Abstract: Optical device for optical fluorescence microscopy, comprising a spatial modulator (1), a microscope objective (2), a beamsplitter (3) and a camera (4), wherein the beamsplitter (3) is placed between the spatial modulator (1) and the microscope objective (2), wherein the beamsplitter (3) is placed between the camera (4) and the microscope objective (2), and wherein a prism (5) is placed between the beamsplitter (3) and the camera (4).

Abstract: Optical device for optical fluorescence microscopy, comprising a spatial modulator (1), a microscope objective (2), a beamsplitter (3) and a camera (4), wherein the beamsplitter (3) is placed between the spatial modulator (1) and the microscope objective (2), wherein the beamsplitter (3) is placed between the camera (4) and the microscope objective (2), and wherein a prism (5) is placed between the beamsplitter (3) and the camera (4).

Abstract: Optical device for optical fluorescence microscopy, comprising a spatial modulator (1), a microscope objective (2), a beamsplitter (3) and a camera (4), wherein the beamsplitter (3) is placed between the spatial modulator (1) and the microscope objective (2), wherein the beamsplitter (3) is placed between the camera (4) and the microscope objective (2), and wherein a prism (5) is placed between the beamsplitter (3) and the camera (4).

Abstract: A sample holding device for use in transverse illumination of a sample or sub-components of a sample comprising: a support substrate comprising a sample well adapted to contain and be compatible with said sample wherein said well is provided on at least one wall with an angled reflective surface adjacent said sample well which when in use directs a transverse light beam from a light source through a sample contained within said sample well to provide substantially transverse illumination of a sample contained therein and imaging the sample using a single objective.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention concerns a method for microscopy of a thick sample arranged on a sample support, with edge-illumination of the sample. The method comprises, in particular, emitting at least one illumination beam (1), forming, from the illumination beam, an illumination surface, focusing the illumination surface in the sample by means of a microscope lens (120) and deflecting the illumination surface originating from the microscope lens, in order to form a transverse illumination surface, located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the microscope lens.

Abstract: A sample holding device for use in transverse illumination of a sample or sub-components of a sample comprising: a support substrate comprising a sample well adapted to contain and be compatible with said sample wherein said well is provided on at least one wall with an angled reflective surface adjacent said sample well which when in use directs a transverse light beam from a light source through a sample contained within said sample well to provide substantially transverse illumination of a sample contained therein and imaging the sample using a single objective.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention concerns a method for microscopy of a thick sample arranged on a sample support, with edge-illumination of the sample. The method comprises, in particular, emitting at least one illumination beam (1), forming, from the illumination beam, an illumination surface, focusing the illumination surface in the sample by means of a microscope lens (120) and deflecting the illumination surface originating from the microscope lens, in order to form a transverse illumination surface, located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the microscope lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing three-dimensional actin structures having a well-defined shape and displaying improved mechanical rigidity. This method comprises the steps of (a) providing a polymerization solution comprising actin monomers, a branching agent and a capping agent, (b) providing at least one surface having thereon a pattern which is coated with a nucleating agent, and (c) contacting the at least one surface of step (b) with the polymerization solution of step (a) so as to induce the polymerization of actin and obtain the said desired three-dimensional actin structure. Applications of the present invention in various technological fields such as microelectronics are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing three-dimensional actin structures having a well-defined shape and displaying improved mechanical rigidity. This method comprises the steps of (a) providing a polymerization solution comprising actin monomers, a branching agent and a capping agent, (b) providing at least one surface having thereon a pattern which is coated with a nucleating agent, and (c) contacting the at least one surface of step (b) with the polymerization solution of step (a) so as to induce the polymerization of actin and obtain the said desired three-dimensional actin structure. Applications of the present invention in various technological fields such as microelectronics are also provided.