Infinity-Corrected Microscope Objective Lens Aberration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope objective lenses face challenges in correcting aberrations while maintaining a small diameter, particularly with large numerical apertures, leading to difficulties in spherical and coma aberration correction.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an infinity-corrected microscope objective lens with a specific configuration of lens groups, including a first and second lens group with positive refractive power, and an intermediate imaging plane, satisfying conditional expressions to optimize focal length, numerical aperture, and lens geometry for effective aberration correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large numerical aperture is used to increase imaging performance, then the aperture size is improved, but spherical and coma aberrations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The objective lens is divided into multiple lens groups (first lens group with positive refractive power and second lens group with positive refractive power) arranged in sequence from the object side. This segmentation allows each group to contribute differently to aberration correction while maintaining a large numerical aperture, resolving the contradiction between high NA and aberration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate imaging plane between the first and second lens groups where an intermediate image is formed. This creates a local imaging region that enables better control of light paths and aberrations in specific zones, allowing the system to achieve both large aperture and effective aberration correction through localized optical control.
2Volume of moving object
If the lens diameter is reduced to make the objective lens compact, then the size is improved, but aberration correction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the intermediate imaging plane concept to add a dimensional aspect to the optical path control. By forming an intermediate image at a specific plane between lens groups, the system creates an additional control dimension for aberration correction, enabling compact lens design without sacrificing correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific conditional expressions that define parameter relationships (focal length f, numerical aperture NA, and lens length TL) to optimize the optical system. By controlling these parameters within specific ranges and their interrelationships, the system achieves aberration correction in a compact form factor.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple lens groups are added to correct aberrations, then aberration correction is improved, but the lens length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two lens groups with positive refractive powers in a specific configuration where an intermediate image is formed between them. This merging approach allows the system to achieve effective aberration correction while maintaining a relatively compact overall length, as the intermediate imaging plane enables more efficient use of the optical path.
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 allows for favorable correction of aberrations, including coma and spherical aberrations, even with a small diameter, enabling high imaging performance and large aperture without increasing lens size.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens group having a positive refractive power; and a second lens group having a positive refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
An infinity-corrected microscope objective lens has, arranged in order from the object side along an optical axis, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, and a second lens group having a positive refractive power, an intermediate image forming plane in which light from an object forms an image being positioned between the first lens group and the second lens group, and the microscope objective lens satisfying the condition below. −0.2<f×NA/TL <0.05, where f is the focal length of the microscope objective lens, NA is the object-side numerical aperture of the microscope objective lens, and TL is the distance on the optical axis from the lens surface of the microscope objective lens on the side thereof closest to the object to the lens surface of the microscope objective lens on the side thereof closest to the image.