Abstract: A system includes a light source to generate an optical signal having a set of pulses at a first repetition rate. The system also includes a multiplexer circuit to generate a multiplexed optical signal from the optical signal n sets of pulses at a second repetition rate, where the n sets of pulses have different polarization states and are at the first repetition rate. The system also includes a focusing unit to split the multiplexed optical signal into n excitation signals to excite a sample. The system also includes an objective to receive the n excitation signals and to illuminate the sample. The objective and the focusing unit collectively focus each excitation signal of the n excitation signals on a different focal plane of the sample to generate a response signal. The system also includes a demultiplexer circuit to generate n emission signals based on the response signal.

Abstract: A system includes a light source to generate an optical signal having a set of pulses at a first repetition rate. The system also includes a multiplexer circuit to generate a multiplexed optical signal from the optical signal n sets of pulses at a second repetition rate, where the n sets of pulses have different polarization states and are at the first repetition rate. The system also includes a focusing unit to split the multiplexed optical signal into n excitation signals to excite a sample. The system also includes an objective to receive the n excitation signals and to illuminate the sample. The objective and the focusing unit collectively focus each excitation signal of the n excitation signals on a different focal plane of the sample to generate a response signal. The system also includes a demultiplexer circuit to generate n emission signals based on the response signal.

Abstract: Optical scanning system, comprising an optical system for guiding a first and a second light beam, and deflector devices for deflecting first and second light beams in a directionally variable manner. The deflector devices comprise at least one acousto-optic deflector, and the optical system is arranged in such a way that the first and second light beams are counter-propagating through the acousto-optic deflector, which is controllable for deflecting the first and second light beams simultaneously or in pulse sequence. STED microscopy apparatus comprising an optical scanning system based on acousto-optic deflectors.

Abstract: Optical scanning system, comprising an optical system for guiding a first and a second light beam, and deflector devices for deflecting first and second light beams in a directionally variable manner. The deflector devices comprise at least one acousto-optic deflector, and the optical system is arranged in such a way that the first and second light beams are counter-propagating through the acousto-optic deflector, which is controllable for deflecting the first and second light beams simultaneously or in pulse sequence. STED microscopy apparatus comprising an optical scanning system based on acousto-optic deflectors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a confocal imaging system for imaging a specimen. The system comprises a light source, a light deflector capable of positioning a beam of light produced by the light source at one of a series of predetermined points on the specimen, an addressable spatial filter capable of selectively filtering light from the specimen, and a central processing unit capable of providing selective position control to the light deflector and the addressable spatial filter.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus that utilizes an inertia-free diffraction mechanism to control both phase and rotation of the standing wave pattern that results in super-resolution at unparalleled imaging speeds. In some embodiments of the present inventions, AODs are utilized to control period, phase, and rotation of the SW pattern in contrast to the commonly used mechano-optical principles. This allows 2D (and 3D) super-resolution imagining at high stability and speed not limited by mechanical constraints. The present invention can be utilized, for example, for real time observations of dynamic processes in living cells.

Abstract: A system and method for independently controlling the collimation and lateral positioning of a light beam comprises at least one acousto-optic deflector and a pair of counter propagating acoustic waves with offset frequencies. While the frequency offset controls the lateral positioning of the light beam, a frequency gradient across the acousto-optic deflectors controls the collimation of the light beam.

Abstract: A system and method for independently controlling the collimation and lateral positioning of a light beam comprises at least one acousto-optic deflector and a pair of counter propagating acoustic waves with offset frequencies. While the frequency offset controls the lateral positioning of the light beam, a frequency gradient across the acousto-optic deflectors controls the collimation of the light beam.

Abstract: A system and method for independently controlling the collimation and lateral positioning of a light beam comprises at least one acousto-optic deflector and a pair of counter propagating acoustic waves with offset frequencies. While the frequency offset controls the lateral positioning of the light beam, a frequency gradient across the acousto-optic deflectors controls the collimation of the light beam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a confocal imaging system for imaging a specimen. The system comprises a light source, a light deflector capable of positioning a beam of light produced by the light source at one of a series of predetermined points on the specimen, an addressable spatial filter capable of selectively filtering light from the specimen, and a central processing unit capable of providing selective position control to the light deflector and the addressable spatial filter.

Abstract: A system and method for independently controlling the collimation and lateral positioning of a light beam comprises at least one acousto-optic deflector and a pair of counter propagating acoustic waves with offset frequencies. While the frequency offset controls the lateral positioning of the light beam, a frequency gradient across the acousto-optic deflectors controls the collimation of the light beam.