Oblique Plane Microscope Zoom Control for Aberration Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Oblique plane microscopy faces challenges in achieving fast and aberration-free volumetric imaging due to defocus and spherical aberrations, which are interdependent and require precise knowledge of refractive indices and imaging depth, making conventional correction methods time-consuming and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

An oblique plane microscope with an adjustable telescope system and control unit that evaluates image quality to adjust optical zoom and correction means independently of refractive index measurement, correcting both defocus and spherical aberrations by dividing the image into regions and optimizing magnification and correction based on image quality metrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If adjustable optical correction means are used to correct spherical aberrations, then image quality is improved, but the focal plane position shifts and requires precise knowledge of refractive indices and imaging depth for proper adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcorrection adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses image quality assessment to automatically adjust the optical correction means and optical zoom system. The control unit evaluates the image quality and independently adjusts the correction means without requiring manual intervention or precise prior knowledge of refractive indices, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to actual imaging conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically evaluating its own image quality and correcting aberrations without external intervention. The control unit monitors image quality metrics and autonomously adjusts the optical correction means and zoom system to optimize imaging parameters based on actual performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the magnification of the optical zoom system is adjusted to correct defocus aberrations, then imaging accuracy is improved, but the adjustment requires knowledge of refractive indices on both object and image sides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidrefractive index measurement requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses image quality assessment to automatically adjust the optical correction means and optical zoom system. The control unit evaluates the image quality and independently adjusts the correction means without requiring manual intervention or precise prior knowledge of refractive indices, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to actual imaging conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual measurement and calculation methods with automated image-based detection. Instead of requiring physical measurement of refractive indices, the system uses image quality metrics (sharpness, contrast, etc.) as substitutes to infer optical parameters and automatically adjust the system accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional correction methods are used, then aberration correction is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and unreliable due to interdependence of defocus and spherical aberrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaberration correctionVSAvoidcorrection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of image quality characteristics to determine the type and severity of aberrations before final adjustment. By evaluating image quality metrics in advance, the control unit can pre-calculate optimal correction parameters and execute adjustments more efficiently, reducing overall correction time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses image quality assessment to automatically adjust the optical correction means and optical zoom system. The control unit evaluates the image quality and independently adjusts the correction means without requiring manual intervention or precise prior knowledge of refractive indices, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to actual imaging conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Facilitates fast and effective correction of aberrations without additional measurements, enhancing image quality and enabling robust volumetric imaging across various specimens and optical components.

Implementation Method 1

a telescope system with an optical zoom system, which is adjustable for adapting a magnification of the telescope system to a ratio between two refractive indices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20250347910A1Oblique plane microscope and method for correcting an aberration in an oblique plane microscope
Publication Date: 2025.11.13 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH
  • US20250347910A1 patent drawing
  • US20250347910A1 patent drawing
  • US20250347910A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An oblique plane microscope includes an optical imaging system configured to form an image of an object. The optical imaging system includes a telescope system with an optical zoom system, which is adjustable for adapting a magnification of the telescope system to a ratio between two refractive indices, one of which being associated with an object side of the telescope system and the other being associated with an image side of the telescope system. The oblique plane microscope further includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to evaluate an image quality of the image formed by the optical imaging system and to adjust the optical zoom system based on the evaluation.