Imaging Device Reflection Suppression via Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices for microscopic or macroscopic objects face issues with unwanted reflections in brightfield applications, particularly with first-order reflections at optical component interfaces, which disturb the imaging process, especially in macrosopes with low magnification.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable optical component is introduced in the illumination or imaging beam path between polarization and analyzer means, capable of depolarizing light or splitting it into partial beams, allowing for the suppression of reflections and enabling both brightfield and differential interference contrast (DIC) imaging modes by adjusting the polarization filters and optical component alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If polarization means and analyzer means are arranged with intersecting orientation to suppress reflections, then unwanted reflections are suppressed, but the light from the object cannot pass through the analyzer to the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic element (λ/4 plate or birefringent compensator) that can be rotated or adjusted to change the polarization state of light dynamically. This allows the system to switch between different imaging modes (brightfield, DIC, polarized light microscopy) and adjust the polarization configuration to suppress reflections while maintaining object light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization parameters of light by introducing a λ/4 plate or birefringent compensator that converts linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light or elliptically polarized light. This parameter change allows the light to pass through the analyzer while still suppressing unwanted reflections from optical components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a λ/4 plate or birefringent compensator is introduced to convert polarized light to unpolarized or circularly polarized light, then reflections are suppressed and light transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the λ/4 plate or birefringent compensator to serve multiple functions: it converts linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light, suppresses unwanted reflections, enables DIC imaging mode, and allows switching between different microscopy modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The λ/4 plate or birefringent compensator acts as an intermediary element between the polarization means and the analyzer means. It mediates the polarization state transformation, allowing the system to achieve both reflection suppression and light transmission without requiring complex direct modifications to the polarizer or analyzer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable optical component is provided between polarization means and analyzer means, then both brightfield and DIC imaging modes are enabled, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms (rotation stages, motorized controls) for the λ/4 plate or birefringent compensator, allowing users to switch between different imaging modes by simply rotating or adjusting the component. This dynamic capability enables versatile imaging while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive adjustment.
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 solution effectively suppresses unwanted reflections and allows for improved object imaging by converting polarized light to unpolarized or splitting it, enhancing imaging quality in both brightfield and DIC modes, particularly in macrosopes with low magnification.
Implementation Method 1
At least one polarization means is provided in the illumination beam path, which polarization means can be used to convert the light of the light source to a prescribable polarization state
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable optical component is provided in the illumination beam path and/or in the imaging beam path between the polarization means and the analyzer means, which optical component can be used to either largely depolarize the polarized light serving for the object illumination
Implementation Method 3
an adjustable optical component is provided in the illumination beam path and/or in the imaging beam path between the polarization means and the analyzer means, which optical component can be used to either largely depolarize the polarized light serving for the object illumination or to split it into partial beams
Implementation Method 4
An analyzer means is provided in the imaging beam path, with the analyzer means and the polarization means being able to be adjusted in relation to one another in such a manner that the light entering the imaging beam path cannot pass through the analyzer means
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an imaging device (1) for imaging microscopic or macroscopic objects (5). The imaging device (1) comprises a light source (2), an illumination beam path (6), an imaging beam path (7) and an imaging optical means (4), in particular in the form of an objective. The illumination beam path (6) extends from the light source (2) to the object (5). The imaging beam path (7) extends from the object (5) to a detector or a tube (3). At least one polarization means (9) is provided in the illumination beam path (6), which polarization means (9) can be used to convert the light of the light source to a prescribable polarization state. An analyzer means (10) is provided in the imaging beam path (7), with the analyzer means (10) and the polarization means (9) being able to be adjusted in relation to one another in such a manner that the light entering the imaging beam path (7) cannot pass through the analyzer means (10). An adjustable optical component (11) is provided in the beam path between the polarization means (9) and the analyzer means (10) for largely suppressing undesired reflections at optical components (4) in the beam path of the imaging device (1), which optical component can be used to either largely depolarize the polarized light serving for the object illumination or to split it into partial beams, depending on its adjustment.