Mid-Infrared Refractive Lens Assemblies for High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lens systems for mid-infrared microscopy are unable to perform high-quality image analysis rapidly and at high resolution, as they either rely on reflective lenses that are inefficient or refractive lenses outside the mid-infrared regime.
Innovation Solution
The use of refractive lenses, specifically designed for mid-infrared microscopy, comprising lens elements made of materials like barium fluoride, zinc sulfide, and zinc selenide, configured to interact with mid-infrared light and adjusted by beam steering devices to focus and collect light at specific planes, enabling high-resolution imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reflective lenses are used in the mid-infrared regime, then the system can operate in the mid-infrared range, but the imaging quality and resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical regime from reflective to refractive by selecting lens materials (germanium, zinc selenide, zinc sulfide, barium fluoride) that are transparent in the mid-infrared range. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both mid-infrared operation and high imaging quality simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between operational range and imaging performance.
2Measurement precision
If refractive lenses outside the mid-infrared regime are used, then high-resolution imaging may be achieved, but the system cannot operate in the mid-infrared range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite lens designs combining multiple materials (germanium, zinc selenide, zinc sulfide, barium fluoride) each selected for specific mid-infrared transmission properties. This composite approach enables the lens system to maintain high resolution while operating in the mid-infrared regime, simultaneously achieving both high measurement precision and adaptability to the mid-infrared range.
3Productivity
If conventional lens systems are used for mid-infrared microscopy, then the system structure is simple, but the imaging speed and quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic beam steering capabilities using galvanometer mirrors or resonant scanners that can rapidly redirect the laser beam across the sample. This dynamic element enables fast scanning speeds while maintaining high imaging quality through the refractive lens system, resolving the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision.
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 allows for accurate and efficient label-free chemical imaging in the mid-infrared range, improving molecular sensitivity and imaging speed in scientific and biomedical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of lenses are configured to refractively interact with the emitted mid-infrared light and the received mid-infrared light
Implementation Method 2
the refractive scan lens is configured to be adjusted by a beam steering device
Implementation Method 3
detectors configured to convert received light into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure includes systems and methods for performing mid-infrared microscopy with refractive lenses. An example system includes a plurality of lenses for focusing mid-infrared light at a sample plane and collecting mid-infrared light at an image plane. The plurality of lenses includes a refractive scan lens, configured to focus the mid-infrared light at an intermediate image plane and configured to be adjusted by a beam steering device. The plurality of lenses also includes a refractive objective lens, configured to focus the mid-infrared light at the sample plane. The plurality of lenses also includes a refractive tube lens, configured to direct the mid-infrared light to the refractive objective lens and configured to focus the mid-infrared light at the intermediate image plane. At least two of the plurality of lenses are arranged along an optical axis.