Key Specifications For Custom Microscope Objective Lenses

Explore the key specifications required for designing custom microscope objective lenses, particularly for high-throughput applications like fluorescence microscopy, slide scanning, and next-generation sequencing. Modern microscope systems utilize infinity-corrected objective lenses that allow for modularity in the optical path, enabling the integration of filters, mirrors, and epi-illumination.

Key optical parameters include numerical aperture (NA), which governs both resolution and light collection efficiency. Higher NA increases resolving power and signal-to-noise ratio. Magnification is determined by the ratio of the tube lens to objective lens focal length, and is closely tied to the field of view (FOV) and sensor compatibility. The working distance—distance from lens to sample—is critical for accommodating various sample types and affects overall system design.

Aberrations such as spherical aberration, coma, astigmatism, field curvature, chromatic aberration, and distortion are thoroughly explained, each with visual examples. These defects can degrade image quality and must be minimized through precise lens design, fabrication, and assembly. IDEX uses optimized manufacturing and alignment techniques to achieve diffraction-limited performance with low distortion and broad chromatic correction, particularly in their XPLAN™ lens series.

This technical note concludes by emphasizing the importance of balancing performance requirements like NA, FOV, and aberration control. IDEX encourages collaboration with their optical engineers to tailor objective lenses for specific applications, providing comprehensive wavefront characterization and additional test data upon request.