Abstract: A photomanipulation device is described that includes multiple spatial light modulators (SLMs). By having more than one SLM, this device can simultaneously photomanipulate different areas with different wavelengths and/or it can rapidly switch between different areas with speeds faster than a single device is capable of. This device is particularly useful for photostimulation of neurons where simultaneity and precision timing is required.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect relates to an optical system for illuminating a multi-focus confocal imager. This new illuminator has benefits such as improved throughput and field flatness. This is particularly useful in spinning-disc confocal imagers. A second aspect relates to an optical system filling the pixel array on a spatial light modulator (SLM). Throughput of the illumination light is greatly improved, and all of the pixels are illuminated uniformly. This device will then generate an optimized hologram for photo-manipulation of multiple regions simultaneously. This device is particularly useful for optical stimulation deeper into living tissue. One advantage is the improved resolution and quality of the hologram.

Abstract: Spherical aberration is the primary cause of lose of signal while imaging deeper into a sample. Spherical aberration is corrected in the imaging path of a non-descanned detection system (such as a multi-photon microscope). This corrects the illumination spot for artifacts caused by imaging deep into a sample. One exemplary advantage to this instrument is that it allows deeper and brighter imaging.

Abstract: A fast modular port switching device is described. The device can be used with an optical microscope to facilitate using multiple devices with the microscope. The port switching is done with a galvanometer for switching very fast. The device is modular so it can be combined with any number of similar devices for building a complex, multi-modal imaging system. Also described is the combination of a port switcher with automated spherical aberration correction. Even further described is a similar device where the outputs are recombined, thus making the device a fast filter switcher.

Abstract: A pinhole changing device for a confocal microscope is detailed herein. Several pinholes of different sizes are contained on a single disk. A precision XY stage is used to switch between the several pinholes. The same device could be used as a spatial filter for a multi-photon microscope. One can also add beam expansion control and spherical aberration correction to the same device with no additional loss.

Abstract: A spinning-disk confocal unit uses a pair of microlens arrays to create an infinity space directly after the pinhole array. This at least allows flexibility in the confocal unit design and also allows incorporation of superresolution.

Abstract: A modular laser scanning system where the laser scanner and various optical “building blocks” are contained in separate mechanical and optical modules. These modules can be combined to provide flexible systems with unique laser scanning capabilities or combinations of techniques. Additionally, the combining of these modules is achieved through the use of a mechanical and optical coupling standard.

Abstract: A photomanipulation device is described that includes multiple spatial light modulators (SLMs). By having more than one SLM, this device can simultaneously photomanipulate different areas with different wavelengths and/or it can rapidly switch between different areas with speeds faster than a single device is capable of. This device is particularly useful for photostimulation of neurons where simultaneity and precision timing is required.

Abstract: Spherical aberration is the primary cause of lose of signal while imaging deeper into a sample. Spherical aberration is corrected in the imaging path of a non-descanned detection system (such as a multi-photon microscope). This corrects the illumination spot for artifacts caused by imaging deep into a sample. One exemplary advantage to this instrument is that it allows deeper and brighter imaging.

Abstract: An infinity-conjugate lens relay with a moving first lens is used to select a plane of interest from an image volume. This plane can be selected so that the image is corrected for spherical aberration due to non-ideal imaging conditions. This effectively will allow for deeper, corrected imaging for high power microscopes. Using an infinity-conjugate relay, this device has an ideal “bypass” mode for regular imaging without correction. The device also utilizes software that automatically controls the device for correcting live images.

Abstract: Spherical aberration is the primary cause of lose of signal while imaging deeper into a sample. Spherical aberration is corrected in the imaging path of a non-descanned detection system (such as a multi-photon microscope). This corrects the illumination spot for artifacts caused by imaging deep into a sample. One exemplary advantage to this instrument is that it allows deeper and brighter imaging.

Abstract: Modular electrical, mechanical and optical components allow for the building of a laser combiner system that can be used, for example, for biological research that allows different lasers to be easily added to or removed from a laser system. Each individual laser can be packaged into a module which can be added to or taken away from the laser system with relative ease. Each of the modules can be controlled via a control module that allows one or more of varying of power levels, switching on/off, shutter control and diagnostic/status information monitoring.

Abstract: Spherical aberration is the primary cause of lose of signal while imaging deeper into a sample. Spherical aberration is corrected in the imaging path of a non-descanned detection system (such as a multi-photon microscope). This corrects the illumination spot for artifacts caused by imaging deep into a sample. One exemplary advantage to this instrument is that it allows deeper and brighter imaging.

Abstract: A fast modular port switching device is used with an optical microscope to facilitate using multiple devices with the microscope. The port switching is done with a galvanometer for switching very fast. The device is modular so it can be combined with any number of similar devices for building a complex, multi-modal imaging system. Also described is the combination of a port switcher with automated spherical aberration correction. Also described is a similar device where the outputs are recombined, thus making the device a fast filter switcher.

Abstract: A supercontinuum laser is used as the excitation source for full-field confocal, SPIM or TIRF imaging. A supercontinuum laser will allow the use of any wavelength desired for excitation without having to buy additional lasers. The wavelength can be easily selected using an acousto-optical device. Also disclosed is a means for driving an acousto-optical device such that an arbitrary wavelength window can be selected—this allows for the broader wavelength ranges that will give the increased power needed for full-field confocal, SPIM or TIRF imaging.

Abstract: An infinity-conjugate lens relay with a moving first lens is used to select a plane of interest from an image volume. This plane can be selected so that the image is corrected for spherical aberration due to non-ideal imaging conditions. This effectively will allow for deeper, corrected imaging for high power microscopes. Using an infinity-conjugate relay, this device has an ideal “bypass” mode for regular imaging without correction. The device also utilizes software that automatically controls the device for correcting live images.

Abstract: A modular laser scanning system where the laser scanner and various optical “building blocks” are contained in separate mechanical and optical modules. These modules can be combined to provide flexible systems with unique laser scanning capabilities or combinations of techniques. Additionally, the combining of these modules is achieved through the use of a mechanical and optical coupling standard.

Abstract: Modular electrical, mechanical and optical components allow for the building of a laser combiner system that can be used, for example, for biological research that allows different lasers to be easily added to or removed from a laser system. Each individual laser can be packaged into a module which can be added to or taken away from the laser system with relative ease. Each of the modules can be controlled via a control module that allows one or more of varying of power levels, switching on/off, shutter control and diagnostic/status information monitoring.

Abstract: Modular electrical, mechanical and optical components allow for the building of a laser combiner system that can be used, for example, for biological research that allows different lasers to be easily added to or removed from a laser system. Each individual laser can be packaged into a module which can be added to or taken away from the laser system with relative ease. Each of the modules can be controlled via a control module that allows one or more of varying of power levels, switching on/off, shutter control and diagnostic/status information monitoring.

Abstract: Modular electrical, mechanical and optical components allow for the building of a laser combiner system that can be used, for example, for biological research that allows different lasers to be easily added to or removed from a laser system. Each individual laser can be packaged into a module which can be added to or taken away from the laser system with relative ease. Each of the modules can be controlled via a control module that allows one or more of varying of power levels, switching on/off, shutter control and diagnostic/status information monitoring.