Microscope Intensity Modulator for Plastic Container Phase Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope technologies face challenges in observing living cells accommodated in plastic containers using differential interference contrast microscopy, as plastic disturbs the plane of vibration of incident polarized light.
Innovation Solution
A microscope apparatus is designed with an illumination optical system, an observation optical system, and an intensity modulator. The intensity modulator, placed in the pupil of the observation optical system or optically conjugate with it, reduces light incident on it, with a light utilization rate distribution that monotonously increases or decreases in a specific direction, allowing for phase gradient imaging without the need for optical polarization characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If differential interference contrast microscopy is used to observe living cells, then phase gradient images with stereoscopic effect can be obtained, but plastic containers disturb the plane of vibration of incident polarized light making observation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the polarization-dependent components from the observation system. By using an intensity modulator instead of polarization-based DIC components, the system eliminates sensitivity to plastic container interference while retaining phase gradient imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the optical system by replacing polarization-based phase detection with intensity-based phase gradient detection. The intensity modulator varies light intensity according to phase gradient information, converting the measurement parameter from polarization state to intensity, thereby avoiding plastic interference.
2Measurement precision
If conventional DIC microscopy components are used, then polarized light interference patterns are obtained, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of phase gradient detection from the complex DIC system, removing polarization optics, Nomarski prisms, and other complex components. The simplified system uses only an intensity modulator with specific transmittance distribution to achieve phase gradient imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex DIC optical components with a simpler, more cost-effective intensity modulator. This single component performs the phase gradient detection function that previously required multiple精密 optical elements, reducing system cost and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intensity modulator with monotonous light utilization rate distribution is used, then phase gradient images can be formed without polarization characteristics, but light intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The intensity modulator is designed with spatially varying transmittance characteristics, where different regions of the modulator have different light transmission properties. The transmittance distribution is optimized to pass sufficient light while creating the necessary intensity modulation pattern for phase gradient detection, balancing light intensity and imaging capability.
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 enables the formation of an optical image with light intensity corresponding to the phase gradient, allowing for phase gradient images similar to those obtained by differential interference contrast microscopy, while being cost-effective and capable of observing cells in plastic containers.
Implementation Method 1
an intensity modulator that is provided in a pupil of the observation optical system or a position optically conjugate with the pupil and reduces light incident on the intensity modulator
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope apparatus includes an illumination optical system that illuminates a sample, an observation optical system that guides light from the sample, and an intensity modulator that is provided in a pupil of the observation optical system or a position optically conjugate with the pupil and reduces light incident on the intensity modulator. The light utilization rate distribution as an intensity transmittance distribution of the intensity modulator in the pupil or in an image of the pupil monotonously increases or monotonously decreases in a first direction. The light utilization rate distribution varies on both sides of a center of an optical axis.