 | During the ensuing six years, Zeiss and Abbe work intensively to lay the scientific foundations for the design and fabrication of optical systems. The path is arduous, and not without setbacks. A vast scope of theoretical studies and experiments have to be made, testing methods and equipment to be devised. In 1869, a new "illumination apparatus" is designed for use in the studies ("with all parts assembled according to purely theoretical considerations"), which soon comes into widespread use.
And finally, the breakthrough. In 1872, Ernst Abbe formulates his wave theory of microscopic imaging, and defines what becomes known as the Abbe sine condition. A great year in the history of Zeiss, and in the history of the microscope. Now, for the first time, Zeiss offers a range of 17 microscope objectives (three of them being of the immersion type) designed on the basis of optical research and mathematical operations. In Abbe's words, "Based on a precise study of the materials used, the designs concerned are specified by computation to the last detail - every curvature, every thickness, every aperture of a lens - so that any groping around" (Abbe might also have said, any trial and error approach) "is excluded."
Abbe's discoveries mark a revolution in microscope design. The new microscopes built in Jena gain the name of Zeiss a worldwide reputation for quality and innovation.
By the way, as far as quality is concerned, Carl Zeiss is a man of principle: With a hammer in his own hands, he smashes many a microscope made in his workshop that fails to satisfy his critical inspection - rather a striking method of quality assurance.
Abbe's findings are nothing less than the theoretical principles on which microscope objectives can be designed to predetermined performance specifications. They are nothing more either. In many respects, the theory does not materialize - due to lack of proper materials. As demands of microscope users on image quality increase, further progress is impeded because the glass available for lens making just does not have the desired dispersion properties to match improved lens designs. So Zeiss and Abbe, now business partners, face another challenge: the development of new kinds of optical glass satisfying Abbe's specifications. Another challenge, another trailblazing success. | |