Microscope Optical System with Telecentric Zoom Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes face challenges in achieving aberration-free volumetric imaging due to refractive index mismatches between the object and image spaces, particularly in biological samples, which are exacerbated by high numerical apertures.
Innovation Solution
An optical system for microscopes featuring a telescope system with adjustable zoom optics and an optical correction unit that adapts magnification to the refractive index ratio and maintains telecentricity, using a pupil-controlled zoom system and afocal telescope design to correct spherical aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnification of the telescope system is fixed, then the system structure is simple, but spherical aberration cannot be corrected when refractive index ratio changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a zoom optics system that enables dynamic adjustment of the telescope system's magnification. By making the magnification variable rather than fixed, the system can adapt to different refractive index ratios between object and image spaces, allowing correction of spherical aberration while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through a single adjustable component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the telescope system is designed for a specific refractive index ratio, then the system is simple, but it cannot accommodate variations in refractive index with imaging depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the zoom optics to change the magnification parameter of the telescope system in response to variations in refractive index ratio. This allows the system to adapt to different imaging depths and corresponding refractive index changes without requiring complex multi-component optical assemblies, achieving versatility through a single parameter adjustment mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If high numerical aperture is used, then imaging resolution is improved, but spherical aberration due to refractive index mismatch is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the refractive index ratio between object and image spaces is determined, and this information is used to adjust the zoom optics magnification accordingly. This closed-loop approach allows the system to maintain high numerical aperture for resolution while compensating for spherical aberration through dynamic magnification adjustment based on the measured refractive index conditions.
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 largely aberration-free volumetric imaging by compensating for refractive index variations across different depths in samples, ensuring high-quality imaging regardless of index mismatches.
Implementation Method 1
adapting the magnification of the telescope system to the ratio of two refractive indices, one of which is assigned to the object side and the other to the image side
Implementation Method 2
a telescope system (104) with an optical correction unit (110, 128) that is adjustable for correcting a spherical aberration
Implementation Method 3
a telescope system that projects the target area of the sample from the object space into the image space
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical system (100) for a microscope (102) comprising a telescope system (104) with an optical correction unit (804) which can be adjusted in order to correct a spherical imaging error and comprising a zoom lens (114) which can be adjusted in order to adapt the magnification of the telescope system (104) to the ratio of two refractive indices, one of which is paired with the object side and the other of which is paired with the image side, within a specified magnification range. The telescope system (104) is designed to be telecentric over the entire magnification range and with respect to the object side as well as the image side by means of the zoom lens (114) contained therein.