Device for positioning an optical element in a ray path

p0001The invention relates to an apparatus for positioning an optical component in the beam path of a microscope.

p0002Devices of the generic type are well known from practice. In that regard, there are numerous applications where it is necessary, a plurality of optical elements, such as mirrors or beam splitters to share easily to today. In practice, however, the effort involved is considerable, since each type operated optical element needs to be adjusted again.

p0003Genus-forming devices are known as turret or magazine versions in which a plurality of optical elements, such as mirrors or beam splitters, are pre-adjusted. In these known devices, it is necessary, each optical element - the turret or magazine - individually, ie per se to adjust in the respective working position, especially slightest angle error or angular inaccuracies already lead to aberrations. Emails can not be a replacement of the entire turret or magazine version with high demands on the reproducibility of the application in the beam path situation. For this reason, the generic devices, such as turret or magazine holders, built mostly fixed, so that only individual optical elements with the need for always-consuming adjustment are interchangeable.

p0004In an application in scanning microscopy, it comes in the case of the beam splitter used there particularly important to achieve absolute angle accuracies of <0.1 mrad, the present in the light path beam splitter during operation should interchangeable. A justagefreier replacement of individual optical elements is not yet possible. A replacement of the entire turret is conceivable, after which each beam splitter has to be adjusted again. This is not acceptable because of the enormous time expenditure and requires moreover the use of specialized personnel, thereby increasing the cost of ownership.

p0005Out <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="JPB114752A"><text>JP-A-B114752</text></patcit> discloses an apparatus for positioning an optical component in the beam path of a microscope. The device comprises a positioned in the beam path plate in the form of a slide, a guide block as a guide portion and a plurality of optical components, namely a photographic mask and optical elements. The optical components are arranged aligned in the running as a magazine or as a setting plate. The plate sits with a guide surface in the guide block. Several jet passages are provided. The guide block includes a passage for the beam path, a square-trained guide bed for the plate and extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length recess for unhindered movement of the fixed plate in the optical components. The plate is guided in the guide bed of the guide block under a force on the guide surface pressure.

p0006<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="EP0069263A"><text>EP-A-0069263</text></patcit> also discloses a corresponding device with disk, optical components, guide block and press-on device.

p0007Also <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="JP8129126A"><text>JP-A-8129126</text></patcit> shows a corresponding device with disk, optical components, guide block and press-on device. Both the plate and the recess of the guide block are circular ring formed, namely the unobstructed movement of the fixed plate in the optical components.

p0008The known chores in common is that there the plate can be withdrawn only in the longitudinal direction of the guide block, namely due to the fact that the plate is gripped by the guide block and thereby held and guided. This requires a very considerable space and is difficult to handle.

p0009The present invention is therefore based on the object to design a device of the type mentioned in such a way and further, that the exchange of optical elements is simple, quickly and accurately possible.

p0010The inventive apparatus for positioning an optical component in an optical path achieves the above object by the features of claim 1, namely by a corresponding device with a plate and a guide block for the plate, wherein a plurality of optical components are arranged aligned in a version which as magazine is positioned in the beam path in the form of the plate, the plate is seated with a guide surface in the guide block and a plurality of beam ports, the guide block a passage for the beam path, a square-trained guide bed for the plate and extending longitudinally over the entire length extending recess for unhindered movement of the set in the panel optical components or an annular recess for unhindered movement of the set in the panel optical components, said plate is guided in the guide bed of the guide block with a force on the guide surface pressure and thereby held in the guideway and wherein the plate from the top of the Führungsblockentnehmbar is.

p0011According to the invention it has been recognized that one can hold on to the previously implemented technology to the extent that a plurality of optical components - identical or different generic - are arranged aligned in a socket. This version serves as a magazine and is guided in a fixed position in the beam path guide block. The guide block has a passage for the beam path so that the optical path extending through the guide block through. The magazine can be moved in the guide block, whereby the optical components arranged there - each for himself - exactly in position and in the version or in the magazine adjusted in the beam path can be brought are. The magazine is opposite the guide block and thus with respect to the beam path calibrated or adjusted.

p0012Now it is conceivable to design the magazine as a linear device, so that in this way a conventional magazine version produced similar embodiment, for example, in the outer shape of a conventional filter draw. Furthermore, it is conceivable to design the magazine as a rotationally symmetrical in the essential component. This embodiment would be similar to a turret socket, wherein for the introduction of another, arranged in the magazine or optical component in the beam path turned or rotated, the rotationally symmetric component.

