Abstract: A method of imaging light from a specimen in which excitation light passes to the specimen via a scanning system and light emitted by luminescence of the specimen passes in another direction via the scanning system to an image capture device having a sensor having discrete spatially distinct light sensitive regions. The scanning system is operated to scan the whole of an area of interest of the specimen, and the excitation light and/or the image capture device are controlled so that light emitted from the specimen in only incident on the image capture device sensor for a specific time period equal to that required for scanning the whole of the area of interest n time. The scanning system is a confocal system. Apparatus is provided for performing the method to produce a video signal for creating an image in a display device or for processing and analysis by a computer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which allow the rapid collection of image data in situations where ancillary equipment must be controlled and co-ordinated as part of an image formation process, such as confocal microscopy for example. The apparatus includes control means (20?) for co-ordinating the operation of the apparatus, and operable to receive a first trigger signal (33, 33?, 37) indicating the completion of an operation from one component and transmit a second trigger signal (27, 27?) to start an operation by another component in response to the first trigger signal. Such a configuration is operate to reduce delays encountered in operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for performing photo-modification of a biological sample, the method comprising: (a) irradiating the sample; (b) detecting one or more signals based on the irradiated sample; (c) using one or more processor means to analyze the detected signals and determine one or more irradiation parameters, and, (d) returning to (a) conditioned on the irradiation parameters. Thus modifications may be determined and executed interactively as an experiment progresses, and therefore directed towards specific structures and/or events identified as of particular interest in the course of the experiment.

Abstract: A method of analysing a sample of biological material including components (2a to 2d) tagged with respective fluorescent labels (4a to 4d), comprises the steps of identifying a specific labeled component (2d) to be monitored, and irradiating with an energy beam at least one region (8) of the sample which substantially surrounds said specific component. The energy beam modifies the optical properties of labels in the region (8) such that they are distinguishable from the label (4d) associated with said specific component (2d). This assists the tracking of a specific component of interest as it moves through a sample. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for performing photo-modification of a biological sample, the method comprising: (a) irradiating the sample; (b) detecting one or more signals based on the irradiated sample; (c) using one or more processor means to analyze the detected signals and determine one or more irradiation parameters, and, (d) returning to (a) conditioned on the irradiation parameters. Thus modifications may be determined and executed interactively as an experiment progresses, and therefore directed towards specific structures and/or events identified as of particular interest in the course of the experiment.

Abstract: A method of analysing a sample of biological material including components (2a to 2d) tagged with respective fluorescent labels (4a to 4d), comprises the steps of identifying a specific labelled component (2d) to be monitored, and irradiating with an energy beam at least one region (8) of the sample which substantially surrounds said specific component. The energy beam modifies the optical properties of labels in the region (8) such that they are distinguishable from the label (4d) associated with said specific component (2d). This assists the tracking of a specific component of interest as it moves through a sample. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which allow the rapid collection of image data in situations where ancillary equipment must be controlled and co-ordinated as part of an image formation process, such as confocal microscopy for example. The apparatus includes control means (20?) for co-ordinating the operation of the apparatus, and operable to receive a first trigger signal (33, 33?, 37) indicating the completion of an operation from one component and transmit a second trigger signal (27, 27?) to start an operation by another component in response to the first trigger signal. Such a configuration is operate to reduce delays encountered in operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of imaging light from a specimen in which excitation light passes to the specimen via a scanning system and light emitted by luminescence of the specimen passes in another direction via the scanning system to an image capture device having a sensor having discrete spatially distinct light sensitive regions. The scanning system is operated so as to scan the whole of an area of interest of the specimen, and the excitation light and/or the image capture device are controlled so that light emitted from the specimen is only incident on the image capture device sensor for a specific time period equal to that required for scanning the whole of the area of interest n times (where n is a whole number equal to or greater than 1).