Engineered Point Spread Function Objective Lens for Extended Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Objective lenses designed using Gaussian optics principles often face a tradeoff between high image resolution and large depth of field, limiting their ability to maintain image quality across a greater axial range, which is essential for applications like sample analysis where capturing sufficient data is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The point spread function (PSF) of the optical system is engineered by modifying phase, amplitude, spectral response, or polarization using optical elements such as masks placed at specific locations within the objective lens, allowing for an extended depth of field while maintaining lateral and axial resolution, and incorporating computational recovery algorithms to enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Gaussian optics principles are used to design objective lenses, then high image resolution is achieved, but depth of field is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the point spread function (PSF) parameters of the optical system by introducing masks with specific transmission patterns. These masks change the optical parameters to create depth-dependent PSF variations, enabling extended depth of field while preserving lateral resolution through computational deconvolution algorithms that reverse the PSF effects.
2Length of stationary object
If depth of field is extended, then larger sample volume is captured, but image quality and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs computational algorithms that use feedback from the known PSF characteristics to reconstruct high-quality images. The algorithms process the blurred images captured through the extended depth of field mask, using the engineered PSF information to deconvolute and restore sharp images, thereby maintaining image quality across the extended depth range.
3Length of stationary object
If axial scanning is performed to capture larger sample volume, then depth coverage is improved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous capture of the entire sample volume in a single image acquisition by engineering the PSF to maintain focus across different depths simultaneously. This eliminates the need for sequential axial scanning, allowing the optical system to continuously capture information from the entire sample volume in one operation, thereby reducing acquisition time.
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 approach enables the capture of a larger sample volume in each image, reducing the need for axial scanning and improving image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio across a greater depth of field, making it suitable for applications in industrial inspection, biological imaging, and other fields requiring high accuracy over large distances.
Implementation Method 1
modifying phase, amplitude, spectral response, or polarization using optical elements such as masks
Implementation Method 2
The point spread function (PSF) of the optical system is engineered by modifying phase, amplitude, spectral response, or polarization using optical elements such as masks
Implementation Method 3
Objective lenses are optical components configured to gather light emerging from an observed object and to direct the gathered light toward an ocular lens for imaging
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment an objective lens includes one or more lenses, an outer housing, and a mask. The outer housing is configured to encompass at least the one or more lenses. The mask is to shape a point spread function (PSF) of the objective lens to define an engineered PSF (ePSF) of the objective lens. In another example embodiment, a method includes directing light from a scene through an optical system that includes the objective lens. The optical system generates the PSF that varies based on depth within the scene. The method includes generating, using a light detector, an image of the scene from the light that passes through the optical system. The method includes estimating a property of one or more objects within the scene from the image of the scene.