Microscope Optical Arrangement with Separated Illumination and Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes face challenges in achieving flexible and structurally simple plane illumination for biological samples, often resulting in complex constructions and shading effects due to the need for synchronized illumination and detection optics, which limits sample preparation and compatibility with conventional light microscopy.
Innovation Solution
The optical arrangement separates illumination and detection optics, allowing independent configuration and maximum spatial separation, with a coaxial construction of illumination optics and the use of modular components like polarization optics and mirrors for flexible application, enabling simultaneous illumination from multiple directions and adjustable light sheet generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If illumination optics and detection optics are arranged on the same side with synchronized configuration, then plane illumination can be achieved, but the construction becomes complex and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into separate illumination optics and detection optics that operate independently. The illumination device generates light beams that are divided into partial beams and reflected by mirrors into the illumination area, while the detection optics are positioned separately on the opposite side of the illumination area, eliminating the need for complex synchronized configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection optics are extracted from the illumination side and positioned on the opposite side of the illumination area. This separation allows the illumination and detection systems to be configured independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective plane illumination functionality.
2Reliability
If illumination and detection optics are tightly coupled, then synchronized operation is achieved, but adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into independent illumination and detection modules. The illumination device can be configured with different mirror arrangements and light beam division mechanisms, while the detection optics can be independently selected and positioned, enabling adaptation to various applications without requiring reconfiguration of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The separated optical arrangement provides universal applicability across different microscopy configurations. The illumination device can serve multiple functions through adjustable mirror arrangements, while the detection optics can be independently optimized for different detection requirements, making the system adaptable to various biological sample investigation needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If lens dimensions are matched to housing dimensions, then structural integration is achieved, but lens selection freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection optics are extracted from the housing structure and positioned independently on the opposite side of the illumination area. This eliminates the constraint of matching lens dimensions to housing dimensions, allowing free selection of detection lenses based on optical requirements rather than structural constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a constrained two-dimensional housing-integrated layout to a three-dimensional arrangement where detection optics are positioned in a different spatial dimension (opposite side of illumination area). This dimensional change provides freedom in lens selection while maintaining structural coherence.
4Device complexity
If illumination is performed from single direction, then simple optical path is maintained, but shadowing effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination light beam is divided into multiple partial beams using a beam dividing device. These partial beams are then reflected by multiple mirrors into the illumination area from different directions, enabling multi-directional illumination that reduces shadowing effects while maintaining a relatively simple optical path structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system transitions from single-direction to multi-directional illumination by introducing angular diversity. Mirrors are arranged to reflect partial beams from different angles into the illumination area, adding dimensional complexity to the illumination paths while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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 solution provides a flexible, adaptable, and simplified optical arrangement that reduces shading effects and increases resolution, allowing for versatile sample investigation and easy implementation in conventional microscopes, while maintaining high image quality and minimizing photo-induced damage.
Implementation Method 1
a dividing device for dividing the illumination light beam into at least two partial beams
Implementation Method 2
a mirror arrangement for reflecting the partial beams in an illumination area for plane illumination of a sample
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical arrangement in a microscope, comprising an illumination device for generating an illumination light beam (1), running on an illumination side, a splitting device (2) for splitting the illumination light beam (1) into at least two partial beams (3, 4), and a mirror arrangement (5) for reflecting the partial beams (3, 4) into an illumination region (6) for plane illumination of a sample (7), with regard to flexible application with structurally simple means, is characterized by a detection optical unit (8) arranged on that side of the illumination region (6) which faces away from the illumination side. A microscope comprising a corresponding optical arrangement is furthermore specified.