Grin lens microscope system
View Patent ↗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.
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.