Obtuse-Angle Objective Lens Arrangement for Light-Sheet Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The optical performance of light-sheet microscopes is limited by the geometrical constraints of the illumination and detection objective lenses, resulting in sub-optimal overlap of light cones and reduced numerical aperture, which affects contrast, resolution, and light collection.
Innovation Solution
The optical arrangement features illumination and detection objective lenses arranged at an obtuse angle (greater than 90°) to each other, with a one-dimensional illumination light sheet parallel to the detection objective lens's optical axis, utilizing a translatable beam generator and feedback loop for precise alignment, and optionally a further detection lens at a non-perpendicular angle, allowing the objective lenses to function as both illumination and detection lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the illumination objective lens and detection objective lens are arranged at perpendicular angles (90°), then the mechanical housing constraints are satisfied, but the numerical aperture and light cone overlap are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional perpendicular (90°) arrangement by using an obtuse angle (greater than 90°) between the illumination and detection objective lenses. This inversion allows the light cones to overlap more effectively, increasing the numerical aperture and improving optical performance while still fitting within the mechanical housing constraints.
2Ease of manufacture
If the illumination objective lens and detection objective lens are arranged at perpendicular angles (90°), then the mechanical housing constraints are satisfied, but the light cone overlap is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting from the conventional 90° perpendicular arrangement to an obtuse angle arrangement, the patent maximizes the overlap between illumination and detection light cones. This increases light collection efficiency and reduces energy loss in the detection process.
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 configuration enhances the numerical aperture, improving contrast, resolution, and light collection, enabling more accurate and detailed imaging of samples by optimizing the overlap of light cones and allowing for alternative uses of objective lenses.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination objective lens for producing an illumination
Implementation Method 2
a detection objective lens for imaging radiation from the sample
Implementation Method 3
enhances the numerical aperture, improving contrast, resolution, and light collection, enabling more accurate and detailed imaging of samples by optimizing the overlap of light cones
Data Source
Figure 1A~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An optical arrangement (10) for imaging a sample (20) is disclosed. The arrangement comprises anillumination objective lens (30) for producing an illumination beam (40)and a detection objective lens (50) for imaging radiation (60) from the sample (20). The illumination objective lens (30) is arranged at a non-perpendiclar angle to the detection objective lens (50).