Gel Immersion Medium for Optical Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical signal detection methods using immersion objectives face challenges such as interrupted observations due to the need for frequent liquid changes, evaporation of water-based immersion liquids, and difficulties in maintaining immersion liquids with high viscosity oils, especially when switching between dry and immersion objectives or observing samples from oblique directions.
Innovation Solution
A gel member with a ¼ scale penetration value of 44 to 111 is used to fill the space between the objective and the sample, providing a stable, non-fluid medium that maintains high refractive index and viscosity, allowing for easy switching between objectives and reducing the burden on users by preventing liquid spills and evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If immersion liquid is used to fill the space between the objective and the sample, then the numerical aperture is improved and spherical aberrations are suppressed, but the observation is interrupted due to frequent liquid changes and evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the immersion medium from liquid to gel. The gel member maintains the high refractive index property of immersion liquids while eliminating evaporation and spill issues. The specific penetration value range (44-111) optimizes the gel's consistency to balance optical performance with operational stability, allowing uninterrupted observations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite gel member that combines the optical properties of immersion liquids (high refractive index) with the stability of gel materials. The gel is formulated with specific penetration characteristics (44-111) to achieve both optical effectiveness and mechanical stability, creating a material that functions as both an optical medium and a stable filler.
2Measurement precision
If high viscosity oil is used as immersion liquid, then the refractive index is improved, but the operation becomes difficult due to maintenance burden and spill prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter from high (liquid oil) to optimized gel consistency. The gel member with penetration values of 44-111 provides sufficient viscosity to prevent spills and evaporation while maintaining the high refractive index property. This parameter optimization allows the medium to be easily handled and applied without the operational difficulties of high-viscosity liquids.
3Measurement precision
If dry objective is switched to immersion objective, then the numerical aperture is improved, but the operation becomes complex due to liquid filling and switching procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The gel member is pre-formed and ready-to-use, eliminating the need for liquid filling procedures during objective switching. The gel can be easily attached to the objective lens beforehand, so when switching from dry to immersion objective, users simply attach the pre-prepared gel member rather than dealing with liquid immersion media.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel member can be easily attached and removed, functioning as a disposable or easily replaceable component. This simplifies the switching procedure between dry and immersion objectives, as users can simply attach a fresh gel member to the immersion objective without complex cleaning or liquid handling procedures.
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 gel member enables efficient and uninterrupted observations with high numerical aperture and reduced spherical aberrations, allowing for detailed three-dimensional imaging without the need for constant liquid replenishment or surface tension maintenance, thus simplifying the observation process and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
By using an immersion liquid exhibiting a refractive index close to that of the sample, it is also possible to suppress spherical aberrations caused due to the refractive index mismatch in the interface between the sample and the immersion liquid
Implementation Method 2
The gel member has 1⁄4 scale penetration indicating a value of 44 to 111, both inclusive, measured based on a penetration test using a 1⁄4 scale cone of JIS K 2220
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical signal detection device that includes: an objective; a holding member provided between the objective and a sample to hold the sample; and a gel member that fills a space between the objective and the holding member. The gel member has ¼ scale penetration indicating a value of 44 to 111, both inclusive, measured based on a penetration test using a ¼ scale cone of JIS K 2220.