Semi-Submersible Microscope Objective for Multiphoton Stereolithography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microscope objectives used in multiphoton stereolithography face challenges with the buildup of polymerized photoresist material, which can be difficult to remove and potentially damage the expensive optics, leading to usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A semi-submersible microscope objective with a protective barrel and a transparent protective coating made of water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, that seals the optical outlet from contact with the liquid photoresist, allowing for easy removal of residue without damaging the objective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the microscope objective is partially submerged in liquid photoresist during multiphoton imaging, then the imaging performance is improved, but polymerized photoresist material builds up on the objective and is difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is divided into a permanent portion (affixed to the objective) and a removable portion (transparent protective coating). This segmentation allows the permanent portion to provide continuous protection while the removable portion can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement, resolving the contradiction between maintaining protection during imaging and enabling easy residue removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent protective coating is made from water-soluble polymer materials that change their solubility parameters based on water exposure. This parameter change allows the coating to remain intact during imaging but become easily removable when exposed to water or aqueous solutions, thus enabling easy cleaning without damaging the objective.
2Reliability
If a protective element is added to seal the optical outlet, then the objective is protected from photoresist contact, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent protective coating is applied as a thin film on the protective element, which itself is a relatively simple structure. This thin film approach provides effective protection while minimizing the added complexity, as the coating can be applied conformally and removed easily without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent protective coating can be considered a disposable or easily replaceable component. If it becomes contaminated or damaged, it can be removed and reapplied without replacing the entire protective element or objective, thus limiting the long-term complexity while providing reliable protection during use.
3Ease of repair
If a transparent protective coating is applied to the protective element, then the protective element is separable without damaging the objective, but the coating must be made from water-soluble polymers
Solution Approach 1:
The water-solubility parameter of the polymer coating is specifically selected to enable easy removal. This parameter change allows the coating to be applied as a protective layer during imaging and then easily removed by water or aqueous solutions, providing a simple and effective separation mechanism without requiring complex mechanical fastening or release systems.
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
Enables safe and effective use of microscope objectives in multiphoton imaging processes by preventing residue buildup and allowing for mild chemical treatment to dislodge any polymerized material, thus extending the lifespan of the optics.
Implementation Method 1
the transparent protective coating comprises a water-soluble polymer such that the protective element is separable from the microscope objective without damaging to the microscope objective
Implementation Method 2
a microscope objective for focusing laser light having a wavelength in a range of from 300 to 1500 nm in multiphoton stereolithography processes
Implementation Method 3
two-photon polymerization (TPP) initiated by a photosensitizer's non-linear two-photon absorption
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A semi-submersible microscope objective includes a microscope objective having a protective barrel with an optical inlet and optical outlet, and a protective element affixed to the microscope objective, sealing the optical exit but not the optical inlet. The protective element comprises a transparent protective coating. A transparent portion of the protective element is aligned with the optical exit. The protective element is separable from the microscope objective without damaging the microscope objective. Use of the semi-submersible microscope objective in a multiphoton imaging method is also disclosed.