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Demonstration of a Hyperlens-integrated Microscope and Super-resolution Imaging
Published on: September 8, 2017
Depth of field extension with spherical optics
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA. pantazis.mouroulis@jpl.nasa.gov
Optics Express
|August 20, 2008
Summary
Introducing spherical aberration into lens design extends microscope depth of field. This method preserves resolution without special elements, offering an achromatic and azimuth-independent performance.
Area of Science:
- Optical engineering
- Microscopy
Background:
- Spherical aberration is a common optical defect.
- Extending depth of field in microscopy is crucial for imaging thicker samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of spherical aberration for extending the depth of field in microscope objectives.
- To evaluate the performance and characteristics of lenses designed with induced spherical aberration.
Main Methods:
- Designing two low-power microscope objectives incorporating spherical aberration.
- Analyzing the wavefront error and its impact on depth of field and resolution.
- Assessing the achromatic properties and azimuth independence of the lens performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved an extension of +/- 0.88 lambda in wavefront error for depth of field.
- Maintained resolution up to half the maximum diffraction-limited spatial frequency.
- Demonstrated achromatic performance across the visible spectrum and azimuth independence.
Conclusions:
- Spherical aberration can effectively extend the depth of field in microscope objectives.
- This technique offers a viable alternative to special phase elements for enhanced depth of field.
- The designed lenses provide robust, high-performance imaging capabilities.
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