Three-Singlet Anamorphic Objective for Flow Cytometer Laser Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and construction of optical objectives for flow cytometers become increasingly complex and costly as more laser radiation wavelengths need to be focused into a common focal plane, particularly when including UV wavelengths, due to the requirement for multiple lens elements with different spectral dispersion and the potential degradation of optical cements by UV radiation.
Innovation Solution
A three-singlet optical element objective lens system, comprising a cylindrical element with focal length fCL1, a cylindrical element with focal length fCL2, and a spherical element with focal length fFFL, where fCL1−fCL2=G*fFFL, with G between 0.7 and 1.4, allowing for the focusing of four or more laser radiation wavelengths into a common focal plane without cemented doublet or triplet elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple lens elements with different spectral dispersion are used to focus multiple wavelengths, then the focusing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into three separate singlet lens elements rather than using cemented doublet or triplet elements. Each singlet element is optimized for specific wavelength ranges, allowing the system to focus multiple wavelengths (including UV) without the complexity of cemented assemblies. This segmentation approach reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining chromatic correction.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lens element in the three-singlet system is designed with specific optical properties tailored to particular wavelength ranges. The first singlet handles UV wavelengths, the second handles visible wavelengths, and the third provides final focusing. This local optimization of optical properties for different wavelength bands achieves high focusing accuracy without requiring complex cemented elements.
2Strength
If optical cements are used to cement lens elements together, then the structural integrity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to UV radiation degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates optical cements from the lens assembly by using three separate singlet elements that do not require cementing. This extraction of the problematic cement material resolves the reliability issue caused by UV degradation while maintaining structural integrity through a different mechanical arrangement of the singlet elements.
Solution Approach 2:
By using air-spaced singlet elements instead of cemented elements, the system avoids using materials (cements) with limited lifetimes under UV exposure. The individual singlet elements can be made from durable optical materials that withstand UV radiation without degradation, effectively replacing short-lived cemented joints with long-lived separate elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of laser wavelengths is increased, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-singlet lens system is designed to universally handle multiple laser wavelengths simultaneously, including UV, visible, and potentially infrared wavelengths. Each singlet element contributes to focusing multiple wavelength bands, making the overall system multi-functional rather than requiring separate objectives for different wavelength ranges. This universal design reduces complexity compared to wavelength-specific objectives.
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 solution enables the focusing of multiple laser wavelengths into a common focal plane with reduced optical materials and no cemented elements, maintaining optical integrity and allowing for the inclusion of UV wavelengths without degradation, thus simplifying and cost-reducing the optical objective design.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical element is a cylindrical element having a focal length fCL1. The second optical element is a cylindrical element having a focal length fCL2.
Implementation Method 2
The third optical element is a spherical element having a focal length fFFL.
Implementation Method 3
a focusing objective must include at least two lens elements having different, for example high and low, spectral dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
In a flow cytometer, an objective lens for focusing an input laser-radiation beam including at least four different laser-radiation wavelengths in a common plane includes only three singlet lens-elements. Two of the elements are cylindrical elements arranged as a cylindrical telescope for shaping and reducing the size of the input laser-beam. The third element is a spherical element arranged to focus the reduced size beam in the common plane. In one example, all three elements are made from the same optical material.