Device for positioning an optical element in a ray path

The invention relates to an apparatus for positioning an optical component in a beam path, preferably in the beam path of a microscope, in particular a confocal scanning microscope, wherein a plurality of optical components in are arranged aligned one version.

Devices of the generic type are well known from practice. In that regard, there are numerous applications where it is necessary, several optical elements such as mirrors or beam splitters, with little Effort to exchange up to today. In practice, however, the associated much effort because each used optical element readjusted must become.

Genus-forming devices are known as turret or magazine holders, in which a plurality of optical elements, such as mirrors or Beam splitter, are pre-adjusted. In these known devices, it is, however, required each optical element - the turret or magazine - individually, ie per se to adjust in the respective working position, especially even the slightest angular errors or inaccuracies angle imaging errors to lead. In addition, a replacement of the entire turret or magazine version with high requirements on the reproducibility of the beam path concerned impossible situation. For this reason, the generic Devices, such as turret or magazine holders, built mostly fixed, so that only individual optical elements with the Requirement of always consuming adjustment are interchangeable.

In an application in scanning microscopy, it is used there in the case of Beamsplitter particularly important, absolute angle accuracies to achieve <0.1 mrad, the located in the beam path beamsplitter during operation should be interchangeable. A justagefreier exchange of individual optical elements is not yet possible. A replacement of the entire Revolver is conceivable, after which each beam splitter again must be adjusted. This is not because of the enormous time expenditure acceptable and requires moreover the use of specialized personnel, thereby increase operating costs.

The present invention is therefore based on the object, a device for positioning an optical component in an optical path to design in such a way and further, that the exchange of optical elements simply, is quickly and accurately possible. One always required adjustment of the optical Components to be largely avoided.

The inventive device for positioning an optical component in a beam path solves the above object by the characteristics of the independent claims 1 and 2. According to claim 1 the Amended positioned as a magazine in the beam path, a passage for the beam path having guide block out.

According to the invention it has been recognized that one of the previously implemented technology extent that it may hold, as a plurality of optical components - the same or different Genus - are arranged aligned in a socket. This version serves in the inventive manner as magazine and is in the beam path fixed-position guide block out. This guide block has a Passage on the beam path so that the beam path through the Guide block extending therethrough. The magazine can be in the guide block move, whereby the optical components arranged there - each for himself - positional accuracy and in the version or in the magazine adjusted in the beam path can be brought. The magazine is opposite the guide block and thus against calibrated or adjusted the beam path.

According to the coordinate claim 2 is the aforementioned resolved object in that the optical component as a monolithic substrate is formed with areas of different optical properties and positioned in the beam path, a passage for the beam path having guide block is performed.

In the monolithic substrate, it could, for example, a cuboid act glass block having areas with different optical coatings are provided. These various coatings may the same optical properties which also in having a socket-aligned optical components. It would also be conceivable, that more monolithic substrates - for example, cube-shaped glass blocks - Assemble them into a single optical component or are cemented together. This monolithic substrate or the out more monolithic substrates composite optical component is like the magazine in a fixed position in the beam path guide block out. In that regard, the handling of the magazine with the monolithic Substrate comparable, if not identical.

Now it is conceivable, the magazine or the monolithic substrate as linear perform component so that ultimately this way a conventional Magazine version produced similar embodiment, for example, in external shape of a conventional filter slide. Furthermore, it is conceivable, the magazine or the monolithic substrate as an in essential perform a rotationally symmetrical component. This embodiment would be with a turret version comparable wove egg for introducing a different, in the magazine arranged optical component or of another region different optical property of the substrate in the beam path of the is turned or rotated rotationally symmetrical component.

As already said, the magazine may be a either a linear component or as be executed substantially rotationally symmetrical component. Accordingly, is the made as a linear component magazine in the guide block linearly process, whereas the rotationally symmetrical magazine preferably is turned or rotated its axis of rotation in the guide block.

With regard to a justierfreien exchange which, as amended, or in Magazine located optical components or the monolithic substrate is it especially advantageous if the optically active area of ​​the device in a plane parallel to the guide plane of the magazine or the monolithic Substrate is. In adjusted once optical components and in the guide block adjusted version or an adjusted Magazine is a maladjustment due to the specific arrangement in operation or moving the magazine largely excluded. It is also conceivable that the optically active area of ​​the device, such as a mirror surface or the effective Surface of a prism, at least substantially in the plane of the guide Magazine or the monolithic substrate is. Angle inaccuracies insofar effectively avoided, which ultimately to the arrangement of the optical Components, as amended, or in the magazine and the adjusted or calibrated assembly due of the magazine in the guide block.

