Variable Focal Length Lens with Diaphragm for Microscope Telecentricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable focal length lens apparatuses face challenges in maintaining telecentricity and compactness, especially when incorporating a diaphragm within the liquid lens system, which can disrupt resonance and increase optical axis length, making them unsuitable for microscope systems.
Innovation Solution
A telecentric and compact variable focal length lens apparatus is designed with a front side lens system and a rear side lens system, both capable of changing refractive index, and a diaphragm positioned between them, allowing for periodic focal length variation without adding relay lenses, ensuring stable magnification and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diaphragm is arranged at the rear side focal position of the objective lens to form a telecentric optical system, then magnification remains constant during focal length changes, but the diaphragm cannot be placed inside the liquid lens system without disrupting resonance and damaging functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into distinct sections: the objective lens, the liquid lens system with its diaphragm, and the imaging lens. By segmenting the system and positioning the diaphragm within the liquid lens system rather than at the objective lens focal position, the patent achieves telecentricity while maintaining resonance functionality. The diaphragm is placed at a position where it does not interfere with the liquid crystal resonance mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relay lenses as intermediary elements between the objective lens and the imaging lens. These relay lenses act as mediators that redirect the optical path, allowing the diaphragm to be positioned within the liquid lens system while still achieving the telecentric configuration. The relay lenses enable the diaphragm to function without directly disrupting the resonance mechanism of the liquid crystal system.
2Reliability
If relay lenses are added to separate the diaphragm position from the lens system position, then telecentricity is achieved, but the optical axis length increases making the apparatus unsuitable for microscope systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the relay lenses with the existing optical components by positioning the diaphragm within the liquid lens system itself. Instead of adding separate relay lenses that would increase the optical path length, the patent integrates the diaphragm positioning into the liquid lens system structure, achieving telecentricity without extending the optical axis length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the diaphragm in a different location within the optical system - specifically within the liquid lens system rather than at the objective lens focal plane. This dimensional repositioning allows telecentricity to be achieved without requiring additional relay lenses that would extend the optical path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lens system uses a liquid crystal system with vibrating members, then variable focal length is achieved, but the focus position changes periodically causing magnification fluctuation in microscope systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the focal length changes of the liquid crystal system and adjusting the imaging lens position or parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism compensates for the periodic magnification fluctuations caused by the liquid crystal resonance, maintaining stable magnification in the microscope system while preserving variable focal length capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the imaging lens to compensate for the focal length variations in the liquid crystal system. By dynamically adjusting lens parameters such as focal length, aperture, or position based on the liquid crystal system's state, the patent maintains constant magnification despite the periodic focal length changes.
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 configuration maintains constant magnification and achieves a compact optical system by dividing the lens system into two parts with the diaphragm in between, preventing changes in focal length and eliminating the need for relay lenses, thus enhancing the apparatus's usability in microscope systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical vibrating member formed by a piezoelectric material... when an AC voltage is applied to an inner circumferential surface and outer circumferential surface of the vibrating member, the vibrating member expands and contracts in a thickness direction
Implementation Method 2
By adjusting a frequency of the applied voltage according to the natural frequency of the liquid, a concentric standing wave is formed in the liquid and a concentric region having a different refractive index centered on a center axis line of the vibrating member is formed
Implementation Method 3
when light passes along the center axis line of the vibrating member, the light follows a path of that diffuses or converges in accordance with the refractive index for each concentric region
Implementation Method 4
when parallel light is emitted at the normal objective lens, the light passing through the lens is focused at a focal position apart by a predetermined focal length
Data Source
AI summary
A variable focal length lens apparatus includes an objective lens and an imaging lens that are aligned on the same optical axis; a front side lens system and a rear side lens system that are disposed in a section between the objective lens and the imaging lens on the optical axis, and change a refractive index in accordance with an input drive signal; and a diaphragm disposed in the section between the front side lens system and the rear side lens system on the optical axis.