Microscope Ghosting Elimination via Beam Splitter Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ghosting caused by the light beam branching element affects the image quality in microscopes equipped with a phase difference optical system for autofocus functionality.
Innovation Solution
A microscope design that includes a first imaging optical system for the sample transmitted light and a second imaging optical system with a light beam branching element, an imaging element, and a filter to shield ghosting light, where the thickness of the light beam branching element is set to exceed a predetermined threshold to effectively separate and eliminate ghosting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a light beam branching element is added to enable autofocus function, then autofocus capability is improved, but ghosting is generated that degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful ghosting light from the optical path by using a beam splitter to separate the autofocus detection light from the main imaging light path, and employs optical elements to block or redirect the ghosting reflections before they reach the imaging sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical elements (beam splitter, optical filter, or mirror) between the light beam branching element and the imaging sensor to mediate the light path, allowing the autofocus function to operate while preventing ghosting light from reaching the sensor
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the thickness of the light beam branching element is increased to reduce ghosting, then ghosting is reduced, but the optical path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ghosting problem from the light beam branching element itself and addresses it separately using dedicated optical elements (beam splitter, optical filter, or mirror) positioned in the optical path, allowing the branching element to maintain its original thickness without compromising image quality
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
The solution effectively eliminates ghosting, improving image quality and accuracy in microscopes with autofocus using a phase difference optical system by ensuring the light beam branching element's thickness is sufficient to separate ghosting light from the intended image, thereby preventing it from being imaged on the sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a light beam branching element that branches the part of the sample transmitted light from the first imaging optical system
Implementation Method 2
a part of the light transmitted through the sample is guided to the phase difference optical system
Implementation Method 3
a filter that shields a part of the branched sample transmitted light focused on the imaging element
Implementation Method 4
an imaging element that images a phase difference image of the branched sample transmitted light
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope includes a first imaging optical system that images sample transmitted light transmitted through a sample provided on a stage, and a second imaging optical system that images a part of the sample transmitted light branched from the first imaging optical system. Here, the second imaging optical system includes a light beam branching element that branches the part of the sample transmitted light from the first imaging optical system, and has a thickness of a predetermined threshold or more, an imaging element that images a phase difference image of the branched sample transmitted light, one or a plurality of optical elements that images an image of the phase difference image of the branched sample transmitted light on the imaging element, and a filter that shields a part of the branched sample transmitted light imaged on the imaging element.