Confocal Microscope Objective Lens Axial Chromatic Aberration Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional objectives for confocal microscopes fail to adequately correct axial chromatic aberrations, especially in short wavelength regions, which hinders high-resolution fluorescence observations and structure analysis of large samples.

Innovation Solution

The objective design includes a first lens group with a meniscus lens component and a second lens group, where the meniscus lens component has a convex surface facing the object, and the lens outer diameter is limited to ensure effective correction of axial chromatic aberrations across a wide wavelength range, satisfying specific conditional expressions to minimize RMS wavefront aberrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional objective is used to correct chromatic aberrations for a wide wavelength region, then chromatic aberration correction is improved, but axial chromatic aberration correction in short wavelength regions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechromatic aberration correction for wide wavelength regionVSAvoidaxial chromatic aberration correction in short wavelength region

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The objective lens is divided into multiple lens groups (first lens group G1, second lens group G2, third lens group G3) with distinct functions. The first lens group handles chromatic aberration correction for wide wavelength regions, while the second lens group specifically addresses axial chromatic aberration in short wavelength regions through its meniscus lens component with convex surface facing the object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different lens groups are designed with specific local optical properties. The meniscus lens component in the second lens group has a convex surface facing the object and satisfies specific conditional expressions (0≤|Δz1|/DOFe≤1.5 and 0≤|Δz2|/DOFe≤2) to provide localized correction for axial chromatic aberration in short wavelength regions, while other lens groups handle different wavelength ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the objective is designed for high resolution fluorescence observation, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to analyze large samples in short time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluorescence observation resolutionVSAvoidanalysis speed for large samples

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The objective maintains high numerical aperture (NA≥0.5) for high resolution while correcting aberrations across wide fields of view. The specific design parameters of the meniscus lens component and its positioning satisfy conditional expressions that enable simultaneous achievement of high resolution and wide field of view, allowing fast scanning of large samples without sacrificing image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the meniscus lens component is positioned closer to the image, then axial chromatic aberration correction is improved, but lens outer diameter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial chromatic aberration correctionVSAvoidlens outer diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The meniscus lens component is positioned in the second lens group G2 which is closer to the image side, and its outer diameter is constrained by the conditional expression Φ1/DOFe≤4. This dimensional constraint enables effective axial chromatic aberration correction while preventing excessive increase in lens size, maintaining a compact objective design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design allows for improved axial chromatic aberration correction, enabling high-resolution fluorescence observations and structure analysis from short to long wavelengths, enhancing the capability to analyze large samples efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

a first lens group G1 including a meniscus lens component (L11) that is the closest to an image among lens components of the first lens group G1, the meniscus lens component L11 having a convex surface facing an object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS10948704B2Objective for a confocal microscope

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

An objective includes: a first lens group that includes a meniscus lens component that is the closest to an image among lens components of the first lens group, the meniscus lens component having a convex surface facing an object; and a second lens group that is closer to the image than the first lens group is, and the objective satisfies the following conditional expressions:0≤|Δz1|/DOFe≤1.5 (1)0≤|Δz2|/DOFe≤2 (2)where Δz1 indicates a difference between a h-line minimization position and an e-line minimization position; Δz2, a difference between a position on then optical axis at which an RMS wavefront aberration in light having a wavelength of 800 nm is minimized and the e-line minimization position; DOFe, a depth of focus for the e line.