Liquid-lens variable-control optics in array microscope
US7755841B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B21/02
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A liquid lens includes a segmented electrode that allows the simultaneous application of different potentials across the lens's meniscus to obtain a predetermined aberration correction condition and to adjust focal length as necessary to conform to the topography of the object being scanned. The lens also includes a gas plenum interfacing with one of the liquids of the lens to allow for volume changes in the lens cell due to temperature variations. This combination of features produces a liquid-lens cell capable of maintaining substantially constant transverse magnification and diffraction-limited image quality over a useful range of focal length. As such, the lens is particularly suitable for incorporation in an array of micro-objectives used in a scanning microscope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.