Optical Apparatus Focus and Aberration Adjustment Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical apparatuses, such as microscopes with high numerical aperture, face challenges in simultaneously adjusting focus and spherical aberration due to variations in cover glass thickness and observation depth, requiring cumbersome data storage for each objective lens and sample, making it difficult to handle various lenses and samples effectively.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment method that involves moving the focusing section to increase image contrast and adjusting aberration amounts based on images with different frequency component averages, using a control device to switch between modulation elements that emphasize spherical aberration, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic adjustment of focus and aberration correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a correction ring is used to correct spherical aberration, then spherical aberration is corrected, but focus position moves along with the correction, making simultaneous adjustment of focus and aberration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustment process into two independent stages: first focusing adjustment using a first image, then aberration correction using a second image. This segmentation allows focus and aberration to be adjusted separately without interference, resolving the contradiction between aberration correction precision and ease of simultaneous adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs focusing adjustment before aberration correction by using a first image acquired before aberration correction. This preliminary action establishes the focus position first, then subsequent aberration correction using a second image does not disrupt the focus, thereby resolving the mutual interference between focus and aberration adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If pre-stored data is used for each objective lens and sample, then adjustment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the optical apparatus to automatically adjust focus and aberration by itself using images acquired during observation, without requiring pre-stored adjustment data. The control device processes images and automatically controls the focusing section and correction ring, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex data storage requirements while maintaining adjustment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of pre-storing adjustment data with an optical and computational approach using image processing. Instead of relying on stored parameters, the system uses images acquired through the optical system and processes them to automatically determine adjustment parameters, substituting mechanical data storage with optical measurement and computational processing.
3Measurement precision
If high numerical aperture is used, then observation resolution is improved, but spherical aberration becomes more sensitive to cover glass thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where images acquired during observation are processed to detect aberration conditions, and the correction ring is adjusted based on this feedback. The control device uses the second image to detect spherical aberration and automatically adjusts the correction ring, creating a closed-loop feedback system that compensates for cover glass thickness variations while maintaining high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the optical parameters of the correction ring based on the observed aberration conditions. By adjusting the correction ring position according to image analysis, the system adapts to varying spherical aberration caused by cover glass thickness differences, allowing high numerical aperture operation without excessive sensitivity to aberration.
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 method enables precise and efficient adjustment of both focus and aberration, reducing the need for pre-stored data and accommodating various objective lenses and samples, improving the accuracy and ease of spherical aberration correction.
Implementation Method 1
an optical apparatus that acquires an image of a sample
Implementation Method 2
a focusing section that changes a distance between the objective lens and the sample
Implementation Method 3
a correction device that corrects an aberration
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adjusting an optical apparatus that acquires an image of a sample includes the steps of moving a focusing section included in the optical apparatus in a direction in which a contrast of a first image of the sample increases, and adjusting an aberration amount occurring in the optical apparatus in a direction in which a contrast of a second image of the sample increases.