Scanning Optical System Double Deflection Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scanning optical systems, it is challenging to independently design the observation range and beam diameter of laser light entering the objective lens, leading to limitations in resolution and observation range when trying to increase one without sacrificing the other.
Innovation Solution
A scanning optical system that includes a scanner, a light splitting unit, an optical-path combining unit, and a reentry relay optical system with 1× relay magnifying power, allowing the laser light to be deflected and relayed in a way that doubles the observation angle without increasing the swivel angle of the scanner or reducing the relay magnifying power, thereby enhancing the beam diameter and maintaining resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the observation range is preferentially ensured by using a wide actual field of view, then the observation range is improved, but the beam diameter of the laser light entering the objective lens cannot be increased sufficiently, thus making it impossible to sufficiently increase the numerical aperture and the resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second deflection by making the laser light incident again on the scanner after the first deflection. This adds another dimensional factor to the angular deviation, effectively doubling the observation angle without increasing the swivel angle of the scanner. The light splitting unit and optical-path combining unit enable this secondary deflection path, allowing the beam diameter to be increased while maintaining the observation range.
2Measurement precision
If the beam diameter of the laser light entering the objective lens is preferentially increased to a sufficient beam diameter, then the numerical aperture and resolution are improved, but a sufficient observation range cannot be ensured due to an insufficient swivel angle of the galvanometer mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves doubled observation angle by introducing a second deflection through the scanner. The light splitting unit separates the laser light after the first deflection, and the optical-path combining unit redirects it back to the scanner for a second deflection. This dimensional approach to angular deviation allows the beam diameter to be increased while maintaining the observation range through the cumulative effect of two deflections.
3Area of stationary object
If the swivel angle of the scanner is increased to expand the observation range, then the observation range is improved, but the beam diameter of the laser light entering the objective lens is reduced, thus limiting the numerical aperture and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second deflection path that allows the observation angle to be doubled without increasing the scanner's swivel angle. The light splitting unit and optical-path combining unit create an additional optical path that returns the laser light to the scanner for a second deflection. This dimensional approach enables the beam diameter to be maintained or increased while achieving the expanded observation range through the cumulative angular deviation of two deflections.
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 allows for an expanded observation range without compromising resolution, enabling improved imaging capabilities in microscopy applications.
Implementation Method 1
In a microscope apparatus provided with a scanner that uses a galvanometer mirror
Implementation Method 2
a light splitting unit that is capable of splitting-off the laser light from an optical path of the laser light deflected by the scanner
Implementation Method 3
a reentry relay optical system that has 1× relay magnifying power and that is disposed between the light splitting unit and the optical-path combining unit. The reentry relay optical system relays the laser light split-off by the light splitting unit
Implementation Method 4
an optical-path combining unit that is disposed between the light source and the scanner and that causes the laser light split-off by the light splitting unit to travel toward the scanner
Implementation Method 5
focuses the pulsed laser light onto a sample by using an objective lens so that fluorescence generated in accordance with a multiphoton excitation effect can be observed
Implementation Method 6
the laser light relayed by the reentry relay optical system becomes incident again on the scanner at an angle given to the laser light in accordance with the first deflection by the scanner. As a result, the laser light deflected again by the scanner is output while being given an angle that is twice as large as the angle given thereto in accordance with the first deflection
Data Source
AI summary
For achieving an expanded observation range without sacrificing resolution, a scanning optical system according to the present invention includes a scanner that deflects laser light from a light source while changing a deflection angle of the laser light; a polarization beam splitter that is capable of splitting-off the laser light from an optical path of the laser light deflected by the scanner; a polarization beam splitter that is disposed between the light source and the scanner and that causes the laser light split-off by the polarization beam splitter to travel toward the scanner; and a first relay optical system that has 1× relay magnifying power and that is disposed between the polarization beam splitter and the polarization beam splitter. The first relay optical system relays the laser light split-off by the polarization beam splitter so as to cause the laser light to be incident again on the scanner at the same position as an incident position of the laser light from the light source via the polarization beam splitter.