Laser Scanning Microscope Removable Optical Element Vignetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser scanning microscopes face challenges in achieving a wide magnification range, especially at low magnifications, due to vignetting issues and space constraints when using detection lenses with large diameters, which limits the observation of biological specimens and increases the workload for users.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a removably arranged optical element between the image plane and the detection lens's first surface, which converts or deflects the laser beam, allowing for adjustable magnification and photodetector amplification to maintain image brightness and reduce vignetting across a wide magnification range without switching detection lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a detection lens with a large diameter is used to achieve a wide magnification range, then the magnification range is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple components: a standard detection lens and a beam splitting optical element. The beam splitting element segments the light path to redirect light from peripheral regions of the detection lens to the photodetector, enabling wide magnification range without requiring a single large-diameter detection lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitting optical element acts as an intermediary between the detection lens and the photodetector. It redirects light rays that would otherwise miss the photodetector, effectively extending the functional aperture without physically enlarging the detection lens.
2Reliability
If the detection lens diameter is increased to reduce vignetting, then image quality is improved, but the specimen space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light collection function between the standard detection lens and the beam splitting optical element. This allows the use of a smaller detection lens that provides adequate specimen space while the beam splitting element captures and redirects additional light to reduce vignetting effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitting optical element introduces a new optical path dimension by redirecting light at angles. This allows light from peripheral regions to reach the photodetector without requiring a larger detection lens aperture, thus maintaining specimen space while improving image quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection lenses are used to cover different magnifications, then the magnification range is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lens switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitting optical element is designed to work with a standard detection lens across multiple magnification settings. Instead of requiring separate detection lenses for different magnifications, the beam splitting element provides universal light redirection functionality that benefits all magnification levels, eliminating the need for lens switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic adaptability through the beam splitting optical element, which automatically redirects light based on the current optical configuration. This dynamic light management allows the system to maintain optimal performance across varying magnifications without mechanical lens switching.
4Device complexity
If a standard detection lens is used without modification, then the device complexity is kept simple, but vignetting occurs at low magnifications limiting the magnification range
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitting optical element serves as an intermediary component that adds minimal complexity to the optical system. It intercepts and redirects light rays that would otherwise be vignetted, extending the magnification range without requiring complete redesign of the detection lens or optical train.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitting optical element is positioned specifically in the light path where it can intercept vignetted rays without affecting the main optical path. This localized intervention adds minimal complexity while effectively addressing the vignetting problem at low magnifications.
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 the acquisition of transmission images across a wide magnification range without sacrificing specimen space, maintaining consistent image brightness, and reducing the need for lens switching, thus enhancing observation efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the optical element converting the laser beam made incident on the optical element into diffused light
Implementation Method 2
or deflecting a portion of the laser beam made incident on the optical element
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector that detects light that passes through the biological specimen and is condensed by the detection lens
Implementation Method 4
a detection lens that condenses the laser beam that passes through the specimen
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanning microscope includes: an objective that irradiates a specimen with a laser beam; a detection lens that condenses the laser beam that passes through the specimen, the detection lens being arranged so as to face the objective; an optical element that is removably arranged between an image plane on which the detection lens forms an image of the specimen and a first surface that is a lens surface closest to the specimen of the detection lens, the optical element converting the laser beam made incident on the optical element into diffused light or deflecting a portion of the laser beam made incident on the optical element; and a photodetector that detects detection light emitted from the optical element arranged between the image plane and the first surface to the image plane.