Optical Scanning Microscope Focus Adjustment Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microscopes face challenges in adjusting the working distance of the objective lens without significantly altering the observation magnification, as moving optical elements in the optical axis direction can lead to substantial changes in magnification due to the lack of consideration for the positional relationship between the objective lens and imaging lens within the optical system.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an optical scanning microscope configuration that includes an objective optical system, an imaging optical system, a pupil projection optical system, and a lens driver, where the imaging optical system or pupil projection optical system is driven in the optical axis direction, with the front focal point of the imaging optical system positioned near the back focal point of the objective optical system, to minimize changes in magnification. This configuration satisfies specific equations to ensure minimal or no change in magnification when the working distance is adjusted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the imaging optical system or pupil projection optical system is moved in the optical axis direction to change the working distance of the objective lens, then the working distance is adjusted, but the observation magnification changes significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking distance adjustmentVSAvoidobservation magnification stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a focus adjustment unit as an intermediary optical system between the objective optical system and the imaging optical system. This intermediate system includes a front-group optical system and a rear-group optical system that can be moved relative to each other, serving as a mediator to adjust working distance while compensating for magnification changes through coordinated movement of multiple optical groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the positional parameters of multiple optical groups simultaneously. When the focus adjustment unit moves the front-group and rear-group optical systems, it coordinates their positions to maintain the relationship that the front focal point of the imaging optical system coincides with the back focal point of the objective optical system, thereby adjusting working distance while minimizing magnification change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the front focal point of the imaging optical system is positioned near the back focal point of the objective optical system, then the change in magnification is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnification stabilityVSAvoidoptical system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the focus adjustment function with the existing optical pathways by integrating the focus adjustment unit into the optical train between the objective and imaging systems. The front-group and rear-group optical systems are combined in a way that their coordinated movement achieves both focus adjustment and magnification stabilization without requiring separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The focus adjustment unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it adjusts the working distance of the objective lens, maintains the focal point relationship between objective and imaging systems, and stabilizes the observation magnification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for the adjustment of the working distance without significantly affecting the observation magnification, enabling precise imaging and reducing the change in lateral magnification to less than 5%, thereby maintaining image stability during changes in the working distance.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging optical system that forms an image from the substantially collimated light beam from the objective optical system at a predetermined position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

an objective optical system that converts the light from a specimen into a substantially collimated light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS8711473B2Focus adjustment unit and optical scanning microscope

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

An optical scanning microscope is presented in which the observation magnification does not significantly change even when the working distance of an objective lens is changed. The optical scanning microscope includes an objective optical system that converts the light from a specimen into a substantially collimated light beam, an imaging optical system that forms an image from the collimated light beam, a pupil projection optical system that substantially collimates the light formed into an image, a lateral scanner that angularly deflects the collimated light beam from the pupil projection optical system to laterally scan the area of the specimen to be observed, and a lens driver that drives the imaging optical system and/or the pupil projection optical system along the optical axis direction. The imaging optical system is disposed such that its front focal point is positioned proximate to the back focal point of the objective optical system.