Grin lens microscope system

• US 7,969,659 B2
• Filed: 01/11/2008
• Issued: 06/28/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SARCOS LC (Sarcos Technology & Robotics Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sterling LC
• Inventors: Marceau, David P., Jacobsen, Stephen C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Martinez; Joseph
• Assistant Examiner(s): Greece; James R
• Application Number:
  US12/008,486
• Publication Number:
  US 20090180197A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,264 Days
• Field of Search: 359/652, 359/368
• US Class Current: 359/652
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00188 with focusing or zooming features
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/0008 Microscopes having a simple construction, e.g. portable microscopes
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/36 arranged for photographic purposes or projection purposes G02B21/18 takes precedenceor digital imaging or video purposes including associated control and data processing arrangements image data processing per se G06T
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/2407 Optical details
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 3/0087 with index gradient
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/08 with fibre bundle in form of plate
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/32 having lens focusing means positioned between opposed fibre ends with lens being an integral part of the single fibre end G02B6/262

Abstract

A device for magnifying an object comprising an SSID having at least one imaging array disposed on a distal end thereof. The device further comprises a first optical element disposed on the distal end of the SSID wherein the first optical element has a distal end and a proximal end defining a first longitudinal length. A GRIN lens is disposed on the distal end of the first optical element and a second optical element is disposed on the distal end of the GRIN lens defining a second longitudinal length. The first longitudinal length and the second longitudinal length are configured such that when viewing the object at a predetermined wavelength of light, the object is magnified at a predetermined level of magnification and the focal plane of the magnified object is aligned at the proximal end of the first optical element.

Claims

1. A device for magnifying an object, comprising:

an SSID having at least one imaging array disposed on a distal end thereof;

a first optical element disposed on the imaging array, the first optical element having a first end and a second end defining a first longitudinal length;

a GRIN lens having a first end and a second end, the first end of the GRIN lens being disposed on the second end of the first optical element; and

a second optical element having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second optical element being disposed on the second end of the GRIN lens and defining a second longitudinal length;

wherein the first longitudinal length and the second longitudinal length are configured such that when viewing the object at a predetermined wavelength of light, the object is magnified at a predetermined level of magnification and the focal plane of the magnified object is aligned at the first end of the first optical element.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a light source exterior to the first and second optical elements and the GRIN lens, capable of propagating light at a predetermined wavelength.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a light reflection device disposed on the second optical element.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the light reflection device is an annular prism.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second optical elements comprise a material having an index of refraction less than 1.1.

6. An SSID microscope, comprising:

an SSID having at least one imaging array disposed thereon;

a longitudinally adjustable first optical element having a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal length, the first end of the first optical element being disposed on the imaging array;

a GRIN lens having a first end and a second end, the first end of the GRIN lens being disposed on the second end of the first optical element; and

a longitudinally adjustable second optical element disposed on the second end of the GRIN lens;

wherein the ratio of the longitudinal length of the first optical element to the longitudinal length of the second optical element is maintained such that when viewing the object at a predetermined wavelength of light, the object is magnified at a predetermined level of magnification and the focal plane of the magnified object is aligned at the first end of the first optical element.

7. The microscope of claim 6, wherein the first and second optical elements comprise an adjustable volume of fluid.

8. The microscope of claim 6, wherein the first and second optical elements comprise a material having an index of refraction less than 1.1.

9. The microscope of claim 6, further comprising a light source configured to propagate light at a predetermined wavelength of light.

10. The microscope of claim 6, wherein the SSID is disposed within a journaled track member configured to allow the position of the SSID to be adjustable with respect to the longitudinally adjustable first optical element.

11. The microscope of claim 6, wherein the GRIN lens is disposed within a journaled track member configured to allow the position of the GRIN lens to be adjustable with respect to the longitudinally adjustable second optical element.

12. A device for magnifying an object within a cavity, comprising

an elongate member having at least one light source disposed therein, said light source configured to propagate light near the distal end of the elongate member at a predetermined wavelength of light;

an SSID having at least one imaging array disposed on a distal end of the elongate member, said SSID operably connected to a signal processor;

a first optical element disposed on a distal end of the SSID, the first optical element having a first end and a second end defining a first longitudinal length;

a GRIN lens having a first end and a second end, the first end of the GRIN lens disposed on the second end of the first optical element; and

a second optical element having a first end and a second end defining a second longitudinal length, the first end of the second optical element being disposed on the second end of the GRIN lens;

wherein the first longitudinal length and the second longitudinal length are configured such that when viewing the object at a predetermined wavelength of light, the object is magnified at a predetermined level of magnification and the focal plane of the magnified object is aligned at the first end of the first optical element.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the first and second optical elements comprise a material having an index of refraction less than 1.1.

14. The device of claim 12, further comprising a light reflection device disposed on a distal end of the second optical element.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the light reflection device is an annular prism.