Microscopical Imaging System Relay Optical Achromatic Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopical imaging systems struggle with achromatic correction over a wide spectral range and large field of view, particularly in widefield microscopy, due to limitations in pupil manipulation and chromatic aberration correction.
Innovation Solution
A microscopical imaging system with a relay optical system comprising at least two lens groups on both the objective and image sides, combined with an adaptive optical element, ensures achromatic correction of pupil imaging by strategically positioning lens groups to minimize incidence angles and correct longitudinal and transverse chromatic aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a relay optical system with a single lens on each side is used to place an adaptive optical element at a pupil plane, then the system is simple and compact, but chromatic aberrations (both longitudinal and transverse) cannot be corrected over a wide spectral range
Solution Approach 1:
The relay optical system is divided into two separate lens groups: an objective-side lens group and an image-side lens group. Each group is independently optimized to correct specific types of chromatic aberrations. The objective-side group primarily corrects longitudinal chromatic aberration, while the image-side group corrects transverse chromatic aberration, enabling comprehensive achromatic correction across a wide spectral range.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical system are assigned different correction functions. The objective-side lens group focuses on axial color correction for pupils at various wavelengths, while the image-side lens group addresses lateral color correction for the image field. This localized optimization allows each lens group to specialize in correcting specific chromatic aberrations without compromising overall system performance.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional relay systems are used, then the system works for small image fields, but they cannot handle large field angles typical in widefield microscopy
Solution Approach 1:
The relay optical system is designed with adjustable parameters that allow it to maintain accurate pupil imaging across varying field angles. The lens groups are configured with specific focal lengths and spacing that can be optimized for different field sizes, enabling the system to adapt to widefield microscopy requirements while maintaining chromatic correction performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a relay system is designed for a narrow spectral range, then chromatic correction is easier, but it cannot provide comprehensive color correction for large spectral ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral correction task is segmented between two lens groups operating at different stages of the optical path. The objective-side lens group handles the wavelength-dependent axial positioning of pupils, while the image-side lens group handles wavelength-dependent lateral positioning. This segmentation allows the system to achieve broad spectral coverage without requiring an overly complex single-stage correction system.
4Area of stationary object
If the adaptive optical element is placed at a pupil plane with large field angles, then widefield imaging is enabled, but color-dependent aberrations increase with field angle
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system applies different correction strategies for different field regions. The dual lens group configuration ensures that pupils from different field angles are correctly positioned at the adaptive optical element plane, with each lens group addressing specific aspects of field-angle-dependent aberrations. This localized correction approach maintains pupil imaging accuracy across the entire wide field of view.
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 comprehensive achromatic correction of pupil and object images, enabling effective handling of large field angles and spectral ranges, while maintaining manageable technical effort and adaptability to different objectives.
Implementation Method 1
The relay optical system images the exit pupil of the objective on a pupil plane between the objective-side component and the image-side component
Implementation Method 2
correct longitudinal and transverse chromatic aberrations
Implementation Method 3
adaptive elements such as, e.g., membrane mirrors or spatial light modulators (SLMs) have continuously been improved technically
Data Source
AI summary
A microscopical imaging system for the widefield microscopical imaging of a sample. The imaging system includes a ray path with an objective, a tube lens system arranged behind the objective as seen from the sample, and a relay optical system with an objective-side component and an image-side component. The objective-side component includes at least one first objective-side lens group and a second objective-side lens group. The image-side component includes at least one first image-side lens group and a second image-side lens group. The relay optical system transfers an image of the exit pupil of the objective to a pupil plane between the objective-side component and the image-side component. The relay optical system transfers an image of the sample from an intermediate image plane to an image plane. The imaging system includes an adaptive optical element that is arranged at the pupil plane between the objective-side component and the image-side component.