Intensity Modulation Sections for Phase Gradient Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC) methods require expensive dedicated objective lenses and condenser lenses to prevent polarized light disturbance, making it costly to obtain phase gradient images of observation objects.
Innovation Solution
An observation apparatus is designed with a first intensity modulation section on the illumination light path and a second intensity modulation section on the observation light path, both modulating the intensity distribution of light. The modulation elements have complementary light utilization ratio distributions, allowing for the visualization of phase gradients without the need for expensive optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated objective lenses and condenser lenses are used to prevent polarized light disturbance, then measurement precision of phase gradient images is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the polarization-maintaining function from dedicated objective lenses and condenser lenses, implementing it instead through a polarizer and half-wave plate in the illumination optical path. This separates the polarization control function from the imaging optics, allowing use of standard lenses while maintaining DIC capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a polarizer and half-wave plate as intermediary elements between the light source and the observation object. These intermediaries control the polarization state of illumination light without requiring specialized lenses, thereby maintaining phase gradient measurement precision while reducing optical system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated objective lenses and condenser lenses are used to prevent polarized light disturbance, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive dedicated DIC objective lenses and condenser lenses with standard, inexpensive lenses combined with affordable polarization components (polarizer and half-wave plate). This substitution significantly reduces system cost while maintaining the ability to obtain accurate phase gradient images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the polarization control function from expensive specialized optics and implements it through cheaper polarizer and half-wave plate components, thereby reducing the overall system cost while preserving measurement precision.
3Productivity
If intensity modulation sections with complementary light utilization ratio distributions are used, then productivity is improved by enabling phase gradient imaging with inexpensive equipment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the first and second intensity modulation sections into a single intensity modulation section located in the illumination optical path. This merging eliminates the need for separate modulation sections in both illumination and observation paths, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to generate phase gradient images cost-effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The intensity modulation section is designed to perform multiple functions: it modulates illumination light intensity distribution, works with the objective lens to create phase gradients, and eliminates the need for dedicated DIC optics. This multi-functionality improves productivity by reducing system cost while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable.
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 apparatus effectively converts phase gradients into image intensities, enabling the visualization of phase gradients and obtaining phase gradient images at a lower cost compared to traditional DIC methods, using inexpensive equipment configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first intensity modulation section arranged on an optical path of illumination light with which an observation object is to be irradiated, the first intensity modulation section modulating an intensity distribution of the illumination light
Implementation Method 2
a second intensity modulation section arranged on an optical path of observation light from the observation object irradiated with the illumination light, the second intensity modulation section modulating an intensity distribution of the observation light
Implementation Method 3
an illumination optical system that irradiates an observation object with illumination light, an observation optical system that guides observation light from the observation object into a detector, and an intensity modulation section that modulates an intensity distribution of the illumination light and an intensity distribution of the observation light. The illumination optical system and the observation optical system share an objective lens
Data Source
AI summary
An observation apparatus includes a first intensity modulation section arranged on an optical path of illumination light with which an observation object is to be irradiated, the first intensity modulation section modulating an intensity distribution of the illumination light, and a second intensity modulation section arranged on an optical path of observation light from the observation object irradiated with the illumination light, the second intensity modulation section modulating an intensity distribution of the observation light.