Abstract: Microarray readers and methods that compensate for target spots that are too dim or too bright for the microarray reader to accurately measure. The readers adjust the amount of light directed at or received from specific non-acceptable target spots, such that dim spots receive more excitation light and overly bright spots receive less. This increases or decreases, respectively, their measured brightness, which in turn effectively increases the range over which a microarray reader can accurately measure the spots, and can also improve the signal-to-noise ratio and other aspects of the measurements.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to microscopes having specific control of the light that contacts a sample and/or a light detector, such as the eye of the user, a charge couple device or a video camera. The improved control includes enhanced, selective control of the angle of illumination, quantity of light and location of light reaching the sample and/or detector. The microscopes comprise one or more spatial light modulators in the illumination and/or detection light path of the microscope at one or both of the conjugate image plane of the aperture diaphragm of the objective lens and the conjugate image plane of the sample.

Abstract: Endoscopes and other viewing devices that control the light that contacts a sample and/or that is detected emanating from a sample. The viewing devices are particularly well suited for in vivo imaging, although other uses are also included. The viewing devices, and methods related thereto, comprise a spatial light modulator in the illumination and/or detection light path so that light transmitted to the target via a bundle of light guides or optical system is transmitted substantially only into the cores of the light guide bundle and not into the cladding surrounding the light guides, filler between the light guides in the bundle, or undesired light guides. Also, methods and apparatus for mapping the pixels of the spatial light modulator to the cores of the light guides in the bundle (preferably at least 3 pixels (e.g., at least 3 mirrors for a digital micromirror device) for each core), as well as for mapping the light guides of one light guide bundle to another.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to microscopes having specific control of the light that contacts a sample and/or a light detector, such as the eye of the user, a charge couple device or a video camera. The improved control includes enhanced, selective control of the angle of illumination, quantity of light and location of light reaching the sample and/or detector. The microscopes comprise one or more spatial light modulators in the illumination and/or detection light path of the microscope at one or both of the conjugate image plane of the aperture diaphragm of the objective lens and the conjugate image plane of the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that improve the depth resolution of confocal microscopy images using out-of-focus information from within the focal plane of interest (from the x-y direction) and/or from planes above and below the focal plane of interest (from the z-direction). The interaction of (a) a reflective surface or other light-emanating material and (b) the PSF formed by a confocal microscope results in “out-of-focus” information in, above and below the focal plane; this “out-of-focus” information can be measured. Comparing the measurements in the x-y plane, preferably at a plurality of z-positions, can improve the resolution along each of the x, y, and z-axes, increase the number of the photons used in the system, thus improving the signal to noise ratio, and help correct for aberrations, such as spherical aberrations or other optical aberrations, in the optical system of a microscope.