Programmable spatially light modulated microscope nd microscopy

Abstract

A confocal optical imaging system comprises light source means ( ), detector means ( ) with at least one two-dimensional detector camera, and spatial light modulator means ( ) with a first ( ) and a second group ( ) of modulator elements, wherein the first group of modulator elements is adapted to illuminate an object to be investigated according to a predetermined pattern sequence of illumination spots focused to conjugate locations ( ) of the object from which detection light is directed to the detector means for forming a first image I , and the second group of elements is adapted to illuminate the object at non-conjugate locations and/or to direct detection light from non-conjugate locations of the object to the detector means for forming a second image I . In an optical imaging method using this system, the first and second images are collected simultaneously or subsequently.