Abstract: A system (100) and method for creating three dimensional images using probe molecules is disclosed and described. A sample is mounted on a stage (160). The sample has a plurality of probe molecules. The sample is illuminated with light, causing the probe molecules to luminesce. The probe luminescence can be split into at least four paths corresponding to at least four detection planes corresponding to object planes in the sample. The at least four detection planes are detected via a camera (155). Object planes in corresponding recorded regions of interest are recorded in the camera (155). A signal from the regions of interest is combined into a three dimensional image.

Abstract: A primary beam splitter (310) of an optical apparatus (300) can be used to split an incident light beam (305) into a primary plurality of light beams and to direct a first beam therefrom in a first direction and a second beam therefrom in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Secondary beam splitters (315a,b) positioned in beam paths of the first and second beams can be used to split the first and second beams of the primary plurality of light beams into a secondary plurality of light beams (320a,b) and to split the same into a tertiary plurality of light beams (325a,b). A primary plurality of beam reflectors (335a,b/340a,b/345a,b) can be positioned and used to redirect the secondary and tertiary plurality of light beams toward a common detector (355).

Abstract: A system (100) and method for creating three dimensional images using probe molecules is disclosed and described. A sample is mounted on a stage (160). The sample has a plurality of probe molecules. The sample is illuminated with light, causing the probe molecules to luminesce. The probe luminescence can be split into at least four paths corresponding to at least four detection planes corresponding to object planes in the sample. The at least four detection planes are detected via a camera (155). Object planes in corresponding recorded regions of interest are recorded in the camera (155). A signal from the regions of interest is combined into a three dimensional image.

Abstract: An optical microscope (101) with heightened resolution and capable of providing three dimensional images is disclosed and described. The microscope (101) can include a sample stage (160) for mounting a sample having a plurality of probe molecules. At least one non-coherent light source (127) can be provided. At least one lens (140a, 140b) can be configured to direct a beam of light from the at least one non-coherent light source (127) toward the sample causing the probe molecules to luminesce. A camera (155) can be configured to detect luminescence from the probe molecules. A light beam path modification module (132, 150) can be configured to alter a path length of the probe molecule luminescence to allow camera luminescence detection at a plurality of object planes.

Abstract: A primary beam splitter (310) of an optical apparatus (300) can be used to split an incident light beam (305) into a primary plurality of light beams and to direct a first beam of the primary plurality of light beams in a first direction and a second beam of the primary plurality of light beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Secondary beam splitters (315a,b) positioned in beam paths of the first and second beams can be used to split the first and second beams of the primary plurality of light beams into a secondary plurality of light beams (320a,b) and to split the second beam of the primary plurality of light beams into a tertiary plurality of light beams (325a,b). A primary plurality of beam reflectors (335a,b/340a,b/345a,b) can be positioned and used to redirect the secondary and tertiary plurality of light beams toward a common detector (355).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of molecular biology and cancer. More specifically, the invention concerns methods and compositions useful for diagnosing and assessing a subject's response to therapy.