Abstract: A method of removing a potential false positive result in a stained sample. The method includes the steps of: acquiring a spectral image set of a stained sample; performing linear spectral unmixing of the spectral image set to obtain a plurality of rule images; calculating an error image for the stained sample; thresholding at least one of the plurality of rule images, wherein thresholding is based on the error image; and removing a potential false positive result from the at least one of the plurality of rule images based on thresholding.

Abstract: A method of presenting image data for elucidating morphology. The method includes the steps of: obtaining a spectral image data set of a sample, wherein the sample is labeled with a plurality of transmission stains; calculating a plurality of rule images from the spectral image data set; adjusting a level of intensity of one of the plurality of rule images independent of the other of the plurality of rule images; and presenting the plurality of rule images to a user.

Abstract: A method of removing a potential false positive result in a stained sample. The method includes the steps of: acquiring a spectral image set of a stained sample; performing linear spectral unmixing of the spectral image set to obtain a plurality of rule images; calculating an error image for the stained sample; thresholding at least one of the plurality of rule images, wherein thresholding is based on the error image; and removing a potential false positive result from the at least one of the plurality of rule images based on thresholding.

Abstract: An automated screening method for detecting abnormalities in a sample. The method includes steps of staining a sample with a histologic or cytologic stain for transmission light microscopy to provide a stained sample; exposing the stained sample to a plurality of differentially-labeled biomarkers, wherein each of the biomarkers is labeled with a distinct transmission stain or fluorescence probe; at a first location, generating at least one multi-spectral image of the stained sample using signals obtained from the plurality of differentially-labeled biomarkers and the histologic or cytologic stain; and automatically determining whether the first location requires further pathologist review or interpretation.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a platform for placement of a sample or an animal to be imaged, and at least one excitation light source for irradiating the sample or animal to stimulate an emission at a plurality of different center wavelengths. An acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) is provided that includes a piezoelectric transducer crystal for emitting an acoustic wave having a ground electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric crystal. A patterned electrode layer is disposed on a side of the piezoelectric crystal opposite the ground electrode. The patterned electrode layer includes a continuous region proximate to its center and a discontinuous region, a pattern in the discontinuous region comprising a plurality of spaced apart features electrically connected to the continuous region, and an AO interaction crystal receiving the acoustic wave attached to the ground electrode or the patterned electrode layer.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a platform for placement of a sample or an animal to be imaged, and at least one excitation light source for irradiating the sample or animal to stimulate an emission at a plurality of different center wavelengths. An acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) is provided that includes a piezoelectric transducer crystal for emitting an acoustic wave having a ground electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric crystal. A patterned electrode layer is disposed on a side of the piezoelectric crystal opposite the ground electrode. The patterned electrode layer includes a continuous region proximate to its center and a discontinuous region, a pattern in the discontinuous region comprising a plurality of spaced apart features electrically connected to the continuous region, and an AO interaction crystal receiving the acoustic wave attached to the ground electrode or the patterned electrode layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for image elastic scattering spectroscopy is disclosed that is comprised of a light source for generating polarized light. Means are provided to convey the polarized light to a target. A collector receives light reflected from the target. A detector is responsive to the collector for generating images at both parallel and perpendicular polarizations for each of a plurality of wavelengths. A range finder detects a distance to the target. Control electronics control the image generation and the range finder. The apparatus may be configured to image areas on the surface of the body or configured so as to be inserted into various body cavities. Typically, the apparatus will be used in conjunction with an analyzer for analyzing the images for evidence of abnormal cells. Methods of gathering data and of screening for abnormal cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of preparing a cervical sample for medical examination in which a papanicolaou stained sample is additionally stained with a label targeted to one or more high risk cancer markers to allow for optical detection of the human papilloma virus. That optical detection can be combined with morphometric detection of abnormal cells, which may be improved by multispectral imaging using an acousto-optic tunable filter. Several variations of screening methods and an apparatus for performing the methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An acousto-optic (AO) device for generating a highly apodized acoustic wave field includes a piezoelectric transducer crystal for emitting an acoustic wave having a ground electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric crystal, and a patterned electrode layer disposed on a side of the piezoelectric crystal opposite the ground electrode. The patterned electrode layer includes a continuous region proximate to its center and a discontinuous region, a pattern in the discontinuous region including a plurality of spaced apart features electrically connected to the continuous region. An AO interaction crystal which receives the acoustic wave is attached to the ground electrode or the patterned electrode layer.

Abstract: A light microscope comprises a light source and a first acousto-optic tunable filter responsive to the light source for producing two light streams of different polarization. A control circuit is provided for tuning the first filter to a plurality of frequencies. A mechanism, such as steering optics, is provided for combining the two light streams into a combined light stream. Input optics focus the combined light stream. A condenser, such as a darkfield condenser, receives the focused, combined, light stream and projects it onto a sample. A second acousto-optic tunable filter is responsive to light from the sample. A second control circuit is provided for tuning the second acousto-optic filter to a plurality of frequencies. The light from the second acousto-optic tunable filter may be captured and stored for future processing.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises an acousto-optic tunable filter for receiving light at an input end thereof and outputting light at an output end thereof. A control circuit is provided for tuning the filter. A prism is responsive to the light output by the tunable filter. The prism is oriented at an angle with respect to the filter to compensate for dispersion of the output light caused by the tunable filter.

Abstract: A laser pulse generator utilizes intracavity doubling in an ultrathin beta barium metaborate crystal to produce femtosecond pulses in the ultrashort ultraviolet wavelength range. The generator includes a colliding-pulse passively mode-locked ring dye laser which propagates a pulsed beam of primary laser light in a cavity. The primary light beam has a repetition rate of 10.sup.8 Hz and a pulse width in the femtosecond range. The crystal is located in the cavity so that the primary beam strikes one crystal surface at Brewsters angle and propagates through the crystal at its phase-matching angle. The primary beam and its second harmonic are emitted from the opposite surface, the harmonic wave having the same repetition rate and substantially the same width as the primary beam, but one-half its wavelength.

Abstract: A tunable, singley-resonant optical parametric oscillator provides femtosecond light pulses in the infrared wavelength band. The oscillator includes an internally mounted thin crystal of KTiOPO.sub.4 which is synchronously pumped by femtosecond pulses from a colliding-pulse passively mode-locked dye laser. Rotation of the crystal varies the wavelength of the oscillator. Prisms within the oscillator cavity control group velocity dispersion to limit pulse width, and the oscillator as stabilized by a feedback network which varies the length of the cavity in response to spectral changes.