Infrared Microscope Magnifying Assembly with Movable Reflective Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared microscopes face limitations in varying magnification due to the hygroscopic nature of lenses, chromatic aberrations, and the complexity of aligning FPA optical elements, which restricts wavelength coverage and resolution, and cannot be retrofitted to add magnification capability.
Innovation Solution
An infrared microscope design featuring a magnifying assembly with a fixed first set of reflective elements and a second set of reflective elements that move between operative and inoperative positions, optimizing alignment and minimizing optical elements to enhance repeatability and radiation throughput, allowing for internal variation of magnification without affecting single element detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lenses are used in the optical path to achieve variable magnification, then magnification can be adjusted, but wavelength coverage is limited and alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces lens-based optical elements with reflective elements (mirrors) that can be mechanically positioned to achieve variable magnification. This substitution eliminates the alignment complexity associated with multiple lens surfaces while maintaining the ability to adjust magnification through simple mechanical movement of the reflective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable reflective elements that can be dynamically positioned along the optical path to achieve different magnification levels. This dynamic configuration allows for flexible magnification adjustment without requiring complex alignment procedures, as the reflective elements can be simply moved into position rather than precisely aligned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple FPA optical elements are added to vary magnification, then magnification capability is enhanced, but the system becomes difficult to align and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple FPA optical elements with a simpler system of reflective elements that can be mechanically positioned. This substitution reduces the number of alignment-critical components while maintaining variable magnification capability, thereby improving alignment stability and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the magnification adjustment function into separate, independently movable reflective elements rather than requiring a complex integrated optical system. This segmentation allows each element to be positioned independently, simplifying alignment and improving overall system stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lenses are used for magnification, then variable magnification is achieved, but radiation loss increases due to multiple surfaces and hygroscopic degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces lens-based optical elements with reflective elements that have fewer surfaces and do not suffer from hygroscopic degradation. This substitution reduces radiation loss by eliminating the multiple refraction surfaces and moisture-related degradation that occur with lenses, while still enabling variable magnification through mechanical positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing microscopes are modified to add magnification capability, then variable magnification is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic system of movable reflective elements that can be added to existing microscopes without requiring complex manufacturing modifications. The mechanical positioning capability allows for easy integration into existing optical paths, simplifying the manufacturing process while adding variable magnification capability.
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 design provides improved repeatability, reduced radiation loss, and broad wavelength coverage, enabling flexible magnification adjustment and easy integration or retrofitting into existing microscopes, while maintaining high optical throughput and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a magnifying assembly comprising a first set of reflective elements provided in a fixed position and a second set of reflective elements
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared microscope includes a sample stage configured to support a sample; an objective configured to focus radiation emanated from the sample to an intermediate image plane between an objective and an infrared detector; and a magnifying assembly including a first set of reflective elements provided in a fixed position and a second set of reflective elements.