Immersion Microscope Objective for Wide Wavelength Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescent observation microscopes face challenges in achieving high resolution and correcting axial chromatic aberration across a wider wavelength range, particularly with the use of short wavelength light for photoactivation fluorescent proteins like Kaede and PA-GFP, which requires objectives with higher numerical aperture and improved aberration correction.
Innovation Solution
The development of an immersion-type microscope objective configured with specific lens groups, including cemented lenses and meniscus lenses, that satisfy certain conditions for ray height and focal length ratios, and the use of optical glasses with specific refractive indices and Abbe numbers to correct axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification, allowing for improved aberration correction across a broader wavelength range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional objectives are used for fluorescent observation, then the structure of cells can be observed, but the resolution in the focal plane and optical axis is insufficient for observing molecular behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the objective lens system by introducing specific lens groups (Gc, Gd, Ge) with defined focal lengths and ray height ratios. These parameter changes enable the objective to maintain high resolution while extending the corrected wavelength range to accommodate multicolored fluorescent tags and photoactivation wavelengths (405-656 nm).
Solution Approach 2:
The objective lens is segmented into multiple functional groups: Ga and Gb for basic focusing, Gc for chromatic aberration correction, Gd for spherical aberration correction, and Ge for field curvature correction. This segmentation allows each group to optimize specific aspects of image quality across the extended wavelength range.
2Measurement precision
If high numerical aperture objectives are used to attain higher resolution, then molecular behavior can be observed, but axial chromatic aberration becomes more significant across wide wavelength ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lens group Gc as an intermediary element between the object and image planes. This group acts as a mediator to correct chromatic aberrations by selecting specific glass materials with appropriate dispersion properties, thereby reducing the impact of axial chromatic aberration across the 405-656 nm wavelength range while maintaining high numerical aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The objective employs composite lens structures with cemented lenses combining different glass materials. These composite structures allow for simultaneous correction of multiple aberration types by leveraging the complementary optical properties of different materials, achieving reliable aberration correction across the extended spectral range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If short wavelength light (440 nm, 405 nm) is used for photoactivation fluorescent proteins, then photoactivation can be achieved, but conventional objectives cannot correct aberrations effectively in this wavelength range
Solution Approach 1:
The objective lens is designed with multi-functionality to handle both photoactivation wavelengths (405-440 nm) and observation wavelengths (488-656 nm) within a single optical system. The lens groups Gc, Gd, and Ge are configured to provide universal aberration correction across this entire spectrum, eliminating the need for separate objectives for photoactivation and observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the lens system by adjusting the focal lengths of Gb (7.8≦|f(Gb)/f|≦20) and controlling the ray height ratio (0.5≦H2/H1≦0.75). These parameter changes enable effective aberration correction at short wavelengths (405-440 nm) used for photoactivation, extending the objective's versatility to include photoactivation applications.
4Reliability
If lens groups are added to correct chromatic aberration across wider wavelength range, then aberration correction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The objective divides the correction function into specialized segments: Gc for chromatic aberration, Gd for spherical aberration, and Ge for field curvature. This segmentation allows each group to focus on a specific correction task, achieving comprehensive aberration correction without requiring a completely redesigned complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple correction functions into an integrated lens sequence where Gc, Gd, and Ge work together in a coordinated manner. This merging approach achieves comprehensive aberration correction across the extended wavelength range while maintaining a manageable overall structure, balancing complexity with performance.
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 enables effective correction of chromatic aberration and various aberrations from 405 nm to 656 nm, enhancing the resolution and accuracy of fluorescent observations, particularly in multicolored fluorescent tag studies and photoactivation processes.
Implementation Method 1
The positive lens group Ga includes a cemented lens obtained by cementing a plano-convex lens whose plane surface faces the object side to a meniscus lens whose concave surface faces the object side, and a positive single lens
Data Source
AI summary
An immersion type microscope objective is configured by, in order from the object side to an image side, a positive lens group Ga including a cemented lens obtained by cementing a plano-convex lens whose plane surface faces the object side to a meniscus lens whose concave surface faces the object side, and a positive single lens, a positive lens group Gb including a cemented lens, a lens group Gc including at least one cemented lens, a lens group Gd having a meniscus lens having a strongly concave surface that faces the image side, and a lens group Ge having a negative lens having a strongly concave surface that faces the object side.