Cryogenic Microscope Window Dry Gas Shield Against Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic light microscopy faces challenges in inverted systems due to condensation formation on the glass window and cooling of the objective lens, which obstructs effective imaging and limits the usability of inverted microscopes in cryogenic environments.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus provides a targeted distribution of dry gas across the outer surface of a transparent window to prevent condensation and thermal cooling, using internal fluid channels and a protective layer of dry gas to isolate the window from ambient air and the objective lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the objective lens is positioned close to the sample for high-resolution imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but condensation forms on the glass window and the objective lens cools down, obstructing effective imaging
Solution Approach 1:
A stream of dry gas (nitrogen or air) is introduced as an intermediary between the objective lens and the cold glass window. This gas stream acts as a thermal barrier that prevents condensation from forming on the glass window and prevents the objective lens from cooling down, while allowing optical imaging to proceed at close proximity for high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
Dry nitrogen gas is used to create an inert, dry atmosphere around the glass window and objective lens interface. This inert gas environment prevents moisture condensation on the cold glass window surface and maintains the objective lens at operational temperature, enabling sustained high-resolution imaging
2Ease of operation
If the objective lens is kept at ambient temperature, then ease of operation is improved, but the lens cools down due to proximity to the cryogenic sample, reducing usability
Solution Approach 1:
A stream of dry gas is introduced as a thermal intermediary between the ambient-temperature objective lens and the cryogenic sample environment. This gas stream reduces heat transfer from the lens to the cold environment, maintaining the lens at operational temperature and preserving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical heating elements or thermal insulation structures to maintain objective lens temperature, the invention uses a flowing gas stream to provide thermal protection. This replaces complex mechanical thermal management systems with a simpler fluid-based approach
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dry gas is distributed across the outer surface of the window, then condensation formation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas distribution system is segmented into multiple small openings arranged in a circular pattern around the glass window. This segmentation allows uniform distribution of dry gas across the window surface using simple geometry, avoiding the need for complex distribution mechanisms while effectively preventing condensation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple localized gas outlets are positioned at specific locations around the glass window to deliver dry gas precisely where condensation would form. This localized approach targets the harmful effect at its source without requiring a complex system-wide gas distribution network
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 high-resolution cryogenic light microscopy with uninterrupted imaging, allowing seamless switching of objectives and maintaining sample integrity by preventing condensation and objective cooling, thus enhancing imaging quality and duration.
Implementation Method 1
condensation formation on the glass window... reducing or eliminating condensation formation on the window
Implementation Method 2
mitigating cooling of objective lenses... acting as a thermal buffer to prevent the objective lens from cooling down
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus, a system and method of use are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing comprising a first end wall, a second end wall, spaced apart from the first end wall, and at least one side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall; an internal chamber in the housing comprising a first chamber region, for locating a sample to be optically inspected via an optical microscope, and a second chamber region, in fluid communication with the first chamber region, for holding a reservoir of liquid cryogen; a transparent window element in the housing for allowing a sample in the first chamber region to be optically inspected via an optical microscope and comprising an inner surface, facing the first chamber region, and an outer surface that is exposed to an exterior environment via an aperture that extends through the first end wall; at least one dry gas inlet at an outer surface of the housing, connectable to a supply of dry gas; at least one opening in the housing located adjacent the outer surface of the transparent window element and disposed around a central portion of the transparent window element; and at least one fluid communication passageway in the housing connecting the at least one dry gas inlet to the at least one opening for enabling distribution of dry gas across the outer surface of the transparent window element when dry gas is delivered to the at least one dry gas inlet.