Wave front manipulator element in microscope objective pupil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microscopes face challenges in effectively controlling light phases due to limitations in integrating adaptive optical elements like deformable mirrors and spatial light modulators within the objective lens barrel, leading to increased installation space and costs.

Innovation Solution

A microscope design that incorporates a wave front manipulator element directly within the objective's pupil plane, utilizing a cemented surface and phase-shifting metamaterials, allowing for compact and cost-effective light phase control without the need for additional pupil imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adaptive optical elements (deformable mirrors, spatial light modulators) are integrated into the objective lens barrel, then wave front manipulation capability is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewave front manipulation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wave front manipulator element with an existing optical element (lens or glass plate) already present in the objective lens barrel. The manipulator is disposed on a surface of the optical element, combining two functions into a single integrated component, thereby improving wave front manipulation capability without increasing device complexity or requiring additional installation space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical element serves dual purposes: its primary optical function (focusing, beam shaping) and the wave front manipulation function. By making the optical element multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components, thus improving adaptability while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If transmissive spatial light modulators are used, then integration into the optical beam path is improved, but light loss increases due to polarization dependence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration easeVSAvoidlight loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a phase-shifting metamaterial structure that can be applied as a thin film or coating on the optical element. This approach uses a simpler, more direct implementation that avoids the complex polarization-dependent mechanisms of traditional spatial light modulators, thereby reducing light loss while maintaining integration ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The metamaterial structure changes the phase of light by altering the optical path length through its designed geometry and material properties. This parameter-based phase control method is inherently less sensitive to polarization effects compared to liquid crystal-based spatial light modulators, reducing energy loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the pupil plane is located inside the lens barrel, then compactness is improved, but installation space for adaptive optical elements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjective lens barrel volumeVSAvoidinstallation space for wave front manipulator

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wave front manipulator with an existing optical element within the lens barrel, eliminating the need for separate installation space. The manipulator is disposed on the surface of the optical element, utilizing existing space rather than requiring additional volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wave front manipulator is nested on the surface of the optical element, with one component placed on top of another. This nesting approach allows the manipulator to occupy the same spatial envelope as the optical element, maintaining compactness while providing the necessary functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 efficient and spatially resolved light phase manipulation, reducing costs and installation space while maintaining the ability to correct and introduce aberrations for improved imaging capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the phase shift in an optical element or a range thereof can be adjusted by correspondingly controlling an electric current or an electric voltage applied to the metamaterial

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shifting: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

phase-shifting metamaterials have been developed which are based on thermo-optical or dielectric effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermo-optical effect:

Implementation Method 3

phase-shifting metamaterials have been developed which are based on thermo-optical or dielectric effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric effect: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3805837B1Microscope system comprising a wave front manipulator element

Publication Date: 2024.01.10 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH

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AI summary

A microscope system comprises a lens barrel and a lens system included in said lens barrel. The lens system defines an objective pupil inside said lens barrel, wherein said lens system comprises a wave front manipulator element located in said objective pupil. The wave front manipulator element is controllable to vary a phase of light across said objective pupil.