Modular Microscope Sample Holders for Aberration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes face challenges in accommodating different types of sample holders that require different geometries and imaging modalities without interfering with the optics, leading to aberrations due to non-normal incidence of illumination and collection light paths.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular sample holders with first and second optical surfaces perpendicular to the illumination and collection paths, respectively, which are positioned adjacent to an immersion medium, allowing for removability and compatibility with various sample types and imaging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sample holder uses a flat plate structure without optical surfaces, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the light paths experience non-normal incidence causing optical aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder transitions from a uniformly flat structure to one with specialized optical surfaces at specific locations. The first and second optical surfaces are positioned at the bottom of the holder to specifically address light path requirements, while the rest of the holder maintains its simple flat plate structure. This localized modification resolves the contradiction by improving optical performance only where needed without complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces curved optical surfaces (first and second optical surfaces) at the bottom of the sample holder to correct optical aberrations. These surfaces are designed with specific curvatures that match the illumination and collection light paths, allowing light to pass through at normal incidence rather than oblique angles. This curvature modification eliminates aberrations while maintaining the overall simplicity of the flat plate holder design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sample holder material has different refractive index from the immersion medium, then the holder can be made from readily available materials, but index mismatch causes optical aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an index matching fluid as an intermediary substance between the sample holder and the immersion medium. This fluid fills the space between the holder's optical surfaces and the immersion medium, creating a refractive index bridge that eliminates abrupt transitions and associated optical aberrations. The index matching fluid acts as a mediator that allows the holder to maintain its simple structure while achieving optimal optical performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the microscope uses fixed sample holders for specific sample types, then the imaging quality for that sample type is optimized, but the microscope loses versatility for other sample types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sample holder that can accommodate multiple sample types through its modular components. The holder includes adjustable components such as a movable stage, interchangeable sample chambers, and adaptable optical surfaces that can be repositioned or reconfigured. This multi-functional design allows the same holder structure to optimize imaging for different sample types (e.g., flat samples, curved samples, live cells) without requiring separate specialized holders for each application.
4Manufacturing precision
If the optical surfaces are positioned far from the sample, then the light paths are less affected by refraction, but the working distance of the objective lens is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the optical surfaces in a specific spatial arrangement relative to the sample and objective lens. The first and second optical surfaces are located at the bottom of the sample holder, creating a compact configuration where the light paths pass through these surfaces at normal incidence. This dimensional arrangement allows the optical surfaces to be close to the sample (maintaining short working distance) while still achieving proper light path geometry (normal incidence) to minimize refraction effects.
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 design reduces the need for index matching between the sample, holder, and immersion fluid, enabling objective lenses with shorter working distances and minimizing aberrations, thus enhancing imaging quality and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical surface is along the illumination path and generally perpendicular to the illumination path and a second optical surface along the collection path which is generally perpendicular to the collection path
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for modular sample holders. The microscope may direct illumination light along an illumination path towards a sample and collect light from the sample along a collection path. Light along the illumination path may pass through an immersion fluid and the material of the sample holder to reach the sample. Light along collection path may pass through the material of the sample holder and the immersion fluid. The sample holder may have a first optical surface along the illumination path which is generally perpendicular to an optical axis of the illumination path. The sample holder may have a second optical surface along the collection path which is generally perpendicular to an optical axis of the collection path. The sample holder may be modular. The sample holder may contain the sample in an enclosed channel.