p0013As already said, the magazine can be designed either as a linear component or a substantially rotationally symmetrical component. Accordingly, the running as a linear component magazine in the guide block is moved linearly, whereas the rotationally symmetrical magazine is preferably rotated or rotated about its axis of rotation in the guide block.

p0014With a view to exchanging justierfreien which located in the socket or in the magazine optical components, it is especially advantageous if the optically active area of ​​the device lies in a plane parallel to the guide plane of the magazine. With once-aligned optical components and an adjusted in the guide block version or an adjusted Magazine misalignment due to the specific arrangement is largely excluded during operation or moving the magazine. It is also conceivable that the optically active surface of the component, such as a mirror surface or the effective surface of a prism, is at least largely in the guide plane of the magazine. Angle inaccuracies are far effectively prevented, which is ultimately due to the arrangement of the optical components in the frame or in the magazine and the adjusted or calibrated arrangement of the magazine in the guide block.

p0015In a further advantageous manner, the magazine in the guide block is slidably kippfehlerfrei. For this purpose, any measures can be implemented with a simple replacement of the magazine must be guaranteed. In that regard, it is possible and even necessary in any case, to remove the magazine from the top of the guide block.

p0016For secure routing of the magazine in the guide block, it is advantageous if the guide carriage quasi free - can run, but in its direction - - for example, linearly defined - to this. These acts on the magazine preferably constant pressure, which is not changed or only slightly while moving the magazine. In that regard, it is of particular importance that the magazine largely constant, acting on the guide surface pressure is at least movable to namely to ensure a uniform movement.

p0017The movement of the magazine, whereby the respective optical components are be brought into the beam path of their assigned position, can in the simplest case by hand. It is also possible to drive the magazine by a precise working engine or to move by a motor. For fine position suitable electric motors can be used in any design.

p0018As mentioned above, the magazine on the one hand serves for receiving the optical components and on the other hand to move in the guide block. For this purpose, the magazine could be a frame-like. However, it is also conceivable to design the magazine as passages containing plate, this plate has two parallel surfaces - may have - top and bottom. The guide block facing surface is then used to guide. In other words, the plate rests with its lower surface on a corresponding surface of the guide block.

p0019In a slightly more complicated configuration, the board of the magazine could be found on the guide block side facing a cross in a corresponding recess of the guide block guide area for guiding. From this construction shows that several areas are used to kippfehlerfreien guide, one being the immediate future on the guide block to the support base and the other side surfaces which engage in the recess of the guide block. For example, can thereby ensure a linear positive guidance.

p0020Trained in the magazine carriage beam passages are preferably configured round and extend with sufficient diameter - according to the dimension of the optical component or the optical path - through the magazine a total pass. At least on the side facing away from the optical component to the beam passages thus formed may extend conically, allowing unimpeded incidence of the beam is favored. A correspondingly conical configuration on the other side of the magazine is conceivable, in which there any special arrangements for positioning of the optical component are required. As part of a linear displacement of the magazine, it is also advantageous if the beam passages along the plate - are arranged linearly, so that the provided there optical components are positioned in the beam path by simple linear movement of the magazine carriage, without additional - in the longitudinal axis adjustment. In a rotationally symmetrical design of the magazine, the beam passages may be circumferentially arranged so that there is provided optical components are positioned in the beam path by simply turning or rotation of the magazine. is favored This could be of further advantage that the beam ports are disposed equidistant from one another, so that an automatic shifting and positioning of the magazine.

p0021Input the positioning of the optical components has already been mentioned. In that regard, it is advantageous if these are preferably arranged concentrically to the beam ports with their active surface in the guide plane or parallel to the guide plane of the magazine. This arrangement also promotes a safe positioning of the optical components, namely also without special adjustment effort.

p0022Specifically, the optical components on the guide surface of the magazine could bear or be inserted into the beam passages of the magazine. Special holder or recordings are conceivable, and taking into account the geometry of the respective optical components.

p0023To set the optical components, in particular with a simple answer to the guide surface of the cartridge, this may be set assigned by the magazine brackets in position. When appropriately calibrated contact surfaces is unnecessary adjustment, which may be necessary quite to adjust the optical components on initial assembly in the magazine. The quired effort depends on the respective requirements.

p0024In the guide block is a fixedly arranged in the beam path component which can be designed as a cubic metal block with corresponding recesses and leadership traits. Specifically, the guide block could have a preferably rectangular trained guide bed for the guide carriage, so that a precise position guiding the magazine is possible.