In a further advantageous manner, the magazine or the monolithic substrate is the guide block kippfehlerfrei displaced. These can be any implement measures, where a simple replacement of the magazine guarantees have to be. In that regard, it is necessary in any case, the magazine of to above taken from the guide block.

For secure routing of the magazine or the monolithic substrate in the Guide block, it is advantageous if the guide carriage quasi free - for example, linear - can run, but in its direction - in this - set is. For this purpose acts on the magazine or on the monolithic substrate preferably constant pressure, of the also when moving Magazine or the monolithic not or only insignificantly changed substrate. In that regard, it is of particular importance that the magazine at least largely constant, acting on the guide surface pressure is movable namely ensure a uniform movement to can.

The movement of the hopper or of the monolithic substrate, thereby respective optical components in the beam path of their assigned position are verbringbar, can be done in the simplest case by hand. It is also possible the magazine or the monolithic substrate by a precise working driving motor or to move by a motor. For fine position suitable electric motors can be used in any design.

As mentioned above, the magazine on the one hand serves for receiving the optical Components and on the other hand for moving the guide block. This could the magazine to be a frame-like. However, it is also conceivable run the magazine as passages containing plate, these Plate two parallel surfaces - may have - top and bottom. The the guide block facing surface is then used to guide. With others Words is the plate with its lower surface on a corresponding surface the guide block on.

In a slightly more complicated configuration, the board of the magazine could on the guide block side facing a corresponding in a Recess of the guide block engaging guide portion for guiding exhibit. From this construction shows that several areas to serve kippfehlerfreien guide, one being the immediately the guide block to the support coming bottom and on the other side Surfaces which engage in the recess of the guide block. For example can thereby ensure a linear positive guidance.

Trained in the magazine carriage beam passages are preferably round carried out and extend with sufficient diameter - according the dimension of the optical component or the optical path - by the magazine through total. facing away from at least on of the optical component Page could be expanded conical beam passages thus formed, is favored allowing unimpeded incidence of the beam. A is correspondingly conical configuration on the other side of the magazine conceivable, whereby there any special arrangements for positioning the optical are component required.

As part of a linear displacement of the magazine, it is further Advantageous if the beam passages along the plate - in the longitudinal axis - are linearly arranged so that the optical components provided there by simple linear displacement of the magazine slide in the beam path positionable are, without additional adjustment. In a rotationally symmetric Version of the magazine could beam passages circumferentially be arranged so that by simple rotation or rotation of the magazine which there is provided the optical components in the beam path can be positioned. there it could be of further advantage that the beam passages equidistant are arranged to each other, so that an automatic shifting and positioning is favoring the magazine.

Input the positioning of the optical components has already been mentioned. In that regard, it is advantageous if these with their active surface in the guide plane or parallel to the guide plane of the magazine preferably concentric are arranged on the beam passages. favors This arrangement secure positioning of the optical components, namely also without special adjustment effort.

Specifically, the optical components could on the guide surface of the magazine be applied or used in the beam passages of the magazine. Special Holder or recordings are conceivable, and taking into account the Geometry of the respective optical components.

To set the optical components, in particular with a simple answer to the guide surface of the magazine, they could through the magazine assigned Brackets be fixed in their position. In calibrated accordingly Contact surfaces unnecessary an adjustment, and it well be necessary can adjust the optical components on initial assembly in the magazine. The effort depends on the respective requirements.

In the guide block is a fixedly arranged in the beam path Component, which as a cubic metal block with corresponding recesses and guiding properties can be designed. Specifically, could the guide block a preferably rectangular trained guide bed have the guide carriage, so that a precise position guiding the magazine is possible.

Furthermore, the guide block could be a preferably longitudinally over the entire length, in particular centrally, extending recess for unimpeded linear moving the set on Magazine optical exhibit components. As part of such an embodiment could the optical Components below the magazine - in the range of longitudinally extending recess - positioned so that inadvertent maladjustment is due to the free space provided there is effectively avoided.

If the magazine or the monolithic substrate is substantially rotationally symmetrical is performed, the guide block has an annular recess for unhindered movement of the set on the magazine optical Components or on the monolithic substrate.

