High efficiency, large field scanning microscope
US6628385B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B21/082
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fluorescent optical imaging system (10) produces two separate spots (S1 and S2) on a sample (12) by a pair of excitation laser beams (B1 and B2) that are generated by first and second lasers (L1 and L2). Excitation laser beams (B1 and B2) pass at slightly different angles, first through an aperture (15) of a 45° fold mirror (13), and then through an objective element (14). As a result, emission light beams (16, 18) are generated from each illuminated spot (S1 and S2) and are reflected and redirected by mirror (13) through a secondary lens (19) before reaching one of two detectors (PMT 1 and PMT 2). Emission beam (16) reflects off a second 45° mirror (22) prior to reaching detector (PMT 1), while emission beam (18) travels directly to (PMT 2). If desired, optical separation elements (24), such as dichroic filters, prisms, or gratings, can be positioned in front of each detector (PMT 1 and PMT 2). Fluorescent optical imaging system (10) may employ a scanning system (17) for illuminating and imaging the entire area of sample (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.