Microscope Spherical Aberration Correction via Refractive Index Database

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microscopes face challenges in correcting spherical aberrations, especially when imaging objects of varying depth and refractive indices, requiring cumbersome adjustments and knowledge of optical parameters, which complicates high-quality imaging in three-dimensional objects.

Innovation Solution

A method using a microscope with an adjustable correction optical unit that determines the type of object and adjusts based on pre-stored refractive indices and relationships to minimize spherical aberration without requiring knowledge of optical parameters, utilizing a database and control device to automate the correction process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an adjustable correction ring is provided at the objective to compensate for spherical aberration, then the spherical aberration can be corrected for different object carrier thicknesses, but the adjustment becomes cumbersome and accessibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespherical aberration correctionVSAvoidcorrection ring adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment of the correction ring with an automated motor-driven system. The motor-driven correction ring can be adjusted remotely via control signals, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and improving accessibility while maintaining precise spherical aberration correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a motor as an intermediary between the user and the correction ring. The motor receives control signals and translates them into precise rotational movements of the correction ring, enabling indirect but accurate adjustment without direct manual contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If iterative correction methods are used to evaluate contrast or brightness for spherical aberration correction, then correction can be achieved, but the process requires time and expertise in optical parameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespherical aberration correctionVSAvoiditerative correction process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores the relationship between refractive indices and required correction values in a database. When imaging, the system simply queries this pre-computed data based on the object's refractive index, eliminating the need for time-consuming iterative evaluation and expert knowledge during the actual imaging process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a database copy of the complex relationship between optical parameters and correction requirements. This stored data can be quickly retrieved and applied without repeatedly performing the complex iterative calculations, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining correction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If high numerical aperture objectives are used for high-quality imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but spherical aberration becomes more noticeable with increasing depth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidspherical aberration at depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the correction parameter (correction ring position) based on the imaging depth and object refractive index. By adjusting the correction ring to compensate for depth-related spherical aberration, the system maintains high imaging quality throughout the entire depth range while using high numerical aperture objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach simplifies the correction of spherical aberration, improving image quality by automatically adjusting the correction optical unit based on object type, reducing the need for iterative methods and expertise in optical properties, and enabling quick and accurate imaging across different depths and conditions.

Implementation Method 1

correct a spherical aberration occurring when imaging the object at the focal plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpherical aberration:

Data Source

PatentUS11300782B2Microscopy method and microscope for imaging an object

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY GMBH

AI summary

A microscope and a microscopy method for imaging an object, wherein use is made of a microscope comprising an objective which defines an optical axis and a focal plane perpendicular thereto, and an adjustable correction optical unit which, at the objective, corrects a spherical aberration occurring when imaging the object with a certain depth position of the focal plane. The method comprises the following steps: determining an actual type of object; reading a database in which refractive indices of different types of objects are stored in order to determine the refractive index of the object; using a relationship between the refractive index and the spherical aberration caused by the object in order to ascertain an adjustment value of the correction optical unit such that there is a reduction in the spherical aberration in the focal plane; adjusting the correction optical unit to the adjustment value; and imaging the object.