Microscope Nested Medium Container Refractive Index Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes require frequent replenishment of liquid immersion medium when changing observation positions, leading to increased observation time and potential fluorescence fading due to inadequate light management.
Innovation Solution
A microscope design featuring a medium container with a refractive index matching the immersion medium, an objective lens outside the container, and a movable stage allowing specimen container movement along the detection axis, with light-transmitting sections to manage light and fluorescence without altering the immersion medium volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the container is moved relative to the objective lens to change observation position, then observation flexibility is improved, but the liquid immersion medium needs to be replenished frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen container is nested within a larger medium container, both filled with immersion medium. This nested structure allows the specimen container to move independently for observation position changes while the outer medium container maintains a stable reservoir of immersion medium, eliminating the need for frequent replenishment during position changes.
2Area of stationary object
If the relative moving distance between objective lens and container is increased to accommodate multiple arrays, then observation coverage is improved, but the frequency of liquid immersion medium replenishment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-container approach to a nested dual-container structure, adding a spatial dimension to the immersion medium reservoir. The outer medium container provides an extended medium reservoir that accommodates larger observation coverage areas without proportionally increasing the total medium consumption, as the medium is shared across the nested structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the container structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but light transmission efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure implements local quality by using light-transmitting materials specifically for the container walls while maintaining simple geometric shapes. The light-transmitting sections are strategically positioned at the container bottom and sides, allowing straightforward manufacturing with conventional materials like transparent plastic or glass, while ensuring sufficient light transmission for fluorescence detection.
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 reduces the need for frequent medium replenishment, prevents fluorescence fading, and allows for precise focal adjustments, enhancing observation reliability and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a medium container 5 that stores a second liquid immersion medium W2 in which a specimen container 3 accommodating a first liquid immersion medium W1 together with a specimen S is immersed and that has an index of refraction identical to that of the first liquid immersion medium
Implementation Method 2
each of the specimen container and the medium container has a light-transmitting section capable of transmitting the light from the specimen
Implementation Method 3
an objective lens 11 that is placed outside the medium container 5 and that collects light emitted from the specimen S
Implementation Method 4
a targeting section 12 that moves a focal position of the objective lens 11 in a direction along a detection light axis P thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a microscope including: a chamber storing a solution in which a cuvette accommodating a solution together with a sample is immersed and that has an index of refraction identical to that of the solution; an immersion objective lens being placed outside the chamber and collecting light from the sample; a camera acquiring an image of the light collected by the lens; a targeting section moving the lens in a direction along a detection light axis thereof; and a movable stage supporting the cuvette in the chamber so as to be movable in at least a direction along the detection light axis. Each of the cuvette and the chamber has a transparent section that can transmit light coming from the sample. The lens is placed so as to face the transparent section of the cuvette with the transparent section of the chamber interposed therebetween.