Fiber Spectroscopic Probe Mounting on Microscope Objective Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Raman microscopes are bulky and require significant modifications to a standard microscope, altering its optical path and limiting its functionality when converted into a Raman microscope due to the large number of optical components.
Innovation Solution
A fiber spectroscopic probe with a minimal number of optical components is mounted directly above the objective lens of a standard microscope, maintaining the optical path integrity and allowing for non-destructive, spatially resolved measurements with minimal disruption to the microscope's normal function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional Raman spectrometer is mounted onto a standard microscope, then spectroscopic function is added to the microscope, but the physical size increases and the optical path is significantly altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectroscopic function from the bulkier conventional spectrometer design, implementing it through a compact fiber optic probe assembly that can be mounted on the microscope without requiring extensive optical path modifications. The fiber optic components are separated into discrete, manageable elements that integrate smoothly with the existing microscope structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar optical path modification approach to a three-dimensional integration by mounting the fiber spectroscopic probe above the objective lens. This vertical arrangement allows the spectroscopic components to occupy a different spatial dimension, minimizing interference with the horizontal optical path of the microscope.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional Raman spectrometer is mounted onto a standard microscope, then spectroscopic function is added, but the number of optical components increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spectroscopic detection function directly into the fiber optic probe assembly, combining multiple optical components (fiber optic cables, lenses, filters) into a single integrated unit that attaches to the microscope. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate components while maintaining full spectroscopic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic probe assembly is designed as a universal accessory that can be mounted on standard microscopes without requiring microscope-specific modifications. The same probe design can be applied across different microscope models, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modifications are made to the microscope to accommodate a Raman spectrometer, then spectroscopic capability is achieved, but the microscope's normal function is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary component that separates the spectroscopic detection path from the microscope's illumination and viewing paths. This intermediary element allows the fiber optic probe to capture Raman scattered light without interfering with the microscope's primary functions, maintaining optical path independence and preserving microscope reliability.
4Length of stationary object
If a compact fiber spectroscopic probe is mounted above the objective lens, then optical path alteration is minimized, but the collection of Raman scattered light must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the fiber optic probe with localized quality enhancements, including anti-reflective coatings on lens surfaces and precisely positioned optical elements within the probe assembly. These local optimizations maximize light collection efficiency at critical points without requiring changes to the overall compact structure or optical path length.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber spectroscopic probe that can be mounted directly above the objective lens of a standard microscope to add a spectroscopic function to the microscope. The fiber spectroscopic probe only consists of a minimum number of optical components and is compact enough to induce minimum alteration to the optical path of the microscope.