Already in the introduction it was stated that the magazine or the monolithic Substrate in the guide block - now also in the guide bed - out can be. By appropriate application of force is the magazine or the monolithic substrate at the management level or in the guideway maintained, wherein the force application can be effected by a spring. This spring preferably acts perpendicular to the direction of the magazine or the monolithic substrate, between the spring and the magazine or the monolithic substrate, a movement of the magazine or the monolithic substrate gestattende ball to roll on the Surface of the magazine or the monolithic substrate is provided. A corresponding groove in the magazine or in the monolithic substrate could Rolling movement permit. Other methods for pressurizing and thus for secure positioning of the magazine or the monolithic substrate in or on the guide block are conceivable.

Finally, it should again be noted that it is the optical components can be any optical components in an optical beam path be used. So, this may be for example, a mirror or be a beam splitter, which under confocal scanning microscopy always be used. The monolithic substrate could in some areas be such coated or configured such that the respective area has the characteristic of a beam splitter or a mirror.

There are various possibilities for the teaching of the present invention designing and further advantageous manner. Given on the one hand to the the independent claims 1 and 2 subordinated claims and on the other hand preferably to the following explanation Embodiments of the invention to refer to the drawing. In Connection with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention are based on the drawing, also generally preferred embodiments and refinements of the teaching explained. In the drawings<dl tsize="6"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>in a schematic side view, cut, a first embodiment an inventive device,</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a bottom view of the article of FIG. 1,</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>in a schematic side view, cut, a second Embodiment of an inventive device,</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>a bottom view of the article of Fig. 3,</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>in a schematic side view, cut a third embodiment an inventive device,</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>in a schematic side view, cut, another Embodiment of a device according to the invention and</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>a bottom view of the article of Fig. 6.</dd></dl>

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for positioning an optical component 1, which is here in the concrete is a beam splitter. The optical component 1 is symbolically in the Beam path 2 shown positioned, in a version 3 several optical components 1 are arranged adjusted. This arrangement of a plurality of optical Components 1 in the version 3 can be seen in particular from FIG. 2.

According to the version 3 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are carried out as a magazine, the magazine 3 positioned in a beam path in 2, a Passage 4 is performed for the beam path 2 having guide block. 5

Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for positioning an optical component in the beam path 2 of a non- drawn microscope.

According to the invention the optical component is provided as a monolithic substrate 19 with Areas of different optical properties formed. The monolithic substrate 19 is positioned in a beam path in 2, a Through 4 out of the beam path 2 having guide block. 5

The magazine 3 shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 5 is designed as a linear member. The monolithic substrate 19 in FIGS. 3 and 4 as nearly cuboid Glass block also run linearly.

The magazine 3 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is in the form of a rotationally symmetrical Component, namely running as a turret version.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the optically active area 6 of the optical component 1 exactly at the management level of 7 Magazine 3 is arranged. The embodiment shown in Figure 5. Of A device according to the invention differs from that in FIGS. 1 3 and shown embodiments only in that the optically active Face 6 of the optical component 1 according to FIG. 5 not at the management level 7 of the magazine 3 but disposed in a plane 8 is parallel to the Management level 7 of the magazine 3, but at a distance therefrom is.

Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 6 have hinted realize that the magazine 3 or the monolithic substrate 19 in the guide block 5 kippfehlerfrei movable is. The direction of movement of the magazine 3 is shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 7 with Double arrows 9 in.

The magazine 3 and the monolithic substrate 19 is constant, on the guide surface or guide Level 7 acting pressure movable said pressure by a comprehensive one which rolls the ball element 10 Spring 11 is accomplished. The ball element 10 rolls while on a suitable, inclined rolling surface 12 of the magazine 3 and the monolithic Substrate 19 from.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the magazine 3 or the monolithic substrate 19 manually displaceable. to carry a motor-driven movement of the magazine 3 is in the embodiment provided in FIGS. 6 and 7, a motor drive 20.

Figs. 1, 2, 5 to 7 show together that the magazine 3 as beam passages 13 having plate is formed. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the plate comprises two parallel surfaces, the guide block 5 facing surface - guiding surface 14 - the actual management of the Magazine 3 is used.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the magazine 3 or the Magazine 3 forming plate on the guide block 5 side facing a guide portion 15 equipped, in turn, corresponding to a Recess 16 of the guide block 5 engages. Correct linear guide ensured; said recess 16 configured such dimensioned is that a collision with the arranged on the magazine 3 optical is 1 components excluded. Accordingly, the magazine 3 is through the Guide block 5 facing guide surfaces 7 and 14 out.

