Compact Confocal Microscope Integrating Nipkow Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional confocal microscope systems require large installation spaces and are inconvenient due to the need for multiple adjustments of the laser beam's position and angle, especially when connected to a microscope side-port.
Innovation Solution
A compact confocal microscope system design where the Nipkow disk type scanner unit is positioned behind the objective lens, with a protection cabinet housing all units, reducing the need for extensive space and simplifying adjustments through an optical-axis adjust unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner unit is connected to a microscope side-port, then the confocal microscope system can be integrated with existing microscope structures, but the system requires large installation space and becomes inconvenient due to multiple adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scanner unit with the microscope body by positioning the Nipkow disk scanner inside the microscope housing, integrating the confocal scanning function with the existing microscope structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external scanner units and reduces overall installation space while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner unit is nested within the microscope body structure, with the Nipkow disk and associated optical components positioned inside the microscope housing. This nesting arrangement allows the confocal scanning function to be contained within the existing microscope footprint, reducing the additional space required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner unit is connected to a microscope side-port, then integration is achieved, but multiple adjustments of laser beam position and angle are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an optical-axis adjust unit that allows preliminary adjustment of the laser beam's position and angle before the beam enters the scanner unit. This preliminary adjustment mechanism, positioned strategically within the optical path, enables operators to pre-align the beam correctly, eliminating the need for multiple subsequent adjustments and improving operational convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple constituent elements are combined to form the confocal microscope system, then functional capability is achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple constituent elements including the laser unit, Nipkow disk scanner, optical-axis adjust unit, and image pickup device into a single integrated confocal microscope system. By merging these functions into one cohesive unit with a unified housing structure, the system achieves the necessary functional capability while reducing overall complexity and space requirements compared to separate modular components.
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 system achieves a compact size, reduces adjustment points, and simplifies the alignment of the laser beam, enhancing space utilization and operational convenience while maintaining high imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
a Nipkow disk type scanner unit for scanning with a laser beam from the laser unit
Implementation Method 2
thereby scanning the laser beam from the laser unit in a state in which a Nipkow disk type scanner unit is disposed backward of the objective lens
Implementation Method 3
a projection optical system for projecting the laser beam for scanning scanned by the Nipkow disk type scanner unit
Implementation Method 4
a separation optical system for separating a portion of a fluorescent beam from the specimen, having passed through the scanner unit again
Implementation Method 5
an imaging optical system for causing the portion of the fluorescent beam to form an image again
Implementation Method 6
an image capture unit disposed on an imaging plane of the imaging optical system
Implementation Method 7
the focal point of a laser beam, over a specimen, is scanned
Implementation Method 8
a returning florescent beam from the specimen is caused to form an image
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a confocal microscope system configured so as to be compact in size without the needs for a large space, requiring fewer spots for adjustment. In the confocal microscope system, respective units making up the confocal microscope system are integrally housed in a protection cabinet covering the confocal microscope system, and when a specimen disposed opposite to an objective lens is moved toward an external face of the protection cabinet, a side of the external face, adjacent to an opening through which the specimen is taken in, or out, is defined as a front face, the Nipkow disk type scanner unit is disposed backward of the objective lens.