioning mechanisms, reducing manufacturing difficulty and cost.
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
Enables adjustable penetration depth and incident angle range, allowing for multiple absorption spectra at different depths with a single system, while maintaining low production costs and improving optical throughput by reducing anomalous dispersion effects.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement light reflected and condensed by the concave surface of the primary mirror 511 is incident on the ATR prism 538
Implementation Method 2
after incident on the ATR prism 438, the infrared light is totally reflected by the boundary surface B between the ATR prism 438 and the sample S
Implementation Method 3
the infrared light slightly (a fraction of the wavelength of the measured infrared light) penetrates toward the sample S side beyond the boundary surface B and receives inherent absorption by the surface portion of the sample S
Data Source
AI summary
An objective optical system includes a convex secondary mirror configured to reflect a measurement light irradiated from an infrared microscope, a concave primary mirror configured to reflect the measurement light reflected by the secondary mirror, a prism to which the measurement light reflected by the primary mirror is irradiated, and a light shielding means provided on an optical path of the measurement light between the primary mirror and the prism to shield a part of the light beam of the measurement light.