Single axis illumination for multi-axis imaging system
US7312432B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B21/06
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A single-axis illumination system for a multiple-axis imaging system, particularly an array microscope. A single-axis illumination system is used to trans-illuminate an object viewed with an array of imaging elements having multiple respective axes. The numerical apertures of the imaging elements are preferably matched to the numerical aperture of the illumination system. For Kohler illumination, the light source is placed effectively at the front focal plane of the illumination system. For critical illumination, the light source is effectively imaged onto the object plane of the imaging system. For dark field illumination, an annular light source is effectively provided. For phase contrast microscopy, an annular phase mask is placed effectively at the back focal plane of the objective lens of the imaging system and a corresponding annular amplitude mask is provided effectively at the light source. For Hoffman modulation contrast microscopy, an amplitude mask is placed effectively at the back focal plane of the objective lens of the imaging system and a slit is provided at a source of light of the illumination system. Structured illumination and interferometry, and a secondary sour…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.