LCPG Lens System for Simultaneous Multi-Plane Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems are limited in their ability to simultaneously image multiple focal planes, as existing methods are either not truly simultaneous, difficult to align, or require expensive spatial light modulators, and prior art in liquid crystal polarization grating (LCPG) systems can only produce one focal plane at a time.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal polarization grating (LCPG) lens system that tunes the elliptical output state of liquid crystal cells between linear and circular polarization states to selectively control multiple simultaneous focal planes, using a stack of LCPG lenses and polarization controllers to achieve dynamic focusing without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical devices such as movable sample stage or piezo tunable microscope objective are used to serially excite or image different focal planes, then the focal plane can be changed, but the imaging is not truly simultaneous and is too slow for dynamic processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical focusing devices (movable sample stage, piezo tunable objective) with an all-optical solution using LCPG lenses and polarization controllers. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, enabling instantaneous focal plane switching and true simultaneous multi-plane imaging without the speed limitations of mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization state parameter of light using liquid crystal cells to control the focal plane selection. By tuning the elliptical output state between linear and circular polarization, the system dynamically selects which focal planes are active, enabling rapid switching without mechanical movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If polarizing beamsplitters are used to excite different focal planes with orthogonal polarizations, then two focal planes can be excited, but the method is limited to two planes and uses alternating laser pulses rather than true simultaneous imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The LCPG lens system provides universal multi-plane focusing capability, extending beyond the two-plane limitation of polarizing beamsplitter methods. By using a stack of LCPG lenses with different focal lengths and combining them with polarization controllers, the system can simultaneously focus light to any number of focal planes along the optical axis, making the approach adaptable to various imaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary polarization control through liquid crystal cells before light enters the LCPG lenses. This preliminary action of setting the polarization state enables the subsequent LCPG lenses to correctly direct light to multiple simultaneous focal planes, ensuring true simultaneity without alternating pulses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If arrays of aligned mirrors or diffractive optical elements are used to split excitation laser into multiple beams, then multiple focal planes can be achieved, but the methods are difficult to align and integrate with commercial microscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems (arrays of mirrors) with an all-optical LCPG-based system that requires no mechanical alignment. The LCPG lenses inherently guide light to the correct focal planes through polarization control, eliminating the alignment complexity of mirror arrays and diffractive elements while maintaining ease of integration with commercial microscopes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If spatial light modulators are used for flexible multi-plane imaging, then multiple simultaneous focal planes can be achieved, but SLMs are expensive and add-on modules are not available for many commercial microscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LCPG lenses and liquid crystal cells, which are significantly cheaper and more commercially available than spatial light modulators. These components can be integrated into existing microscope systems without requiring expensive SLM hardware or specialized add-on modules, making the solution economically viable for widespread adoption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the expensive SLM technology with a more economical all-optical approach using LCPG lenses and polarization controllers. This substitution maintains the desired flexibility in focal plane selection while dramatically reducing cost and improving availability for integration with commercial microscopes.
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 selection of multiple focal planes simultaneously with reduced switching times, achieving high-speed, non-mechanical beam steering at a lower cost and size, similar to spatial light modulators, while maintaining high efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
liquid crystal polarization grating (LCPG) lenses...tunes the elliptical output state of liquid crystal cells between linear and circular polarization states
Implementation Method 2
tunes the elliptical output state of liquid crystal cells between linear and circular polarization states
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for an optical system including pairs of LCPGs and polarization controllers (e.g., waveplates) that can be controlled to effect multiple simultaneous focal planes, or to simultaneously image multiple focal planes.