Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy. High resolution lenses can be used for light sheet microscopy by tilting the excitation beam relative to the imaging optical axis. The excitation beam can be tilted using mirrors, instead of lenses, to generate the tilted illumination sheet. In some examples, a light path starts at a top downward-facing cone of light as it emerges from an optic fiber; a first off-axis parabolic mirror collimates in the x-axis, while a second off-axis parabolic mirror collimates in the y-axis, followed by the photomask to create four primary light sheets, which are then focused by a third off-axis parabolic mirror. As the four primary light sheets converge they create an interference pattern at an objective lens.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for imaging samples. In some examples, a device includes at least two basins for holding a liquid medium, the at least two basins including a sample chamber and a reservoir. The device includes a wedge between the sample chamber and the reservoir, and the wedge protrudes into the sample chamber and defines a space between the wedge and a bottom of the sample chamber. The space is sized for holding one or more biological samples. The device is formed to define a flow channel between the sample chamber and the reservoir, and the flow channel is shaped to allow the passage of the liquid medium from the sample chamber and the reservoir and to block passage of the one or more biological samples between the sample chamber and the reservoir.

Abstract: Methods for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, systems for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, and illumination systems for fluorescence microscopes. In some examples, a method includes positioning the sample such that a plane of interest of the sample is coplanar with a focal plane of a detection objective of a microscope; positioning a mirror around the sample; directing a beam of annularly collimated excitation light on the mirror to focus a disc of light on the sample; and imaging the sample through the detection objective.

Abstract: Methods for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, systems for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, and illumination systems for fluorescence microscopes. In some examples, a method includes positioning the sample such that a plane of interest of the sample is coplanar with a focal plane of a detection objective of a microscope. The method includes positioning a paraboloidal mirror around the sample such that a focal point of the paraboloidal mirror is coplanar with the focal plane of the detection objective and the plane of interest of the sample. The method includes directing a beam of annularly collimated excitation light on the paraboloidal mirror to focus a disc of light on the sample and thereby to provide 360 degree lateral illumination of the sample. The method includes imaging the sample through the detection objective.

Abstract: Methods for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, systems for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, and illumination systems for fluorescence microscopes. In some examples, a method includes positioning a dual convex paraboloidal mirror enclosure around the sample. The dual convex paraboloidal mirror enclosure includes an upper paraboloidal mirror and a lower paraboloidal mirror oriented antiparallel to each other. An aperture is defined in the lower paraboloidal mirror, a hemispherical dome is mounted in the aperture, and the sample is surrounded by the hemispherical dome. The method includes directing excitation light onto the sample to form a primary image at an upper vertex of the upper paraboloidal mirror and a secondary image at a lower vertex of the lower paraboloidal minor. The method includes imaging the sample through a detection objective of a microscope.

Abstract: This specification describes methods for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, systems for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, and illumination systems for fluorescence microscopes. In some examples, a system includes a cylindrical lens shaped to form a light sheet from a collimated light beam at a focal line of the cylindrical lens, a photomask shaped for elongating a diffraction limited length of the light sheet by creating an interference pattern at the cylindrical lens focal line, and a structure for tilting the cylindrical lens and the photomask relative to an imaging axis of objective lens so that a propagation axis of the collimated light beam is at an oblique angle relative to the imaging axis of the objective lens for tilted illumination of a sample.

Abstract: Methods for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, systems for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, and illumination systems for fluorescence microscopes. In some examples, a method includes positioning a dual convex paraboloidal mirror enclosure around the sample. The dual convex paraboloidal mirror enclosure includes an upper paraboloidal mirror and a lower paraboloidal mirror oriented antiparallel to each other. An aperture is defined in the lower paraboloidal mirror, a hemispherical dome is mounted in the aperture, and the sample is surrounded by the hemispherical dome. The method includes directing excitation light onto the sample to form a primary image at an upper vertex of the upper paraboloidal mirror and a secondary image at a lower vertex of the lower paraboloidal minor. The method includes imaging the sample through a detection objective of a microscope.

Abstract: Methods for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, systems for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, and illumination systems for fluorescence microscopes. In some examples, a method includes positioning the sample such that a plane of interest of the sample is coplanar with a focal plane of a detection objective of a microscope. The method includes positioning a paraboloidal minor around the sample such that a focal point of the paraboloidal mirror is coplanar with the focal plane of the detection objective and the plane of interest of the sample. The method includes directing a beam of annularly collimated excitation light on the paraboloidal minor to focus a disc of light on the sample and thereby to provide 360 degree lateral illumination of the sample. The method includes imaging the sample through the detection objective.

Abstract: This specification describes methods for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, systems for imaging a sample using fluorescence microscopy, and illumination systems for fluorescence microscopes. In some examples, a system includes a cylindrical lens shaped to form a light sheet from a collimated light beam at a focal line of the cylindrical lens, a photomask shaped for elongating a diffraction limited length of the light sheet by creating an interference pattern at the cylindrical lens focal line, and a structure for tilting the cylindrical lens and the photomask relative to an imaging axis of objective lens so that a propagation axis of the collimated light beam is at an oblique angle relative to the imaging axis of the objective lens for tilted illumination of a sample.