Microscope Spherical Aberration Correction via Phase Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microscopes face challenges in achieving high imaging quality due to spherical aberrations, especially when imaging objects at varying depths or with different refractive indices, requiring cumbersome and often impossible adjustments during experiments.
Innovation Solution
A method using quantitative phase contrast imaging to determine phase differences between regions, allowing for automatic correction of spherical aberrations by setting the correction optical unit based on established relationships, enabling aberration-free imaging without requiring absolute aberration values or manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a correction ring at the objective is set to correct spherical aberration for different object carrier thicknesses, then imaging quality is improved, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the object carrier thickness and sets the correction ring position without user intervention. The microscope evaluates image sharpness at different focal planes, calculates the optimal correction based on the measured thickness, and adjusts the correction ring automatically, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of correction ring position based on the measured object carrier thickness. By establishing a relationship between thickness parameter and optimal correction position, the system automatically adjusts the correction ring to the appropriate setting based on the actual sample being imaged.
2Manufacturing precision
If the correction optical unit is adjusted manually to match object carrier requirements, then spherical aberration is reduced, but changing settings during experiments is virtually precluded
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static manual correction settings to dynamic automatic adjustment. The correction ring position is continuously optimized based on real-time measurement of object carrier thickness, allowing the system to adapt to different samples and experimental conditions automatically during the experiment without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where image sharpness is evaluated at different focal planes, the object carrier thickness is determined from this evaluation, and the correction ring position is adjusted accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to different experimental conditions throughout the imaging process.
3Extent of automation
If quantitative phase contrast imaging is used to determine phase differences, then automatic correction of spherical aberration is enabled, but additional imaging steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines quantitative phase contrast imaging with spherical aberration correction in an integrated workflow. The phase contrast images are used to determine object carrier thickness, which directly informs the correction ring positioning, merging the measurement and correction functions into a unified automated process that reduces overall imaging time despite the additional imaging step.
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 method simplifies the correction of spherical aberrations across different regions, allowing for high-quality imaging with minimal effort and enabling suitable adjustments during experiments, even for objects with varying refractive indices, while minimizing radiation damage to the sample.
Implementation Method 1
performing quantitative phase contrast imaging for determining a phase difference of radiation between a first lateral region and a second lateral region of the object
Implementation Method 2
The correction unit corrects a spherical aberration at the objective, said spherical aberration occurring when imaging the object
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope for imaging an object, comprising a lens assembly, which defines an optical axis and a focal plane perpendicular thereto, and correction optics, which are adjustable for adjustment to a depth position and which correct a spherical aberration on the lens assembly which occurs during imaging of the object at a specific depth position of the focal plane. The microscope may be used to determine a phase difference of radiation from a first lateral region and a second lateral region of the object, and to use a previously known connection between the phase difference and a modification of the spherical aberration caused thereby in order to determine an adjustment value of the correction optics, such that the spherical aberration is reduced when imaging the second region.