Advanced optical design for DNA sequencing systems

Recent advances in DNA sequencing techniques require the development of high NA immersion microscope systems with large field-of-view, increased resolution and very tight distortion correction. This paper discusses the optical design and tolerance analysis of a NA 1.0 immersion microscope system with a field of view over 1 mm, which is to be used for four-color fluorescence spectroscopy. The microscope system includes an immersion objective lens and four tube lenses, and is corrected for a wide wavelength range from 490 nm to 712 nm. We will discuss critical aspects of designing this kind of optical system, including special glass selection required for chromatic correction.