Solid Immersion Meniscus Lens Design for Aberration-Reduced 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microscopy systems face challenges in coupling light into and out of a sample without distorting the image due to refractive index differences between the ambient environment and the sample holder, leading to aberrations and limited movement of the sample holder relative to the solid immersion lens.
Innovation Solution
The use of a solid immersion meniscus lens (SIMlens) positioned between the objective lens and the immersion fluid, with curved surfaces matching the wavefront of light, allows for minimal refraction and independent optimization of illumination and collection optics, enabling three-dimensional movement of the sample holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If light passes through the sample holder material to reach the sample, then access to the sample is improved and ease of preparation is enhanced, but image distortion occurs due to refractive index differences between the ambient environment and the sample holder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an immersion fluid as an intermediary medium between the sample holder and the objective lens. This immersion fluid has a refractive index that matches or closely approximates the sample holder material, thereby eliminating refraction at the interface and preventing image distortion while maintaining ease of sample access and preparation
2Reliability
If a solid immersion lens is used to match refractive indices, then image quality is improved, but the sample holder movement is limited relative to the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The immersion fluid acts as a movable intermediary layer between the stationary solid immersion lens and the sample holder. This fluid layer allows the sample holder to move freely in three dimensions relative to the lens while maintaining optical coupling, as the fluid can accommodate the movement without creating refraction issues at rigid interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the immersion medium from solid to liquid. This parameter change allows the medium to flow and adapt to sample holder movements, enabling three-dimensional scanning capability while maintaining refractive index matching for high-quality imaging
3Measurement precision
If the objective lens is positioned close to the sample for high-resolution imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but light coupling into the sample becomes difficult due to refractive index mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the medium between the objective lens and sample by introducing an immersion fluid with matched refractive index. This allows the objective lens to be positioned close to the sample for high-resolution imaging while eliminating refraction losses and improving light coupling efficiency
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 design reduces aberrations and facilitates even illumination and collection of light, allowing for high-resolution imaging and three-dimensional scanning of samples with varied refractive indices.
Implementation Method 1
Light passing between the objective lens and the focal region is approximately normal to the first surface and the second surface of each of the SIMlenses. The first surface and the second surface of the first SIMlens and the second SIMlens may each curved to match a wavefront of the light passing through the SIMlens.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for solid immersion meniscus lenses (SIMlenses). An optical system may include a sample holder with a first side which supports a sample, and a second side opposite the first side. The second side of the sample holder may be in contact with an immersion fluid. Light passing between the sample and an objective lens may pass through the sample holder, immersion fluid, and a SIMlens positioned between the immersion fluid and objective. The SIMlens may have a first curved surface and a second curved surface, each of which may be shaped to match a wavefront of the light as it passes through the SIMlens. The immersion fluid, SIMlens, and environment containing the objective may all have different refractive indices.