Patent ID: 7646533
Filing Date: 2010-01-12
Classification: G02B,G03F

Abstract:
1. An ultra-high numerical aperture objective for use in imaging a specimen, comprising: a lens group comprising at least one focusing lens configured to receive light energy and form focused light energy, said focused light energy forming an intermediate image; a field lens arrangement comprising at least one field lens located in proximity to the intermediate image; and a catadioptric arrangement positioned between the field lens arrangement and the specimen and configured to receive the intermediate image and form controlled light energy, wherein the catadioptric arrangement comprises a spherical reflective surface, at least one Mangin element having a reflective surface exhibiting de minimis curvature and a meniscus lens element, the meniscus lens element free from direct contact with each Mangin element and oriented to have a meniscus surface having a meniscus surface radius of curvature substantially opposite in direction from a spherical surface radius of curvature of the spherical reflective surface.