Scanning Microscope Focal Adjustment Unit Vignetting Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-photon excitation laser microscopes, adjusting the focal position to prevent vignetting is challenging, especially when multiple detectors are required, leading to increased size and weight of the objective and peripheral structures, which complicates the patch clamp method and requires higher rigidity and accuracy in focal position adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A scanning microscope design that includes a collecting lens with a focal position adjustment unit moving in the optical axis direction, a detector optically conjugate to the collecting lens, and a relay optical system with a positive power first optical element converting detection light into a parallel flux and a second optical element positioned outside the adjustment unit to suppress vignetting by maintaining a constant optical path and reducing the size and weight of the focal position adjustment unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the objective is made to move in the optical axis direction to adjust focal position, then the focal position can be adjusted, but vignetting occurs in the optical system between the objective and detector
Solution Approach 1:
A deflecting element (mirror) is introduced as an intermediary component in the optical path between the objective and detector. This mirror redirects the optical path so that when the objective moves in the optical axis direction for focal adjustment, the light flux is deflected to maintain proper alignment with the detector, preventing vignetting while enabling focal position adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is redirected into a different spatial dimension by using the deflecting element. Instead of moving the detector or keeping the objective fixed, the light path is bent in a perpendicular direction, allowing the objective to move along the optical axis without causing vignetting
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors are required for detection, then detection capability is improved, but the size and weight of the objective and peripheral structures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting element serves multiple functions: it prevents vignetting during focal adjustment, enables the use of multiple detectors by maintaining proper optical alignment, and allows compact arrangement of detector components. This single component supports enhanced detection capability without proportionally increasing system weight
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors are required for detection, then detection capability is improved, but the size of the objective and peripheral structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
By redirecting the optical path into a different spatial dimension using the deflecting element, the system accommodates multiple detectors in a compact arrangement. The perpendicular deflection allows detectors to be positioned in a space-efficient configuration, improving detection capability without proportionally increasing the volume of objective and peripheral structures
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 design effectively suppresses vignetting, allowing for efficient detection of fluorescence, securing space on the stage, and enabling precise and accurate focal position adjustments, even with multiple detectors, while maintaining a compact and lightweight focal position adjustment unit.
Implementation Method 1
a relay optical system that relays the pupil of the collecting lens to the detector, wherein the relay optical system includes a first optical element that has a positive power, the first optical element being positioned in the focal position adjustment unit and converting the detection light that was converted by the collecting lens into a parallel light flux into a convergent light flux
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning microscope includes a collecting lens that takes in a detection light, a focal position adjustment unit that moves in an optical axis direction of the collecting lens to make the collecting lens move in the optical axis direction, a detector positioned at a location that is optically conjugate to a pupil of the collecting lens, and a relay optical system that relays the pupil to the detector. The relay optical system includes a first optical element with a positive power, the first optical element being positioned in the focal position adjustment unit and converting the detection light that was converted by the collecting lens into a parallel light flux, into a convergent light flux to be emitted outside of the focal position adjustment unit, and a second optical element that is positioned outside of the focal position adjustment unit and between the detector and the first optical element.