Abstract: Snapshot phase-shifting diffraction modules and associated systems and methods are described that enable high spatial and temporal resolution phase imaging with high immunity to environmental factors such as vibrations and temperature changes. One example optical diffraction phase module includes a polarization grating to produce two circularly polarized light beams with opposite polarizations, a first lens to receive the two circularly polarized beams, and a spatial filter positioned at a focal plane of the first lens. The spatial filter includes two openings, one to spatially filter one of the two circularly polarized light beams, and another opening to allow another circularly polarized light beam to pass. The module also includes a second lens to focus the received light onto an image plane and to enable a phase measurement based a plurality of interferograms. The phase module can be incorporated into a microscope system that operates a reflection or a transmission mode.

Abstract: Hyperspectral imaging methods, devices and systems are described that improve the hyperspectral accuracy, and reduce manufacturing costs, by using two images that enable the recovery of hyperspectral images with high fidelity. One hyperspectral imaging device includes one or more imaging lenses, one or more sensors positioned to receive light associated with an object from the one or more imaging lenses, and a spectral filter. The hyperspectral imaging device is configured to capture a first image produced without using the spectral filer and to capture a second image produced with the spectral filter. The first image and the second image have different spectral contents, and the first and the second images are processed using a trained neural network for producing hyperspectral imaging data associated with the first and second images.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems describe compact and simple deflectometry configurations that can measure complex shapes of freeform surfaces. One deflectometry system includes a first panel and a second panel positioned at an offset position from each other to provide illumination for an object. The second panel, positioned closer to the object, is operable as a substantially transparent panel, and as a pixelated panel to provide structured light patterns. The system also includes two or more cameras positioned on the second panel an is operable in a first mode where the first panel provides a first structured illumination and the second panel is configured as a substantially transparent panel that allows the first structured illumination from the first panel to transmit toward the object. The system is also operable in a second mode where the second panel is configured to provide a second structured illumination for illuminating the object.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems that relate to a portable chromatic light microscope are described. One example chromatic light microscope includes a light source including light producing elements that produce non-monochromatic output light that can be modulated. The chromatic light microscope further includes an illumination subsection to receive light that is output from the light source. The illumination subsection includes one or more lenses to spatially disperse spectral contents of the light that is received by the illumination subsection and to deliver light having chromatic aberration to a target object. The chromatic light microscope also includes an imaging subsection that includes one or more lenses to receive scattered light from the target object and to deliver the same to a sensor, and a linear variable filter to selectively pass a portion of the light having a particular spectral range of wavelengths to the sensor.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for measuring surface roughness and surface shape of an optical element using a dual-mode interferometer are disclosed. The devices implement optical filters, with a compact form, that allows measurement of both surface characteristics without rearranging the system components. One example interferometric system includes a laser light source and a low coherence light source that alternatively provide light to a collimator, followed by a polarizer, and a polarizing beam splitter. The system further includes two optical filters, a quarter waveplate, two objectives and a reference optical component. Each light source produces a set of interferograms, where one set of interferograms is used to measure the surface shape and another set of interferograms is used to measure the surface roughness of the optical component.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems that relate to a low-cost reconfigurable polarimetric imaging are described. One example polarization imaging system includes a lens positioned to receive light reflected from one or more objects, and a spectral-polarization filter positioned at an aperture plane of the lens to filter the light received by the lens. The polarization imaging system can further include a sensor positioned to detect the filtered light from the spectral-polarization filter to form a polarization image of the one or more objects. The spectral-polarization filter comprises a first array of multiple spectral filters and a second array of multiple polarizers.

Abstract: An oral and oropharyngeal cancer screening system and associated methods are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the screening system provides an at least one oral and oropharyngeal cancer screening device configured for selectively capturing images of an oropharyngeal area of an at least one patient. The screening device provides an elongate, relatively compact housing, a distal end of the housing being selectively bendable. An imaging module is positioned within the housing, the imaging module providing a lens, an at least one light source, and an imaging sensor positioned in the distal end of the housing. A user application resides in memory on an at least one user device in selective communication with the at least one screening device. The user application is configured for receiving images captured by the at least one screening device and recording risk factors, automatically analyzing the captured images and potential health-risk factors to screen for OPML and oral and oropharyngeal risk.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems that allow three-dimensional printing of material with high resolution are described. One example system includes a two-photon polymerization (TPP) subsystem including a first light source coupled to an optical fiber positioned to deliver a first laser light to a scanning optical device, and an optical projection subsystem comprising a second light source configured to provide a second light to a digital projection device. A dichroic mirror is positioned to receive light corresponding to the first and the second light source, and an objective lens positioned to provide illumination to a target material for 3D printing. The dichroic mirror is configured to allow light from one of the light sources to pass therethrough to the objective lens, and to allow light corresponding to the other light source to be reflected towards the objective lens to enable simultaneous illumination of the target material.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for processing interferograms in metrology applications are described. In one example aspect, a method includes obtaining an input phase image based on the interferograms, segmenting the input phase image by classifying the input phase image into multiple regions based on the phase value and a location of each pixel, assigning an integer value to each of the multiple regions, and constructing an output phase image based on the input phase image and the phase offset of each of the multiple regions.

