Method and apparatus for autofocus using a light source pattern and means for masking the light source pattern

US8304704B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sensovation AG · DE

Inventors

• Paul Hing · Sigmaringen, DE
• Sven Hensler · Gaienhofen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 27, 2009
• Grant date: Nov 6, 2012
• Expiry date: Jan 28, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B21/241
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An autofocus apparatus and a method achieve a higher level of speed and robustness, and are particularly suited for fluorescence microscopy of biological samples, automated microscopy and scanning microscopy. A high speed is achieved via a light pattern in the sample, detected spatially resolved by a detector generating at least two signals corresponding to a reflex pattern of the light pattern. The two signals are subtracted generating a positioning signal and the focus of the objective in the sample is adjusted depending on the positioning signal.