Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments Corporation

Michael S Georgiadis

Francis Jerome Deck

John Magie Coffin

Jei Y Chou

An embodiment of a phase mask includes a light blocking layer disposed on a substrate, where the light blocking layer has a number of optically transmissive regions each configured as a first pattern. The first pattern includes two segments that have different phase configurations from each other, and the light blocking layer includes at least three angular orientations of the first pattern.

Phase mask for structured illumination

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed whereby structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is applied to a scanning microscope, such as a confocal laser scanning microscope or sample scanning microscope, in order to improve spatial resolution. Particular aspects of the disclosure relate to the discovery of important advances in the ability to (i) increase light throughput to the sample, thereby increasing the signal/noise ratio and/or decreasing exposure time, as well as (ii) decrease the number of raw images to be processed, thereby decreasing image acquisition time. Both effects give rise to significant improvements in overall performance, to the benefit of users of scanning microscopy.

Enhanced sample imaging using structured illumination microscopy

An embodiment of a ruggedized interferometer is described that comprises a light source that generates a beam of light; a fixed mirror; a moving mirror that travels along a linear path; a beam splitter that directs a first portion of the beam of light to the fixed mirror and a second portion of the beam of light to the moving mirror, wherein the beam splitter recombines the first portion reflected from the fixed mirror and the second portion reflected from the moving mirror; and a servo control that applies a substantial degree of force to the moving mirror at initiation of a turnaround period, wherein the substantial degree of force is sufficient to redirect the moving mirror traveling at a high velocity to an opposite direction of travel on the linear path.

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Madison, WI, United States of America

Michael S Georgiadis