Lens Array Demagnification in Confocal Scanning Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning microscopy systems require high-level adjustments to maintain the positional relationship between the image of an observed object and the photodetector, especially when reducing the magnification of optical spots, which complicates the system design and increases the difficulty of alignment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a lens array with multiple lens elements in the confocal plate to demagnify intermediate images of optical spots, allowing them to be projected onto the photodetector at a magnification lower than the observed object, thereby simplifying the alignment process and reducing the complexity of the relay optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the magnification of optical spots is reduced to realize ISM, then the resolving power and detection efficiency are improved, but the alignment difficulty and system complexity increase due to the need to maintain positional relationship between image and photodetector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens array as an intermediary component in the confocal plate that acts as a mediator between the optical spots and the photodetector. This lens array automatically performs the demagnification function while maintaining proper positional relationships, eliminating the need for high-level adjustments. The lens array serves as a built-in optical intermediary that simplifies the overall system alignment while achieving the desired magnification reduction for ISM.
2Productivity
If the magnification of optical spots is reduced, then the detection efficiency is improved, but the relay optical system becomes more complex requiring high-level adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the demagnification function directly into the confocal plate by integrating a lens array with the aperture array. This combination eliminates the need for separate relay optical systems and high-level adjustment mechanisms. The merged structure achieves both confocal filtering and magnification reduction in a single integrated component, thereby simplifying the relay optical system while improving detection efficiency through reduced spot magnification.
3Ease of operation
If a lens array is incorporated in the confocal plate to demagnify intermediate images, then the alignment process is simplified and system compactness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity of the confocal plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the lens array within the confocal plate structure, nesting the demagnification function inside the existing confocal aperture array. This nested configuration allows the lens array to be integrated into the confocal plate as a sub-component, maintaining the overall compact structure while adding the demagnification capability. The nesting approach enables simplified alignment since the lens array is pre-positioned within the confocal plate assembly.
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 approach enables the realization of Image Scanning Microscopy (ISM) with reduced magnification without the need for high-level adjustments, enhancing resolving power and system compactness while maintaining efficient fluorescence detection.
Implementation Method 1
the lens array individually demagnifies intermediate images of the plurality of spots that are formed or that have been formed in the plurality of apertures such that each of the plurality of spots is projected onto the photodetector at a magnification lower than a magnification at which the observed object is projected onto the photodetector
Implementation Method 2
a confocal plate in which a plurality of apertures are placed in order in an intermediate image plane situated between the observed object and the photodetector
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector that has a plurality of light-receiving elements placed in order on an image surface
Implementation Method 4
a photodetector that has a plurality of light-receiving elements placed in order on an image surface
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning microscopy system includes a photodetector and a scanning optical system that irradiates light onto a plurality of spots on an observed object to scan the observed object such that a positional relationship between an image of the observed object and the photodetector is maintained. The scanning optical system includes a confocal plate in which a plurality of apertures are placed in order in an intermediate image plane situated between the observed object and the photodetector and that includes a lens array having a plurality of lens elements that cover the plurality of apertures. The lens array individually demagnifies intermediate images of the plurality of spots that are formed or that have been formed in the plurality of apertures such that each of the plurality of spots is projected onto the photodetector at a magnification lower than a magnification at which the observed object is projected onto the photodetector.