Tapered Light Pipe for NA-Matched Transmitted Microscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transmitted light microscopy systems face challenges in optimizing the cone angle of illumination light to match the numerical aperture (NA) of the objective lens due to physical design constraints and bulky optical elements, which hinder optimal sample illumination and image resolution.

Innovation Solution

The use of a tapered light pipe that adjusts the cone angle of illumination light by varying the position of its ends to match the NA of the objective lens, combined with mechanisms for rotating and positioning the light pipe to optimize light delivery without interfering with the system's operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a lens or condenser is used to collect light from a light source, then light can be gathered and output to illuminate the sample, but the optical elements become bulky and difficult to position close enough to the sample without interfering with system operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight collection capabilityVSAvoidpositioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light collection function from traditional bulky lenses and condensers by using a tapered light pipe that guides light from a distant light source directly to the sample plane. This removes the interfering optical elements while maintaining effective light delivery, allowing the light source to be positioned far from the sample without mechanical interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered light pipe serves as an intermediary element that transfers light energy from the light source to the sample without requiring traditional lens assemblies. It acts as a direct light guide that bridges the gap between distant light source and close sample plane, eliminating the need for bulky intermediate optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If traditional optical train components are used, then light can be collected and directed, but the structural design constraints make it difficult to provide light with an optimal cone angle matching the NA of the objective lens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight delivery capabilityVSAvoidcone angle optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the light pipe by using a tapered structure with specific angle relationships. The taper angle and length are designed so that light emerging from the light pipe naturally forms a cone angle matching the NA of the objective lens, eliminating the need for complex angular adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The optical path is segmented into distinct functional zones: the light source, the tapered light pipe, the sample plane, and the objective lens. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the light pipe specifically designed to produce the required cone angle at the sample plane without interfering with subsequent optical elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the cone angle of illumination light is optimized to match the NA of the objective lens, then image resolution is maximized, but system design constraints prevent optimal illumination geometry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidoptical train design

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical optical adjustment systems with a simple tapered light pipe geometry. Instead of using adjustable lenses, mirrors, or condensers that require precise mechanical positioning, the solution uses the inherent geometry of the tapered pipe to automatically produce the optimal cone angle, dramatically simplifying the overall system design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enhances image resolution by ensuring the cone angle of the illumination light matches the NA of the objective lens, overcoming design constraints and improving sample imaging capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a tapered light pipe to receive the light from the light source and to output the light and illuminate a sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a tapered light pipe to receive the light from the light source and to output the light and illuminate a sample... the cone angle of the output light from the small end is increased compared to the cone angle of the light received by the tapered light pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCone angle adjustment through tapered geometry: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS20260072261A1Transmitted light microscopy systems and methods of use

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 RARECYTE INC

AI summary

Described herein are imaging systems and methods for the analysis of biological samples, including transmitted light microscopy systems that may overcome certain limitations of optical train design, size, and structure. More particularly described are transmitted light microscopy systems having a tapered light pipe that may be used to modify and optimize the cone angle of an illumination light to result in a numerical aperture (NA) that matches the NA of an objective lens.