p0025Furthermore, could the guide block a is preferably in the longitudinal direction over the entire length, in particular centrally, extending recess for unhindered linear moving the set on Magazine optical components. As part of such an embodiment could the optical components below the magazine - in the area of ​​extending longitudinally recess - to be arranged so that an unintentional misalignment is due to the free space provided there is effectively avoided.

p0026If the magazine is essentially rotationally symmetrical design, the guide block in an annular recess for unhindered movement of the set on the magazine optical components.

p0027Already in the introduction it was stated that the magazine in the guide block - can be done - now also in the guide bed. By appropriate application of force, the magazine is held at the management level or in the guide track, wherein the application of force can take place by a spring. This spring acts preferably orthogonal to the displacement direction of the magazine, wherein the magazine between the spring and a movement of the magazine gestattende ball is provided for rolling on the surface of the magazine a corresponding groove in the magazine could permit the rolling motion. Other methods for applying pressure and thus for secure positioning of the magazine or on the guide block are conceivable.

p0028At this point, it should again be noted that it may be in the optical components to any optical components that are used in an optical beam path. So it can be a mirror or a beam splitter, which always find use in confocal scanning microscopy, for example,.

p0029There are various possibilities for embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention advantageously. On the one hand is subordinate to the claims claim 1 claims and also to refer to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention based on the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained in general. In the drawings<dl id="dl0001"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>in a schematic side view, cut, a first exemplary embodiment of an inventive device, </dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a bottom view of the object from <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>.</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>gestrichen-,</dd><dt>Fig.4</dt><dd>deleted</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>in a schematic side view, cut, another exemplary embodiment of an inventive device,</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>in a schematic side view, cut, another exemplary embodiment of an inventive device, and</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>a bottom view of the object from <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 6</figref>,</dd></dl>

p0030<figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> shows a first embodiment of an apparatus for positioning an optical component 1, which is concretely dealing here with a beam splitter. The optical component 1 is positioned in the beam path 2 symbolically illustrated, being arranged identically adjusted several optical components 1 in a socket. 3 This arrangement of a plurality of optical components 1 in the version 3 can be particularly<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> remove.

p0031The version 3 of the <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0002">2</figref> is designed as a magazine, the magazine 3 positioned in a beam path in 2, a passage 4 for the beam path 2 having guide block 5 is guided.

p0032The magazine 3 of the <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>. <figref idrefs="f0002">2</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref> is designed as a linear member.

p0033The magazine 3 of the <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 6</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">7</figref> is in the form of a rotationally symmetrical component, namely designed as revolver frame.

p0034In the in <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> the illustrated embodiment is arranged exactly in the guide plane 7 of the magazine 3, the optically active area 6 of the optical component. 1 This in<figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 5</figref> Shown embodiment of the inventive device differs from the in <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> illustrated embodiment only in that the optically active surface 6 of the optical component 1 according to <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 5</figref> is arranged not at the management level 7 of the magazine 3 but in a level 8, which is, however, spaced parallel to the guide plane 7 of the magazine 3, do so.

p0035The <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>. <figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0004">6</figref> reveal hinted that the magazine 3 is kippfehlerfrei movable in the guide block. 5 The direction of movement of the magazine 3 is in the<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">7</figref> marked with double arrows. 9

p0036The magazine 3 is moved with a constant, acting on the guide surface or guide Level 7 pressure, said pressure is accomplished by a ball which rolls element 10 comprehensive spring 11th The ball element 10 rolls while on a suitable inclined rolling surface 12 from the magazine. 3

p0037For the <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003">FIGS. 1-5</figref> embodiments shown the magazine 3 is manually movable. For performing a motor-driven movement of the hopper 3 is in the embodiment of the<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 6</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">7</figref> a motor drive 20 is provided.

p0038The <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>. <figref idrefs="f0002">2</figref>. <figref idrefs="f0003 f0004 f0005">5 to 7</figref> together show that the magazine 3 is formed as a beam passages 13 having plate. In the in<figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> the illustrated embodiment includes the plate two parallel surfaces, the guide block 5 facing surface - guiding surface 14 - the actual management of the magazine 3 is used.

