Reflective Dark Field Illumination Using Ring Elementary Illuminators

The patent divides the single light source into multiple elementary illuminators (typically 3-6) arranged in a ring configuration. Each elementary illuminator contains its own light source, lens assembly, and aperture, replacing the single complex illuminator with multiple simpler units that collectively provide superior light flux and energy efficiency.

The patent combines multiple elementary illuminators into a unified ring-shaped illuminator assembly that works together to illuminate the sample. The individual illuminators are merged in space and function to create a comprehensive lighting system that overcomes the limitations of a single light source while maintaining manageable complexity.

The patent applies local quality by giving each elementary illuminator a specific directional function. Instead of using diverging light sources that illuminate in all directions, each light source is paired with a lens assembly that directs light locally toward the sample at specific angles, ensuring that light is delivered precisely where needed while minimizing scattered light that would increase image background.

The patent introduces lens assemblies as intermediary optical elements between the light sources and the sample. These lens assemblies act as mediators that take the light from simple manufactured light sources and transform it into directed beams, bridging the gap between ease of manufacture and the need for controlled light direction to reduce image background.

The patent introduces dynamic control through independent intensity regulation of each elementary illuminator. This allows the system to adapt to different imaging modalities (bright field, dark field, phase contrast, etc.) by adjusting the intensity and configuration of individual illuminators, providing versatility without requiring physical aperture blocks that would reduce light throughput.

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing independent control of intensity, angle, and spectral characteristics of each elementary illuminator. This enables the system to optimize light delivery for different modalities by changing operational parameters rather than physically blocking light paths, thereby maintaining high light flux while achieving adaptability.

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-collimating and directing light from each light source through its dedicated lens assembly before the light enters the condenser system. This preliminary directionality ensures that light is already optimized for its intended path, reducing the work required by subsequent optical elements and minimizing energy loss through multiple reflections and refractions.

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ring condenser system with a more efficient optical arrangement where lens assemblies perform the light concentration function more effectively. By substituting the heavy mechanical condenser structure with optimized optical paths from multiple directed sources, the system achieves high illumination intensity with reduced energy loss through fewer optical interfaces.