Variable Illumination Microscope Using Multi-Diaphragm Segmentation

The illumination system is segmented into multiple diaphragms (first diaphragm, second diaphragm, third diaphragm) positioned at different pupil planes, allowing complex intensity distributions to be built from simpler individual diaphragm patterns. This segmentation enables versatile illumination settings while keeping each individual diaphragm relatively simple in design.

The patent introduces a third dimension by adding a second pupil plane with a second diaphragm, in addition to the conventional single pupil plane. This dimensional expansion allows independent control of intensity distribution at two different planes, dramatically increasing illumination setting versatility without requiring each individual diaphragm to be overly complex.

The patent replaces expensive, difficult-to-manufacture axicons and diffractive optical elements with simpler, cheaper diaphragms that can be easily manufactured using standard techniques such as chromium deposition on glass or sheet metal fabrication. These diaphragms achieve the required illumination settings capability without the manufacturing complexity of alternative components.

Instead of using complex optical elements like axicons that directly shape the light, the patent uses diaphragms that create intensity distributions by blocking light in specific patterns. This copying approach—using simple geometric patterns rather than complex optical transformations—maintains illumination quality while dramatically simplifying manufacturing.