Observation Device Using Diagonal Optical Paths to Reduce Size
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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 arrangement of imaging and illumination optical systems.
Innovation Solution
An observation device design that includes an illumination optical system emitting light diagonally upwards and an object optical system capturing transmission light diagonally, with deflection elements to reduce device size by avoiding vertical extension of these systems, and a collimator optical system to maintain high contrast and simplify structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the illumination optical system and object optical system are arranged with the sample interposed therebetween, then the observation function is achieved, but the device becomes large and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination optical system and object optical system are merged into a single optical path configuration where both systems share the same side of the sample (below the sample). The illumination light and transmission light are multiplexed through the sample, eliminating the need for separate opposing optical paths and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical paths are arranged in a planar configuration rather than extending vertically through the sample. By using diagonal illumination and transmission paths that diverge in the horizontal plane, the system reduces vertical height requirements and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining observation functionality.
2Measurement precision
If the illumination optical system and object optical system are arranged with the sample interposed therebetween, then the observation function is achieved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both optical systems are consolidated on one side of the sample, reducing the overall device volume by eliminating the need for opposing optical paths that would require additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical paths are configured to diverge horizontally rather than extend vertically, reducing the vertical height of the device and allowing for a more compact overall form factor while maintaining the necessary optical path lengths for observation.
3Measurement precision
If the illumination light path and transmission light path are separated vertically, then the observation function is achieved, but the device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination and transmission light paths are separated in the horizontal plane rather than the vertical direction. By using diagonal paths that diverge laterally, the system maintains functional separation of light paths while minimizing vertical height requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path configuration uses adjustable deflection elements that can dynamically control the separation and angles of illumination and transmission paths, allowing optimization of both path separation for observation and compact vertical height.
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 observation of subjects without marks without increasing device size, maintaining high contrast and visibility, and simplifying the device structure by reducing vertical height and component count.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination light deflection element that deflects the illumination light from the light source upwards
Implementation Method 2
a transmission light deflection element that deflects the transmission light transmitted toward the side below the sample in an approximately horizontal direction
Implementation Method 3
a collimator optical system that converts the illumination light into approximately parallel light
Data Source
AI summary
An observation device where a first light path in an illumination optical system is different from a second light path in an object optical system, the illumination optical system includes a light source that emits the illumination light in a first direction, and an illumination deflector that deflects the illumination light from the first direction to a second direction, a pre-reflected illumination angle between a pedestal surface holding the sample and the first direction is smaller than a post-reflected illumination angle between the pedestal surface and the second direction, the object optical system includes a transmission deflector that deflects the transmission light transmitted through the sample from a third direction to a fourth direction, and a post-reflected transmission angle between the pedestal surface and the fourth direction is smaller than a pre-reflected transmission angle between the pedestal surface and the third direction.