p0039In the in <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 5</figref> illustrated embodiment, the magazine 3 and the magazine 3 forming plate on the guide block 5 facing side provided with a guide portion 15 which in turn engages in a corresponding recess 16 of the guide block. 5 Correct linear guide is ensured by the fact; wherein the recess 16 is carried out so dimensioned that a collision is excluded with the magazine 3 arranged on the optical components, the first Accordingly, the magazine 3 is guided by the guide block 5 facing guide surfaces 7 and 14 respectively.

p0040The <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>. <figref idrefs="f0002">2</figref>. <figref idrefs="f0003 f0004 f0005">5 to 7</figref> reveal further that the beam passages 13 on the optical component 3 opposite side, ie, conically expanding in the magazine 3 in the illustrations above. Unhindered beam entry is favored so.

p0041<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> shows very clearly that the beam passages 13 along the magazine 3 and the magazine 3 forming plate along the longitudinal axis thereof are arranged linearly, namely equidistant. Other arrangements are conceivable. Of the<figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 7</figref> It can be seen that the beam passages 13 are arranged here circumferentially, said here six jet passages 13 are provided, which are arranged in an equidistant angular spacing of 60 °.

p0042The optical components 1 are arranged with their active surface 6 at the management level 7 concentric to the beam ports. 13 In this case, the optical components lie one on the guide surface 14 of the magazine 3, and from bottom at the local surface. An insertion of the optical components 1 in the beam passages 13 is possible.

p0043In the <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">7</figref> further indicated that the optical components 1 by the magazine 3 associated brackets 17 are fixed in their position. The component 1 two brackets 17 are provided.

p0044It should also be noted here again that the guide block 5 may have a perpendicular trained guide bed 18, namely, according to the embodiment of <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 5</figref>, Thus the magazine 3 is performed.

p0045In concrete terms, comprises the guide block 5 in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the guide block 5 centrally extending recess 16 serving to allow for unobstructed linearly moving the magazine 3 in consideration of the optical components arranged there. 1 The magazine 3 is in the guide block 5 - linearly guided and held there subjected to force in the executive level 7 - in the guide bed 18th On the application of force by the spring 11 and the ball element 10 has already been mentioned above.

p0046Of the <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 6</figref> is removable, that here a recess 16 is provided, which is designed annular. In this annular recess 16 running the complementary configured guide portion 15 of the rotationally symmetrical designed magazine 3 intervenes. In this way the magazine 3 is guided in the guide block 5, so that by the annular recess 16<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 6</figref> an exact rotational movement of the hopper 3 around the axis of rotation 21 is possible. Via the gear 22, the rotary motion generated by the motor 20 is transmitted directly on the rotationally symmetrical configured magazine 3 to its rotation.

p0047It should also be noted that it is the optical components 1 - is beamsplitter - in selected here case. Other optical components 1 for a beam path are also conceivable. In summary, the following should be noted in the light of the preceding remarks:

p0048The optical components 1 may be mounted with its optically active surfaces 6 directly on the magazine 3, wherein the magazine 3 may comprise multiple optical elements 1 simultaneously. It is immaterial whether any beam passages containing 13 "squares" are assigned to the magazine 3 by optical components. 1 One or the other beam passageway 13 may well be unoccupied.

p0049The surface on which the optical components 1 lie, may be the management level 7 or guide surface 14 for the magazine movement simultaneously. The magazine 3 is in this case in the guide block 5 is moved linearly, with other types of movements, in particular rotational movements in accordance with the<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 6</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">7</figref> also be realized.

p0050With a view to adjusting the reference guide plane is only be adjusted relative to the optical path 2 of importance and needs. The optical components are 1 - per se - not to adjust; rather they must be attached only to the magazine 3, wherein a one-time calibration of the responsible for the mounting surfaces and parts is feasible.

p0051There is no annoying adhesive or the like between the optical elements 1 and the magazine third Rather, the optical components 1 are placed directly on the magazine 3 so that a tilt error is avoided so far. 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 3 in the guide block 5 is carried out free of lubricant.

p0052By suitable application of force of the magazine 3 a tilting of the magazine 3 in the guide block 5 is effectively avoided. The contact pressure of the magazine 3 to the guide surface 14 is constant, so that also in this respect, a tilt error is avoided.

p0053Of particular importance is the advantage of the invention that the optical components 1 without adjustment effort are interchangeable, whereby a complete replacement of the magazine 3 against a same magazine 3, possibly equipped with other optical components 1, is possible. The magazine 3 can be replaced without readjustment to a magazine 3 of the same type, the local provision of various optical components 1 of secondary importance.

p0054Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments discussed contribute to the understanding of the claimed teaching, but do not limit to the embodiments.