Optical: systems and elements – Lens – With viewed object or viewed field illumination
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-07
2001-12-04
Epps, Georgia (Department: 2873)
Optical: systems and elements
Lens
With viewed object or viewed field illumination
C359S656000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327102
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains generally to microscopes, and more particularly to a microscope capable of providing magnified images of a subject contained within a vacuum chamber.
2. Description of the Background Art
Collecting images of experiments and objects located within a vacuum chamber is often difficult. In the past, this problem has been addressed by using glass view ports, view port and external mirror combinations, or combinations of view ports and mirrors within the vacuum chamber that relay information to the view ports. The foregoing have led to less than desirable imaging results. The difficulty with in-vacuum imaging is further complicated when the experiment is sensitive to light. Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that provides for collection of images from within a vacuum chamber and away from extraneous external light. Such an apparatus could greatly enhance the ability of researchers to gather image data of in-vacuum experiments. The miniature self-contained, vacuum compatible, electronic imaging microscope in accordance with the present invention satisfies that need, as well as others, and overcomes deficiencies in previously known techniques.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an imaging microscope for use in vacuum systems. The microscope is self-contained and preferably has an integral light source that can be switched off when performing light sensitive experiments. The microscope can be installed within a pressure vessel to allow the gathering of electronic images, and will function at either positive or negative pressures within the pressure vessel.
By way of example, and not of limitation, the invention comprises a miniature CCD-based pressure compatible microscope with an integrated illuminator. According to an aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a microscope objective, a miniature CCD camera, a half-silvered mirror beam splitter, and an LED, all of which are packaged into a pressure compatible package. The optical parameters, such as depth of focus, resolution, and field of view, can all be controlled through the choice of the microscope objective used, and even further freedom is possible through the use of other types of lenses (e.g., macro lenses). According to a still further aspect of the invention, the microscope includes an integrated illuminator that allows the microscope to operate in total darkness.
An object of the invention is to provide for magnified image collection of objects or experiments from within a vacuum chamber.
Another object of the invention is to provide a self-contained means of collecting images from within a vacuum chamber.
Another object of the invention is to provide an integral light source for providing illumination only when needed.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6101028 (2000-08-01), Heacock et al.
patent: 6154305 (2000-11-01), Dickensheets et al.
Batson Phillip J.
Denham Paul E.
Jones Michael S.
Naulleau Patrick P.
Epps Georgia
O'Banion John P.
Seyrafi Saeed
The Regents of the University of California
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