Motorized Variable Optical Relay for Spherical Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power optical microscopes with large numerical apertures suffer from spherical aberration, particularly when imaging deep into samples, which limits resolution and signal quality due to the inability to maintain focus for off-axis light points, especially in multi-photon microscopy where the sample is rarely at the ideal location for the objective.
Innovation Solution
A motorized variable optical relay system that adjusts the convergence of the illumination beam on the back aperture of the objective, allowing for automated correction of spherical aberration by moving a lens element to align the focal point with the aberration-free plane, using a combination of lenses and fast linear motion control to maintain image quality across varying sample depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-power optical microscopes use objectives with large numerical apertures to achieve high resolution imaging, then imaging resolution is improved, but spherical aberration increases significantly when imaging deep into samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a motorized variable optical relay system that dynamically adjusts the convergence of the illumination beam on the back aperture of the objective. By moving a lens element along the optical axis, the system can shift the focal plane to compensate for spherical aberration at different imaging depths, enabling high resolution imaging throughout the sample depth range
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the convergence parameter of the illumination beam by adjusting the position of a lens element in the optical relay path. This parameter change allows the focal plane to be shifted to different positions along the optical axis, matching the actual sample depth and correcting spherical aberration to maintain high resolution imaging
2Adaptability or versatility
If the focal point is moved away from the ideal image plane to accommodate samples at different depths, then adaptability to varying sample locations is improved, but spherical aberration worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized variable optical relay provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the focal plane to be shifted to match the actual sample depth. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain optimal focus and minimize spherical aberration at any imaging depth, rather than being fixed at a single ideal plane
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the position of the variable optical relay is adjusted based on the detected sample depth or imaging conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the focal plane is continuously optimized to match the actual sample location, maintaining high image quality throughout the imaging depth range
3Length of stationary object
If a variable optical relay is used to correct spherical aberration by changing the convergence of the illumination beam, then imaging depth is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable optical relay system is integrated into the existing optical path of the microscope, serving multiple functions: it acts as a standard optical relay for image transmission while simultaneously providing spherical aberration correction through its motorized focal plane adjustment capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate correction systems
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized variable optical relay acts as an intermediary component between the illumination system and the objective lens. By positioning a lens element in the optical relay path, it mediates the beam convergence to match the sample depth, correcting spherical aberration without requiring fundamental changes to the objective or detector systems
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
Enables deeper imaging with improved signal and resolution by correcting spherical aberration in real-time, allowing for better multi-photon microscopy performance without affecting system performance, and can be used in both non-descanned and scanning systems.
Implementation Method 1
By changing the convergence of the illumination beam on the back aperture of the objective, the focal point can be moved up or down along the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
A motorized variable optical relay system that adjusts the convergence of the illumination beam on the back aperture of the objective, allowing for automated correction of spherical aberration by moving a lens element
Data Source
AI summary
Spherical aberration is the primary cause of lose of signal while imaging deeper into a sample. Spherical aberration is corrected in the imaging path of a non-descanned detection system (such as a multi-photon microscope). This corrects the illumination spot for artifacts caused by imaging deep into a sample. One exemplary advantage to this instrument is that it allows deeper and brighter imaging.