Microscope Cold and Warm Stops for Magnification Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared optical devices face challenges in easily switching between different observation magnifications due to the need for adjustable mechanisms, which increases device size and complexity, especially when dealing with large differences in image-side numerical apertures.
Innovation Solution
An optical device for microscopic observation that includes a cold stop within a vacuum vessel and a warm stop with a reflective surface, where the warm stop can be inserted or removed from the optical axis, allowing for different magnifications without increasing the device's size, by using openings that match the respective numerical apertures of the optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mirror apertures are made movable along the optical axis to accommodate different magnifications, then adaptability between magnifications is improved, but device complexity and scale increase due to adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism is divided into two separate stops: a cold stop inside the vacuum vessel and a warm stop outside the vacuum vessel. The warm stop is removable and can be positioned at different locations, allowing adaptation to different magnifications without complex adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation simplifies the overall system while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The warm stop is designed to be removable and repositionable along the optical axis, providing dynamic adaptability to different magnification requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to accommodate various numerical apertures without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism, as the warm stop can be simply removed or repositioned as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to switch between magnifications, then adaptability is improved, but device scale increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the stop into cold and warm stops with the warm stop being removable, the invention eliminates the need for large adjustable mechanisms. The warm stop can be positioned at different locations or removed entirely, providing magnification switching without increasing device scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The warm stop is extracted from the vacuum vessel and placed outside, making it removable and repositionable. This extraction allows for simple adjustment without requiring complex mechanisms within the vacuum environment, thereby avoiding increase in device scale while maintaining adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the second opening is made smaller than the first opening to match different numerical apertures, then imaging precision is improved, but light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The warm stop is designed to be removable and repositionable, allowing the system to dynamically adjust the effective aperture size. When high precision is needed, the warm stop is positioned to create a smaller effective opening. When light transmission is prioritized, the warm stop can be removed or repositioned to allow more light. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between precision and light transmission.
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 configuration reduces background noise and enables easy downsizing of the device while allowing for seamless switching between multiple observation magnifications, simplifying the structure and reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the warm stop has a reflective surface on the imaging element side
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device for microscopic observation 4 comprises: a cold stop 13 having openings 13d, 13e corresponding to a low-magnification microscope optical system 5 and being a stop member arranged in a vacuum vessel 12 to let the light from the sample S pass to the camera 3; a warm stop 10 having an opening 14 corresponding to a high-magnification microscope optical system 5 and being a stop member arranged outside the vacuum vessel 12 to let the light from the sample S pass toward the cold stop 13; and a support member 11 supporting the warm stop 10 so that the warm stop can be inserted to or removed from on the optical axis of the light from the sample S, wherein the warm stop 10 has a reflective surface 15 on the camera 3 side and wherein the opening 14 is smaller than the openings 13d, 13e.