Microsphere Lens Assembly for Stable Super-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical microscopy is limited by the diffraction limit, making it unsuitable for imaging structures smaller than 200 nm, and existing super-resolution techniques require complex sample preparation or are not suitable for living organisms, with microsphere arrays being delicate and difficult to align with the optical axis.
Innovation Solution
A microsphere lens assembly comprising a base lens and a column of optically clear material extending to a microsphere lens, allowing accurate positioning and alignment for super-resolution microscopy and micro-machining, suitable for both metallic and biological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical microscopy is used, then the imaging process is simple, but the resolution is limited to approximately 200 nm due to the diffraction limit
Solution Approach 1:
The objective lens is segmented into a base lens and multiple microsphere lenses attached to its front surface. Each microsphere lens has a diameter of 0.5-5 μm and is positioned within 10 μm of the sample, enabling super-resolution imaging by capturing evanescent waves while maintaining a relatively simple overall microscope setup
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple microsphere lenses are nested on the front surface of the base lens, creating a hierarchical structure where smaller microsphere lenses are positioned on the larger base lens. This nested arrangement enables super-resolution capabilities while maintaining compatibility with conventional microscope architectures
2Measurement precision
If microsphere arrays are used for super-resolution imaging, then the resolution exceeds the diffraction limit, but the microsphere arrays are delicate and difficult to align with the optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The microsphere lenses are pre-positioned on the base lens at predetermined locations before use. The base lens provides a stable platform that ensures proper alignment with the optical axis, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment procedures and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The base lens acts as an intermediary between the microsphere lenses and the microscope's optical system. It provides mechanical support and alignment reference, ensuring that the delicate microsphere lenses remain properly positioned and aligned with the optical axis during imaging
3Measurement precision
If microsphere arrays are used for super-resolution imaging, then the resolution exceeds the diffraction limit, but the field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple microsphere lenses are combined on a single base lens, with each microsphere contributing to the overall imaging capability. This merged arrangement captures evanescent waves from multiple positions simultaneously, achieving super-resolution while maintaining a broader field of view compared to single microsphere configurations
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 robust and simple super-resolution microscopy and micro-machining with improved resolution and alignment, suitable for both metallic and biological samples, overcoming the limitations of existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The microspheres used in such arrays are typically of the order of 10 μm in diameter. Use of microspheres enables the capture of evanescent waves present at the boundary of two different media with different refractive indices in the 'far field' zone.
Implementation Method 2
a column of optically clear material extending from a front surface of the base lens to the microsphere lens
Data Source
AI summary
A microsphere lens assembly (10) comprises a microsphere lens (1) and a base lens (3) connected together by a column of optically clear material (2) which holds the microsphere lens (1) in a fixed position relative to the base lens (3). If the microsphere lens (1) is fixed in the correct position relative to the base lens (3), the assembly (10) can be used, in combination with a suitable microscope, for carrying out super resolution microscopy and/or machining.