Translating Optics Carrier for Sub-Micrometer Microscope Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical adjustment devices and microscopes lack the capability for fine adjustments of optical elements, limiting their precision and alignment accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An optical adjustment device with a translatable optics carrier and a translating actuator assembly that allows for precise lateral movement of optical elements relative to the housing, combined with a system of sliders and springs to maintain stability and alignment, enabling sub-micrometer positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical mounts like bayonet mount or C mount are used to attach optical elements, then coarse alignment is achieved, but fine adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mechanical mount into a dynamic adjustment system by integrating a translating actuator assembly that enables continuous lateral movement of the optics carrier. This allows the system to transition from fixed coarse alignment to adjustable fine alignment, resolving the contradiction between alignment accuracy and adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional purely mechanical bayonet or C mount with a hybrid system that incorporates a translating actuator assembly. This substitution enables precise control of optical element position through actuated translation rather than fixed mechanical engagement, achieving both coarse and fine alignment capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical elements are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but positioning precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical adjustment system into distinct functional components: a stationary housing, a translatable optics carrier, and a translating actuator assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system manageability, achieving precise positioning without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optics carrier acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the optical elements. It provides a dedicated platform for mounting optical components and translating them laterally, separating the positioning function from the optical mounting function and enabling precise control without complicating the overall structure.
3Measurement precision
If lateral translation of optics carrier is enabled, then fine alignment is achieved, but stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The translating actuator assembly is pre-configured within the housing structure, with guidance mechanisms and support elements positioned in advance to constrain the optics carrier's movement. This preliminary arrangement ensures that lateral translation occurs along a precise path while maintaining optical stability, preventing unwanted movement or vibration during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the translation parameters of the optics carrier through the actuator assembly, enabling precise adjustment of lateral position while maintaining the optical axis orientation. By controlling the translation parameters rather than allowing free movement, the system achieves fine alignment without compromising optical stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical adjustment device (101) and a microscope (159) comprising such. Prior art adjustment devices are improved by the optical adjustment device (101) by comprising a housing (103) and an optics carrier (105), the optics carrier (105) being at least partially supported translatable by the housing (3), the optics carrier (105) further comprising at least one optical element (107) with an optical axis (109), the optical adjustment device (101) further comprising a translating actuator assembly (111) adapted to translate the optics carrier (105) with respect to the housing (103) along a lateral direction (113) essentially perpendicular to the optical axis (109). The inventive microscope (159) comprises an embodiment of the inventive optical adjustment device (101) that is arranged in an optical path between an optical output (161) of the microscope (159) and an imaging device (165), the optical output (161) being adapted to output light (163) to an imaging device (165)