Microscope Objective Cover for Refractive Index Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope systems face challenges in achieving high-resolution imaging due to refractive index variations in samples, which can be exacerbated by surface roughness and the use of liquids like immersion oil or glue, leading to issues such as bubbles and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A microscope objective cover is designed with a cavity to house the microscope objective, featuring an open top end and a bottom end wall with an aperture, allowing a liquid applied to the sample to extend between the sample and the cover, thereby reducing refractive index variations and eliminating the need for a cover slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If immersion oil or glue is applied to the sample to reduce refractive index variations, then imaging quality is improved, but bubbles and contamination are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
A cover slip is introduced as an intermediary layer between the sample and the imaging system. The cover slip allows liquid to be applied to the sample surface to reduce refractive index variations while preventing direct contact between the liquid and the imaging optics, thereby avoiding bubbles and contamination in the optical path
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the sample layer, the liquid immersion layer, the cover slip barrier layer, and the imaging optics layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently - the liquid reduces refractive index variations at the sample interface while the cover slip prevents contamination of the imaging system
2Measurement precision
If a cover slip is used to apply liquid evenly to the sample, then refractive index variations are reduced, but the process becomes tedious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover slip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier to prevent contamination, provides a smooth surface for even liquid distribution, supports the liquid layer to maintain uniform thickness, and protects the imaging optics. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall sample preparation process while maintaining refractive index uniformity
3Measurement precision
If high numerical aperture objectives are used to achieve high magnification, then imaging resolution is improved, but liquid immersion is required which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cover slip acts as an intermediary that enables the use of high numerical aperture objectives by providing a controlled interface for liquid immersion. It allows the liquid to be applied evenly and maintained in place, ensuring optimal contact between the immersion liquid and the objective lens while preventing bubbles and contamination that would otherwise limit the effectiveness of high NA objectives
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
The solution effectively reduces refractive index variations across the sample surface, minimizes the presence of bubbles, and protects the microscope objective from contamination, thereby enhancing imaging quality and simplifying the sample preparation process.
Implementation Method 1
refractive index variations across a surface of the sample may be reduced
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present inventive concept relates to a microscope objective cover (10), a microscope system (20), and a method for arranging a microscope objective cover (10) relative to a microscope objective (170). The microscope objective cover (10) defining a cavity (100), the microscope objective cover (10) having an open top end (110) and an opposing bottom end wall (120), wherein the end wall (120) has a first side (122) facing the cavity (100) and a second side (124) opposite the first side (122), and wherein the end wall (122) is provided with an aperture (130); and wherein the cavity (100) defined by the microscope objective cover (10) is configured to house a microscope objective (170) such that an optical axis (172) of the microscope objective (170) is aligned with the aperture (130) of the end wall (120).