Observation Device Pupil Modulation for Compact 3D Cell Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing observation devices that use phase difference or differential interference methods to observe subjects like cells without marks become large and complex due to the need for separate imaging and illumination optical systems.
Innovation Solution
An observation device design that includes an illumination optical system emitting light from below the sample and an object optical system capturing transmission light from above, with a pupil modulation element having regions of varying transmittance to refract light differently, allowing for three-dimensional imaging without increasing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate imaging and illumination optical systems are arranged with the sample between them, then phase difference or differential interference observation can be performed, but the device becomes large and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination optical system and imaging optical system into a single optical path. The illumination light source, condenser lens, and objective lens are integrated such that illumination light passes through the sample from below and the same objective lens collects both illumination and imaging light, eliminating the need for separate optical systems while maintaining observation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The objective lens serves dual functions: it acts as both the imaging lens for capturing sample details and the condenser lens for focusing illumination light onto the sample. This multi-functional design reduces the number of optical components needed while preserving the phase difference observation capability
2Illumination intensity
If the pupil modulation element is positioned at the edge of the pupil, then light transmission control is maximized, but brightness unevenness and vignetting occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pupil modulation element is positioned at a specific location within the pupil plane that is separated from the edge toward the inside in the radial direction. This localized positioning creates different light transmission characteristics: the modulation element controls light intensity in its specific region while avoiding the edge areas that would cause vignetting, thus achieving both light transmission control and image uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The pupil modulation element acts as an intermediary component that selectively modulates light transmission in a controlled manner. By positioning it away from the pupil edge, it mediates between the need for light intensity control and the requirement to avoid brightness unevenness, allowing transmitted light to pass through without being blocked by the pupil edge
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 high-contrast, three-dimensional imaging of cells without marks without brightness unevenness, reducing the device's size and complexity by controlling light transmission and refractive index changes.
Implementation Method 1
a mask that restricts light from the light source to a specific emission region
Implementation Method 2
A pupil modulation element having a region of which transmittance of the transmission light is partially different
Implementation Method 3
captures transmission light which is the illumination light emitted from the illumination optical system, reflected from the side above the sample
Implementation Method 4
transmitted through the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An observation device including: a stage having a transparent pedestal surface; an illumination system under the pedestal surface, the illumination system emitting illumination light toward the pedestal surface; and an object system under the pedestal surface for capturing transmission light generated from the illumination light, reflected off a reflection surface and transmitted through a sample. Wherein a first light path in the illumination system is different from a second light path in the object system, in a first pupil surface of the illumination system, the illumination system generates the illumination light by restricting light in a first transparent region, in a second pupil surface of the object system, the object system restricts the transmission light in a second transparent region, and the second transparent region has first and second subregions with different transmittance, the second subregion located between the first subregion and an edge of the second transparent region.