Immersion Medium Feed Cap With Radial Sensing for Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed devices for immersion media in microscopy lack precise measurement capabilities, as point sensors or restricted spatial detection regions fail to accurately quantify the amount of immersion medium between the objective and specimen, leading to inefficiencies in refractive index matching and potential air interference in the beam path.
Innovation Solution
A feed device with a cap integrated sensor having an electrode structure that encloses the exit opening and extends radially, allowing for a broader spatial detection region, enabling precise measurement and control of the immersion medium's amount in the target space between the objective and specimen, using capacitive or resistive sensors for continuous detection and closed-loop control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a point sensor or restricted spatial detection region sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the immersion medium amount is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed with a spatial detection region that extends radially outward from the exit opening in the cap, transitioning from point detection to area detection. This radial extension in the spatial dimension enables comprehensive measurement of immersion medium distribution across the target space, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensor element for detecting immersion medium amount and as part of the cap structure itself. This multi-functionality integrates the sensing capability into the existing device architecture, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the spatial detection region is extended radially outward, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated directly into the cap structure, with the electrode structure forming part of the cap itself. This merging of the sensor and cap eliminates the need for separate sensor assemblies, allowing radial extension of the detection region without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If an integrated electrode structure is used, then the measurement precision and control stability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure parameters (such as electrode spacing, surface area, and radial extension distance) are optimized to achieve reliable detection while considering manufacturing constraints. By carefully selecting these parameters, the patent achieves control stability without excessive manufacturing complexity.
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 provides stable and precise control of the immersion medium, ensuring optimal refractive index matching and preventing air from entering the beam path, thus enhancing imaging quality by maintaining a consistent and accurate amount of immersion medium, even with variations due to evaporation or specimen movement.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is integrated in the cap and has an electrode structure configured to detect an amount of the immersion medium fed through the exit opening to the target space
Implementation Method 2
using capacitive or resistive sensors for continuous detection and closed-loop control
Data Source
AI summary
A feed device for an immersion medium for use with an objective enabling a specimen to be imaged microscopically includes a cap fitted releasably or fixedly to the objective and delimiting a receptacle space for the immersion medium. The cap has an exit opening aligned with an optical element of the objective facing the specimen. The immersion medium held in the receptacle space is feedable through the exit opening to a target space situated between the optical element of the objective and the specimen. A sensor is integrated in the cap and has an electrode structure configured to detect an amount of the immersion medium fed through the exit opening to the target space. The electrode structure at least partly encloses the exit opening and has a spatial detection region extending away from the exit opening in a radial direction.