Microscope Illumination Using Light Directing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes face challenges in providing homogeneous critical illumination at low cost, as existing light sources are inhomogeneous, leading to light loss and increased costs due to the need for brighter LEDs or additional optical components.
Innovation Solution
A microscope design incorporating an LED light source with a light directing element that couples light from a small radiating surface to a larger coupling-out surface, eliminating the need for diffusers and reducing inhomogeneities, while maintaining sufficient light intensity and homogeneity through controlled angular radiation and a condenser system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If diffusers are used to homogenize light from LED arrays, then light homogeneity is improved, but light loss increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the diffuser component from the illumination system entirely. Instead of using a diffuser to homogenize light, the invention directly couples the LED array to the condenser aperture through a light directing element, eliminating the light loss that would occur in the diffuser while achieving the desired illumination homogeneity through the LED array's inherent characteristics and optimized geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light directing element as an intermediary between the LED array and the condenser aperture. This element guides and distributes light from the LED array directly to the aperture without requiring a diffuser, thereby maintaining light homogeneity while avoiding the light loss associated with diffusers
2Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are used to increase light intensity, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function across multiple LEDs arranged in a specific pattern, where each LED contributes to the overall illumination. By optimizing the arrangement and individual characteristics of these segmented light sources, the system achieves high illumination intensity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular LED design
3Area of stationary object
If light source area is enlarged to avoid vignetting, then illumination coverage is improved, but optical path length increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the vignetting problem not by increasing the lateral area of the light source, but by optimizing the angular distribution of light through the light directing element. This dimensional approach allows the system to achieve adequate illumination coverage at the condenser aperture without requiring a proportionally larger light source area or longer optical path
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 solution provides cost-effective, homogeneous critical illumination for high-quality microscopes across various magnifications without the need for expensive diffusers or additional optical elements, ensuring efficient light distribution and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The light directing element is disposed so that the light is radiated out in an angular range of at least ±10° and at most ±50° and so as to illuminate an area at a distance of 5 m in an angular range of at least ±5° with intensity fluctuations of less than 50%
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope includes a light source including an LED device having a light radiating surface and a light directing element including a larger coupling-out surface. The light directing element is disposed so as to couple in light radiated by the light source and couple out the radiated light from the coupling-out surface. The light directing element is disposed so that the light is radiated out in an angular range of ±10° to ±50° and illuminates an area at 5 meters in an angular range of at least ±5° with intensity fluctuations of less than 50%. A condenser is disposed between the coupling-out surface of the light directing element and the object to be viewed. The condenser has an aperture with an aperture dimension and is disposed such that the aperture is irradiated completely with the light coupled out from the coupling-out surface.