Reflective Dark Field Illumination Layout for High-Power Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RDF illuminators for microscopes face challenges in providing sufficient optical power for high-speed scanning imaging applications, are bulky, and pose heat transfer issues, while also complicating the integration of multiple optical modalities due to their design and placement within the microscope's infinity space.
Innovation Solution
A compact RDF illumination system with remotely positioned light sources and beam directing assemblies, using collimated light beams orthogonal to the microscope axis, forms a hollow light cylinder diverted by internal elements to achieve 360° illumination, reducing heat transfer and complexity by positioning light sources away from other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If built-in RDF illuminators with internal light diverting elements are used to achieve 360° illumination, then illumination quality is improved, but device complexity and heat transfer issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are extracted from the built-in illuminator structure and repositioned to external locations around the microscope optical axis. This separates the light generation function from the illumination delivery system, reducing complexity within the microscope body while maintaining external illumination capability
Solution Approach 2:
Beam directing assemblies act as intermediary components that redirect light from externally positioned sources into the microscope's infinity space. These intermediaries enable remote light source positioning while maintaining proper optical path alignment, reducing heat transfer and complexity issues
2Volume of moving object
If light sources are positioned close to the microscope components for compact design, then device size is reduced, but heat transfer problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Light sources are extracted from positions near heat-sensitive microscope components and repositioned to remote locations. This spatial separation removes the heat generation source from the problematic thermal environment while maintaining optical functionality through beam directing assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a compact vertical stacking arrangement to a distributed radial arrangement around the optical axis. By utilizing the circumferential dimension, light sources can be positioned at optimal thermal distances while maintaining compact overall footprint through strategic angular distribution
3Power
If multiple light sources are added to increase optical power for high-speed scanning, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources are merged into a unified illumination system where all sources contribute to a single hollow light cylinder. The beam directing assemblies combine light from multiple sources into one coherent illumination path, achieving high optical power without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The beam directing assemblies serve multiple functions: they redirect light from multiple different sources, shape the hollow light cylinder, and maintain proper alignment with the infinity space. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each light source, controlling complexity growth
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
The system provides high optical power suitable for scanning RDF imaging with area-scan and line-scan cameras at high speeds, reduces size and cost, and supports multiple optical modalities without interfering with the microscope's infinity space.
Implementation Method 1
multiple beam directing assemblies being positioned to redirect emitted light received from the RDF illumination light sources into the RDF port to form a hollow light cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for generating reflective dark field (RDF) illumination for a microscope are provided. The apparatus may include: one or more RDF illumination light sources positioned to emit light beams substantially orthogonal to a microscope optical axis; and multiple beam directing assemblies positioned at substantially identical optical axis distances from an RDF port of a bright field/dark field (BD) objective lens of the microscope. The multiple beam directing assemblies may be positioned to redirect emitted light received from the RDF illumination light sources into the RDF port to form a hollow light cylinder around the microscope optical axis, wherein the hollow light cylinder is diverted towards a microscope field of view (FOV) by an internal light diverting element (ILDE) of the microscope positioned within the RDF port.