Leland Stanford Junior University

University of Colorado

Kent State University

William E Moerner

Yoav Shechtman

Lucien Weiss

Rafael Piestun

Robert J Twieg

Steffen J Sahl

Na Liu

Sri Rama Prasanna Pavani

Samuel J Lord

Michael A Thompson

Reichel Samuel

Julie S Biteen

Brahim Lounis

Matthew D Lew

Anika Kinkhabwala

Adam E Cohen

Among other aspects, various embodiments include encoding wavelength-based characteristics, in addition to three-dimensional positions, of a plurality of objects of a plurality of different wavelengths directly in an image of the objects.

Multi-wavelength phase mask

Various embodiments include an apparatus including a phase mask and circuitry. The phase mask is configured and arranged with optics in an optical path to modify a shape of light, passed from an object. The shape modification characterizes the light as having two lobes with a lateral distance that changes along a line, having a first orientation, as a function of an axial proximity of the object to a focal plane, and with the line having a different orientation depending on whether the object is above or below the focal plane. The circuitry is configured and arranged to generate a three-dimensional image from light detected at the image plane, by using the modified shape to provide depth-based characteristics of the object.

Apparatuses and methods for three-dimensional imaging of an object

Embodiments of the present invention can resolve molecules beyond the optical diffraction limit in three dimensions. A double-helix point spread function can be used to in conjunction with a microscope to provide dual-lobed images of a molecule. Based on the rotation of the dual-lobed image, the axial position of the molecule can be estimated or determined. In some embodiments, the angular rotation of the dual-lobed imaged can be determined using a centroid fit calculation or by finding the midpoints of the centers of the two lobes. Regardless of the technique, the correspondence between the rotation and axial position can be utilized. A double-helix point spread function can also be used to determine the lateral positions of molecules and hence their three-dimensional location.

Three-dimensional single-molecule fluorescence imaging beyond the diffraction limit using a double-helix point spread function

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward methods, systems, and apparatus that include an optical detection node to pass light through the optical pathway to the optical detection node where the light is detectable. At least one focusing element is provided to pass the light along the optical pathway, and at least one optical mask is used to provide spatially-varying modulation on the light passing along the optical pathway. The light passing along the optical pathway is redirected and modified to create a spiral point spread function at the optical detection node for estimating a distance to an object that is characterized at least in part by the light passing along the optical pathway.

Apparatus and method for localizing objects for distance and/or in three dimensions using a spiral point spread function

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, and methods of use, for enhancement of molecular emission by nano-antennas. Using the nano-antennas, the life-time is greatly shortened or the strength of broadly peaking spectral emission of fluorescent molecules is greatly enhanced by a generated electric field. The electric field generated is due to opposing charges located at two metallic end portions of the nano-antenna in response to receiving optical energy.

Enhancement of molecular emission using optical-antenna structures

Fluorophores derived from photoactivatable azide-pi-acceptor fluorogens or from a thermal reaction of an azide-pi-acceptor fluorogen with an alkene or alkyne are disclosed. Fluorophores derived from a thermal reaction of an alkyne-pi-acceptor fluorogen with an azide are also disclosed. The fluorophores can readily be activated by light and can be used to label a biomolecule and imaged on a single-molecule level in living cells.

Fluorogenic compounds converted to fluorophores by photochemical or chemical means and their use in biological systems

Sub-micron objects are manipulated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, Brownian motion effects are mitigated to facilitate the analysis and/or manipulation of sub-micron objects. In some applications, an electric field is applied to facilitate the manipulation of sub-micron objects in solution, facilitating the analysis of the manipulated objects. In other applications, fluid flow is used to effect the manipulation of sub-micron objects in solution.

Sub-micron object control arrangement and approach therefor

A controllable single-photon source having a single illuminated molecule in a condensed phase host is provided. The single molecule is illuminated with a pulse of radiation having a wavelength such that the molecule is excited to a vibrational state higher in energy than an associated excited electronic state. The molecule rapidly, incoherently and irreversibly decays, with a lifetime Tvib, from the vibrational state to the excited electronic state by transferring the corresponding vibrational energy to the host. The excited electronic state has a lifetime T, and with high probability the single molecule makes a radiative transition from this state to emit a single photon. The pump pulse duration Tp satisfies the condition Tvib&#x3c;Tp&#x3c;T. Room temperature operation and spectral separation of pump and single-photon radiation are thereby provided. A semiconductor nanocrystal can be used instead of a molecule.

Growing community of inventors

Los Altos, CA, United States of America

William E Moerner