Microscope Optical Device Reference Element Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring optical forces on microscopical samples in optical traps are sensitive to the distance between the sample and the collector, requiring specialized expertise to position the collector correctly for maximum light collection, which limits accessibility to users like biosciences researchers.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a collector having a numerical aperture greater than the refraction index of the suspending medium, a light sensor at the back focal plane, and a second optical relay positioned along the illumination path, along with a reference element, allowing users to adjust the device height by focusing the reference element, ensuring maximum light collection without specialized expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the collector is positioned at a specific distance from the sample to maximize light collection, then the light collection efficiency is improved, but the device requires specialized expertise to position correctly and becomes sensitive to distance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference element as an intermediary component that mediates between the collector and the sample. This reference element provides visual feedback through the microscope, allowing users to indirectly determine correct positioning without requiring direct measurement or specialized knowledge of optical parameters. The reference element acts as a mediator that translates complex optical positioning requirements into simple visual focus adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reference element provides visual feedback through the microscope to indicate when the collector is at the correct distance from the sample. When the reference element appears in sharp focus, it feedbacks to the user that maximum light collection is achieved, eliminating the need for specialized expertise in positioning.
2Measurement precision
If the collector numerical aperture is increased to collect more scattered and non-scattered light, then the force measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a particular parameter range for the collector numerical aperture (greater than the refraction index of the suspending medium) to optimize force measurement. By defining this specific parameter range, the patent balances measurement precision requirements with manufacturing feasibility, avoiding excessively high numerical apertures that would be difficult to manufacture while still achieving sufficient light collection for accurate force measurements.
3Measurement precision
If the device is designed to be sensitive to distance for accurate force measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device becomes less accessible to non-expert users
Solution Approach 1:
The reference element serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between precise optical requirements and user-friendly operation. It mediates the interaction between the user and the sensitive optical system by providing a simple visual cue (focus) that corresponds to the complex requirement of maximizing light collection for force measurement, thereby increasing accessibility to non-expert users.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service positioning through the reference element, which automatically provides visual feedback when correctly positioned. Users can independently adjust the device height by observing the focus of the reference element without requiring external assistance or specialized knowledge, making the sensitive measurement device accessible to non-expert users in biosciences research.
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
Enables easy adjustment of the device height over the sample, maximizing light collection and simplifying the setup process, making it accessible to non-expert users while maintaining accurate force measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a collector having a numerical-aperture greater than the refraction index of said suspending medium to collect the light scattered and not scattered by the sample
Implementation Method 2
a light sensor placed at or near an optical equivalent of the back focal plane of the collector
Implementation Method 3
a first optical relay to project the light collected by the collector onto the light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device for placement in the optical train of an optical microscope, in order to detect light momentum changes to measure optical forces acting on a microscopical sample (100) located in a suspending medium inside a chamber (200), comprises a collector (10) having a numerical-aperture greater than the refraction index n m of the medium, a light sensor (15) placed at an optical equivalent of the back focal plane of the collector, a first optical relay (11) to project the collected light onto the light sensor, a second optical relay (12) placed along the illumination path of the microscope and a reference element (14) placed along said illumination path, the distance between the second optical relay and the reference element being such that, when the reference element is in focused as seen through the microscope, the diameter of the light pattern on the light sensor is 2·f d ·n m , where f d is the focal length of the device.