Inverted Microscope Modulator Disposal for Flexible Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inverted microscopes lack flexibility in switching between contrasting processes without complex adjustments when changing objectives, and require special objectives with integrated modulators, limiting their adaptability to different samples and imaging requirements.
Innovation Solution
An inverted microscope design that allows multiple objectives with disposable modulators in the imaging beam path, using a lens system to generate intermediate images of objective pupils, enabling rapid selection and exchange of modulators at accessible locations for flexible implementation of various contrasting processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If special objectives with integrated modulators are used, then contrasting processes can be implemented, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modulator is extracted from the objective and placed in a separate, freely accessible location in the imaging beam path. This allows the objective to be a standard, simple objective without integrated modulators, while contrasting processes are still implemented using the separate modulator that can be easily exchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
A single standard objective can be used with multiple different modulators for different contrasting processes. The modulator becomes the specialized component rather than the objective, allowing one objective to serve multiple contrasting functions by simply changing the modulator.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple special objectives are provided for different contrasting processes, then adaptability to different samples is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
One standard objective serves multiple contrasting functions by combining with different modulators. Instead of needing multiple specialized objectives, the system uses a universal objective paired with exchangeable modulators, each designed for specific contrasting processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The contrasting function is segmented from the objective and assigned to separate modulator components. This allows the objective to remain simple and universal, while the modulators provide the specialized functionality needed for different contrasting processes and sample types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modulators are integrated in the objective, then contrasting can be achieved, but ease of operation for switching between contrasting processes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modulator is taken out from the objective interior and placed in a freely accessible location in the imaging beam path. This makes the modulator easy to exchange and adjust, improving ease of operation for switching between contrasting processes while maintaining full contrasting 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
Enables flexible and automated selection of modulators for contrasting processes based on the objective, eliminating the need for special objectives and allowing easy switching between contrasting methods, accommodating different sample requirements and observer preferences.
Implementation Method 1
A lens system is also provided for generating respective intermediate images of the respective objective pupils
Implementation Method 2
A modulator disposed in a freely accessible location in the imaging beam path at a location corresponding to an intermediate image of an objective pupil associated with the selected objective, and contrast the object image
Implementation Method 3
In the case of amplitude objects, the diffracted light has with respect to the zero order a phase displacement of 180° (λ/2) and in the case of phase objects, the phase displacement is 90° (λ/4). An additional 90° of displacement in the phase ring produces a total of 180° of displacement
Data Source
AI summary
An inverted microscope for the high-contrast imaging of objects includes multiple objectives configured to be disposable in an imaging beam path. Each objective has a respective objective pupil associated therewith. A lens system is also provided for generating respective intermediate images of the respective objective pupils. A modulator disposing device, which includes a plurality of modulators, is configured to dispose the modulators at predetermined respective locations on an optical axis corresponding to the locations of the respective intermediate images of the respective objective pupils so as to contrast an object image.