Microscope Observation Field Movement via Tilted Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes face difficulties in moving the observation field without moving the objective lens or sample stage, especially in applications like electrophysiology where the distance between the objective lens and manipulator is small, leading to challenges in sample handling and potential vibration-induced damage.
Innovation Solution
A microscope design incorporating a first objective lens, a second objective lens forming an intermediate image, a tilted mirror to change the optical path, and angular and shift mechanisms to move the observation field two-dimensionally without altering the sample position, along with a memory to store corresponding adjustments and a controller to manage these adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample stage or objective lens is moved to change the observation field, then the observation field can be moved, but the risk of contact with the manipulator increases and vibration affects the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the observation field movement function into two independent parts: the sample stage remains stationary while a mirror on the optical path is rotated to redirect light to different areas of the sample. This segmentation allows field movement without moving the sample or objective lens, eliminating contact risk with the manipulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element on the optical path between the objective lens and the observation system. By rotating this mirror, the observation field can be moved without physically moving the sample or the objective lens, thus avoiding vibration and contact issues.
2Ease of operation
If the objective lens is moved to change the observation field, then the observation field can be moved, but the positional relationship between the objective lens and sample changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the field movement function from the objective lens positioning. The objective lens remains fixed in its optimal position relative to the sample, while a mirror on the optical path is rotated to redirect light to different sample areas, preserving the positional relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement of the objective lens or sample stage with an optical solution using a rotatable mirror. This substitution allows field movement through light redirection rather than physical displacement, maintaining the objective lens-sample positional relationship.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable magnification optical system is used to move the observation field, then magnification can be adjusted, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical system multi-functional by combining a rotatable mirror for field movement with a variable magnification optical system. This single configuration can perform both field positioning and magnification adjustment without requiring separate mechanisms, improving versatility while managing 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
Enables two-dimensional movement of the observation field without inclining the observation image, reducing the risk of sample damage and improving operational convenience by allowing precise field movement without contact with the objective lens or stage, while maintaining the positional relationship between the lenses and sample.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror that is disposed with a tilt on the optical path between the first objective lens and the second objective lens changes a direction of the optical path by reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Providing a microscope capable of movably adjusting an observation field of a sample without moving the sample. The microscope includes a first objective lens, a second objective lens, a mirror, an angular adjustment mechanism, and a shift mechanism. The first objective lens is disposed to the sample side. The second objective lens forms an intermediate image of the sample together with the first objective lens. The mirror is disposed with a tilt on an optical path between the first objective lens and the second objective lens. The angular adjustment mechanism rotatably adjust the mirror in the tilt direction. The shift mechanism makes a shift adjustment of the second objective lens in an axial direction of a rotation axis of the mirror. With the configuration, the observation field can be moved two-dimensionally by the angular adjustment mechanism.