Invention:
This invention is an innovative all-reflective microscope with off-axis configuration with freeform surface. This design would have uniform diffraction limit performance from UV to far-IR.
Background:
Reflecting microscopes, which incorporate reflecting rather than refracting objectives, are used for imaging over a wide range of wavelengths, especially in the ultraviolet and infrared regions in which conventional optical glasses do not transmit light. Typical applications include the identification of micro-contamination in commercial products or processes, the characterization of trace evidence in forensic investigations and the investigation of the chemical morphology of materials.
The reflecting objective generally consists of two components, namely, a relatively large, concave primary mirror and a smaller, convex secondary mirror. The secondary mirror is situated between the primary mirror and the object and serves to relay the image from the primary mirror to the focal plane of the eyepiece. One disadvantage of the reflecting microscope is that the secondary mirror causes a small obstruction in the center of the eyepiece. The shape of the pupil is annular, with out-of-focus blurs having unusual shapes because of the obstruction.
This microscope will have all the advantages of current refractive and reflective microscopes, but without their limitations.
Applications:
- Samples in a metallurgical furnace
- Life sciences
- Education
- Electronics
Advantages:
- Uniform diffraction limit performance from UV to far-IR
