Light Field Microscopy Relay Optics for Objective Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light field microscopy systems face challenges in optimizing magnification and resolution due to changes in the back focal plane and pupil boundary when switching microscope objectives, leading to reduced resolving power and aberrations in the multi-lens array illumination.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an adjustable relay optical unit to image the back focal plane of the microscope objective into the plane of the multi-lens array, allowing for variable magnification and axial position adjustments, thereby optimizing the resolution and illumination of the multi-lens array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the multi-lens array is introduced into a plane conjugate to the back focal plane of the microscope objective, then the depth of field is increased, but the resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable relay optical unit that enables dynamic adjustment of the magnification and axial position of the back focal plane image. This allows the system to adapt between different operational modes: when high depth of field is needed, the multi-lens array is properly illuminated; when high resolution is needed, the system can be reconfigured. The relay optical unit makes the system dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, resolving the contradiction by allowing optimization based on specific measurement requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the microscope objective is switched to change magnification, then the field size is adjusted, but the illumination of the multi-lens array is modified causing aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The relay optical unit acts as an intermediary between the microscope objective and the multi-lens array. When the objective is switched, the relay optical unit compensates for changes in the back focal plane position and pupil boundary by adjusting its magnification and axial position. This intermediary system ensures that the multi-lens array remains fully illuminated regardless of which objective is used, preventing aberrations while maintaining the ability to switch between different magnifications and field sizes.
3Area of stationary object
If the pupil boundary diameter changes with objective switching, then different field sizes are achieved, but lenses at the pupil edge are no longer fully illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The relay optical unit changes its parameters (magnification and axial position) in response to objective switching. When a new objective is installed with a different pupil boundary diameter, the relay optical unit adjusts its magnification to match the new pupil size and repositions the image of the back focal plane axially. This parameter adjustment ensures that the illuminated area of the multi-lens array matches the new pupil boundary, keeping all lenses fully illuminated and maintaining optimal point spread function quality across different field sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for light field microscopy, comprising: a two-dimensionally spatially resolving detector for detecting light radiated by a sample; a detection beam path having at least one microscope objective lens; and at least one multi-lens array for imaging the light radiated by the sample onto the detector, wherein the multi-lens array is arranged in a plane which is optically conjugated with respect to a rear focal plane of the microscope objective lens, or in the vicinity of such a plane; and a control and evaluation unit for activating the detector and for evaluating the measurement data from the detector. The device also includes an adjustable relay optical system in order to image the rear focal plane of the microscope objective lens into the plane in which the multi-lens array is arranged, or in the vicinity of this plane. A method for light field microscopy is also provided.