Microscope Objective Assembly with Coaxial Laser Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods of laser beam microsurgery in microscopes lack a direct optical indication in the eyepiece for the precise location of specimen manipulation, relying on screen displays of isothermal contours or marker light reflections, which can be cumbersome and less intuitive for operators.
Innovation Solution
An objective assembly with a laser assembly and an indicator assembly that emits a collimated laser beam and an indicator beam, respectively, where the indicator beam is coaxially aligned with the optical path but travels in the opposite direction, providing a visible indication in the eyepiece of the microscope, allowing operators to see the precise position of the laser beam on the specimen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screen display with isothermal contours or marker light reflection is used to indicate laser beam position, then laser beam position can be indicated, but the indication is not direct and intuitive in the eyepiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an indicator beam that creates a visible copy or representation of the laser beam's position directly in the optical path. The indicator assembly generates a separate beam that follows the same trajectory as the laser beam, allowing the operator to see the position without relying on indirect screen displays or marker reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator beam acts as an intermediary between the laser beam and the operator's visual perception. Instead of directly viewing the laser beam (which may be invisible or harmful), the operator views the indicator beam that represents the laser position, providing indirect but direct visual feedback in the eyepiece.
2Loss of information
If indicator beam is added to show laser position in eyepiece, then direct visual indication is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser assembly and indicator assembly into a single integrated objective assembly. Both the laser beam and indicator beam share common optical components and mounting structures, reducing overall system complexity despite adding the indicator function. The assemblies are mounted together on the objective, sharing space and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The objective assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it houses both the laser beam generation system and the indicator beam system, and provides both laser delivery and visual indication capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall complexity.
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
Facilitates more accurate and intuitive laser manipulation by providing a direct visual indication of the laser beam's position within the eyepiece, enhancing precision and ease of use during microsurgery or research applications.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating lens provided along an optical path intersecting the optical path of the objective
Implementation Method 2
A dichroic mirror is provided between the turret and the objective, along the optical path
Implementation Method 3
an indicator light source mounted on the housing and arranged to emit indicator light toward the dichroic mirror
Data Source
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AI summary
An objective assembly for use with a microscope Is provided The objective has an optical axis that permits an image beam to be emitted through the objective toward the eyepiece of a microscope A mirror is positioned at an angle to the optical axis of the objective A laser assembly is positioned on a first side of the mirror for directing a laser beam toward said mirror so that the energy is reflected off the mirror and through the objective in a direction that is substantially aligned with the optical axis of the objective An indicator assembly including a source of light is positioned with the light incident on the other side of the mirror to reflect a beam of light in a direction opposite to the direction of the laser beam to provide an optical representation of the position of the beam being emitted by the objective