Calibration Device for Laser Scanning Microscope Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser scanning microscopes require efficient and time-saving methods for performance testing and calibration due to their complex nature, which is challenging with existing approaches.
Innovation Solution
A calibration device with a test structure that can be easily exchanged and aligned with focusing optics, using reflective grating elements and fluorescent materials to generate test images that compensate for temperature-related focal changes and optical aberrations, allowing for precise measurement and adjustment of the microscope's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a calibration device with fixed combination of focusing optics and test structure is used, then temperature-related focal position changes are compensated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the focusing optics and test structure into a single integrated calibration device unit. This merging ensures that the test structure moves with the focusing optics during temperature changes, automatically compensating for thermal expansion effects and maintaining stable calibration without requiring separate temperature compensation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration device is designed to perform multiple calibration functions simultaneously - it can calibrate for focus position, optical alignment, and test structure positioning all within a single device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate calibration devices while maintaining temperature stability.
2Ease of operation
If the test structure is made exchangeable without adjustment, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device is segmented into modular components: an exchangeable test structure unit and a fixed mounting system. The test structure can be quickly swapped without adjustment while the mounting system maintains precise positioning through its fixed design, allowing easy operation without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is pre-configured with fixed positioning features that automatically align the test structure upon insertion. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual adjustment while ensuring high positioning precision is maintained through the pre-engineered mounting geometry.
3Measurement precision
If the test structure compensates for optical aberrations, then measurement precision improves, but the test structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test structure incorporates specific local features designed to compensate for particular optical aberrations. Instead of making the entire structure complex, specific localized elements are added only where needed to counteract known aberrations, maintaining overall structural simplicity while improving measurement precision.
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 efficient and accurate calibration of laser scanning microscopes by compensating for thermal expansion and optical distortions, ensuring precise alignment and detection efficiency, thereby improving the overall performance and stability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescent material having a defined fluorescence efficiency and emitting fluorescence radiation with defined spectral and polarity characteristics
Implementation Method 2
The test structure can advantageously have reflective grating elements as structural elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has a focusing lens (3) and a test structure (4) fixedly aligned together in a common holder (2). The test structure is arranged in a focal plane of the focusing lens and comprises structure elements e.g. grating elements, that are traced by reflected light and/or transmitted light. The test structure is exchangeably retained in the holder. A lighting device (7) e.g. LED and halogen lamp, is formed for radiographing the test structure in a direction of the focusing lens, and is retained in the holder. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a laser scanning microscope (2) a method for determining and correcting an adjusting condition between an excitation beam course and a detection beam course of a laser scanning microscope.