Microscope Illumination Optics with Folded Relay Lens Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope units face challenges in achieving downsizing due to the increased size resulting from the need for a fly-eye lens and relay lens configuration, which leads to a longer optical path length and overall unit enlargement.
Innovation Solution
The microscope unit incorporates a first relay lens composed of multiple non-joined plano-convex lenses, reducing the focal distance to the field stop, and a configuration that allows the field stop to be disposed inwardly, along with a reflecting mirror and beam splitter, to minimize the illumination lens barrel's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a fly-eye lens and relay lens configuration are used to achieve uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but the optical path length increases and the overall unit size enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The first relay lens is divided into multiple non-joined lenses arranged in an array, replacing a single large relay lens. This segmentation allows the optical path to be folded and compressed, reducing the overall optical path length while maintaining the illumination uniformity function through the collective action of multiple smaller lens elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the optical path from a linear one-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional folded configuration by introducing mirrors and arranging lens arrays in multiple planes. The light path is redirected at angles, utilizing vertical and lateral spaces to create a compact three-dimensional optical layout that reduces the effective optical path length without sacrificing illumination quality.
2Illumination intensity
If a fly-eye lens and relay lens configuration are used to achieve uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but the overall unit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the first relay lens array is positioned within the space defined by the illumination lens barrel, and the second relay lens array is nested within the main lens barrel. Multiple optical components are arranged in concentric or overlapping configurations, allowing the optical path to be folded back on itself and utilizing internal spaces efficiently, thereby reducing the overall unit volume.
Solution Approach 2:
By folding the optical path in multiple dimensions using mirrors and arranging lens arrays in three-dimensional space rather than a simple linear sequence, the patent compresses the optical system into a compact volume. The light path traverses the system in a folded configuration that utilizes vertical and lateral dimensions, reducing the footprint and overall size of the microscope unit.
3Length of moving object
If the field stop is disposed inwardly to minimize lens barrel length, then compactness is improved, but optical component interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The relay lens systems are segmented into multiple non-joined lens elements arranged in arrays, which allows for better spatial distribution and reduced interference between optical components. The segmented structure enables each lens element to be positioned at optimized locations, preventing unwanted optical interactions while maintaining the compact folded optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spatial arrangements and positioning strategies to different optical components based on their specific functions. The field stop, relay lenses, and mirrors are positioned at locally optimized locations that prevent interference while achieving compactness. Each component's position is carefully tailored to its specific optical role, ensuring proper light path separation and avoiding harmful interactions.
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 achieves a compact illumination lens barrel and overall microscope unit by shortening the optical path length and utilizing space efficiently, while maintaining uniform illumination and preventing interference between optical components.
Implementation Method 1
a collector lens that collects light that has been irradiated from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a fly-eye lens allowing to be transmitted therethrough light from the collector lens
Implementation Method 3
a first relay lens that relays light from the fly-eye lens
Implementation Method 4
a field stop that stops down a range of light from the first relay lens
Implementation Method 5
a second relay lens that relays to a beam splitter light from the first relay lens
Implementation Method 6
the beam splitter provided on an optical axis of the main lens barrel, the beam splitter guiding at least a part of light incident thereon to the objective lens and allowing to be transmitted therethrough to a side of the imaging sensor
Implementation Method 7
passes through a relay lens system and field stop to be reflected by a mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope unit comprises: a main lens barrel of an imaging optical system; and an illumination lens barrel of an illumination optical system connected to the main lens barrel, the illumination optical system having: a collector lens that collects light that has been irradiated from a light source; a fly-eye lens allowing to be transmitted therethrough light from the collector lens; a first relay lens having lenses that relay light from the fly-eye lens; a field stop that stops down a range of light from the first relay lens; a second relay lens that relays to a beam splitter light from the first relay lens; and the beam splitter guiding at least a part of light incident thereon to the objective lens and allowing to be transmitted therethrough to a side of an imaging sensor at least a part of light incident thereon from the objective lens.