Systematic design of microscope objectives. Part I: System review and analysis

Abstract

In the three connected papers, a systematic analysis and synthesis approach for microscope objectives is introduced. To subtract off the hidden assumptions in the historical development of the microscope objective lenses and extract the intrinsic lens modules, a large objective database is implemented including most of the patented systems for standardised applications. Based on the systematic analysis of the database, in Part I, a general review of the development history is given. A systematic classification method is proposed with respect to the five most significant parameters. According to the review and classification, the impacts of applications, manufacture and technology considerations are systematically analysed and summarised. Details of the lens modules will be discussed in Part II, and the synthesis approach utilising the lens modules will be introduced in Part III.