Figs. 1, 2, 5 to 7 reveal further that the beam passages 13 on the optical component 3 facing away from the magazine 3 side, ie Conically expanding in the illustrations above. Unhindered beam entry is thus favored.

FIG. 2 shows particularly clearly that the beam passages 13 along the magazine 3 or of the magazine 3 forming plate along its longitudinal axis linear are arranged, namely equidistant. Other arrangements are conceivable. Of the Fig. 7 it can be seen that the beam passages circumferentially 13 here are arranged, here six jet apertures 13 are provided, which are arranged in an equidistant angular spacing of 60 °.

The optical components 1 are with their active surface 6 at the management level 7 arranged concentrically to the beam ports. 13 Here are the optical Components 1 against the guide surface 14 of the magazine 3, from Down at the local area. Inserting the optical component 1 in the Ray passages 13 is possible.

In Figs. 2 and 7 is further indicated that the optical components 1 are determined by the magazine 3 associated brackets 17 in their position. The component 1 two brackets 17 are provided.

It should also be noted here again that the guide block 5 a perpendicular trained guide bed 18 may have, namely under Embodiment of Fig. 5. Thus, the magazine 3 is guided.

Specifically, the guide block includes a 5 in the longitudinal direction over the entire Length of the guide block 5 centrally extending recess 16, the unhindered for linearly moving the magazine 3, taking into account the optical components arranged there is 1. The magazine 3 is in the Guide block 5 - in the guide bed 18 - straight out and is there applies force held at the management level. 7 On the application of force by the spring 11 and the ball member 10 is already above noted been.

FIG. 6 is removed, that a recess 16 is provided here, the is designed circular ring. In this annular recess running 16 engages the complementarily configured guide portion 15 of the rotationally symmetrical designed magazine 3 a. This is the magazine 3 in out the guide block 5, so that through the annular recess 16 from FIG. 6, an exact rotational movement of the hopper 3 around the axis of rotation 21 is possible. Via the gear 22 is generated by the motor 20 Rotational movement directly on the rotationally symmetrical configured Magazine 3 transferred to its rotation.

It should also be noted that it is the optical components 1 - in chosen here the case - is beamsplitter. Other optical components 1 for a beam path are also conceivable. In summary, in the light of the preceding Remarks following noted:

The optical components 1 can negotiate directly with its optically active surfaces 6 be attached to the magazine 3, the magazine 3 at the same time a plurality of optical may include components. 1 It is immaterial whether any beam passages 13 having "places" in the magazine 3 by optical components are 1 occupied. One or the other beam passageway 13 may well also be unoccupied.

The surface on which the optical components 1 lie, can simultaneously lead level 7 or its guide surface 14 for the magazine movement. The magazine 3 is in this case in the guide block 5 is moved linearly with different kind Movements, in particular rotational movements shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 also be realized.

With a view to adjusting the reference guide plane is only relative to the optical path 2 of importance and needs to be adjusted. The optical Components 1 are - per se - not to adjust; rather they must only be attached to the magazine 3, wherein a one-time calibration for the mounting surfaces and parts responsible is conceivable.

there is no interfering between the optical components 1 and the magazine 3 Adhesive or the like. Rather, the optical components are 1 directly mounted on the magazine 3 so that a tilt error extent avoided is. The magazine 3 is also mounted directly on the guide block 5, so that there can hardly occur tilting error. The movement of the magazine takes place lubrication-free 3 in the guide block. 5

By suitable application of force of the magazine 3, a tilting of the Magazine 3 in the guide block 5 effectively prevented. The contact pressure of the magazine 3 on the guide surface 14 is constant, so that also in this respect a tilt error is avoided.

Of particular importance is the advantage of the invention that the optical Components 1 without adjustment effort are interchangeable, wherein a complete replacement of the magazine 3 against a same magazine 3, may equipped with other optical components 1, is possible. The magazine 3 can be exchanged without readjusting to a magazine 3 of the same type , whereby the local provision of different optical components 1 of secondary importance. The same applies to the monolithic substrates 19th

Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments discussed contribute to the understanding of the teaching claimed, but not limit it to the exemplary embodiments.