Abstract: The present invention features a liquid, solvent-free, silica precursor and two-photon 3D printing process to meet the increasing needs of high-precision glass micro-optics and address the major limitations of current three-dimensional (3D) printing optics. The printed optical elements may be fully converted to transparent inorganic glass at temperatures as low as 600° C. with shrinkages as low as 17%. The present invention includes a complete process chain, from material development, printing process, and performance evaluation of the printed glass micro-optics. 3D printing of glass micro-optics with isotropic shrinkage, micrometer resolution, low deviation peak-to-valley value (<100 nm), and low surface roughness (<6 nm) has been demonstrated. The present invention enables the rapid fabrication of complex glass micro-optics previously impossible using conventional glass optics fabrication processes.

Abstract: A reflective microscope objective lens includes a concave mirror system that reflects incoming radiation, a convex mirror in optical communication with the concave mirror system, and a primary concave mirror in optical communication with the convex mirror. The concave mirror system includes a first concave mirror. The primary concave mirror focuses outgoing radiation onto a focal plane wherein the concave mirror system. Characteristically, the convex mirror and the primary concave mirror are arranged to direct light along a non-concentric path.

Abstract: A low-cost, ultra-compact multichannel micro-endoscope system is described that includes fiber bundles that can be implanted directly into the target tissue. In one example, the system includes one or more fiber bundles, where a first end of one fiber bundle is shaped as a non-flat surface for insertion into a target, allowing direct contact with a region of interest within the target. The light that travels back from varying depths of the region of interest are received at second end of the fiber bundle, is captured and the corresponding signals are processed to produce high-resolution images of the region of interest. Multiple imaging probes can be implanted into the target to simultaneously monitor neural activities in different regions and at different depths.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for measuring surface roughness and surface shape of an object are described. An example interferometric system includes a collimator and a first and a second light sources with different spectral ranges and different coherence lengths. The system selectively allows light from one of the light sources to reach the collimator, and also includes a beamsplitter, and a Mirau type microscope having an objective lens, a plate with a central reflective spot and a beamsplitter plate to produce a reference beam and a test beam. An imaging lens receives the test and reference beams that form a plurality of interferograms. A neural network receives two of the interferograms for measuring the surface shape and another two interferograms for measuring the surface roughness of the object. The interferometric systems have a compact form, making them suitable for on-machine measurements and other applications.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described that enable three-dimensional (3D) imaging of objects. One example system includes a light source that produces multiple light beams having specific spectral content and polarization states. The system also includes phase masks that modify the intensity or phase of the light, and projection optics that allow simultaneously projection of at least three fringe patterns onto an object having particular phase, polarization and spectral characteristics. The detection system includes a camera that simultaneously receives light associated with the at the fringe patterns upon reflection from the object, and a processing unit coupled to the camera unit that determines one or both of a phase or a depth information associated with the object. The system and associated methods can efficiency produce 2D images of the object and allow determination of characteristics such as surface profile. The disclosed systems and methods can be effectively implemented with moving objects.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems that relate to a portable multispectral dermascope are described. An example dermascope includes light sources having different spectral contents and configured to illuminate an area of the skin and at least one imaging sensor configured to collect light that it receives from the area of the skin. The dermascope also includes a processor to control illumination provided by the light sources to the area of the skin and process information associated with received light from the area of the skin to produce images of the area of the skin. In the dermascope, illumination from the light sources is controlled to provide illumination in a plurality of distinct wavelengths or range of wavelengths that produce differing optical responses of the area of the skin. The described methods and devices can be used to identify skin conditions using a compact and convenient device, such as a mobile phone.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described that enable three-dimensional (3D) imaging of objects. One example system includes a light source that produces multiple light beams having specific spectral content and polarization states. The system also includes phase masks that modify the intensity or phase of the light, and projection optics that allow simultaneously projection of at least three fringe patterns onto an object having particular phase, polarization and spectral characteristics. The detection system includes a camera that simultaneously receives light associated with the at the fringe patterns upon reflection from the object, and a processing unit coupled to the camera unit that determines one or both of a phase or a depth information associated with the object. The system and associated methods can efficiency produce 2D images of the object and allow determination of characteristics such as surface profile. The disclosed systems and methods can be effectively implemented with moving objects.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods related to all-reflective microscopes are described. The microscopes include an all-reflective off-axis optical system and is characterized with substantially zero chromatic aberration, low group delay dispersion and no central obscuration. One reflective microscope configuration includes a reflective objective subsection with at least three mirrors, where at least one mirror is off-axis and non-spherical. The reflective microscope also includes a reflective relay subsection with at least two minors having freeform surfaces and positioned to receive light from the reflective objective subsection. The reflective relay subsystem is configured to produce a magnification to allow coupling of light between two planes having differing beam sizes.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems describe compact and simple deflectometry configurations that can measure complex shapes of freeform surfaces. One deflectometry system includes a first panel and a second panel positioned at an offset position from each other to provide illumination for an object. The second panel, positioned closer to the object, is operable as a substantially transparent panel, and as a pixelated panel to provide structured light patterns. The system also includes two or more cameras positioned on the second panel an is operable in a first mode where the first panel provides a first structured illumination and the second panel is configured as a substantially transparent panel that allows the first structured illumination from the first panel to transmit toward the object. The system is also operable in a second mode where the second panel is configured to provide a second structured illumination for illuminating the object.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for measuring surface roughness and surface shape of an optical element using a dual-mode interferometer are disclosed. The devices implement optical filters, with a compact form, that allows measurement of both surface characteristics without rearranging the system components. One example interferometric system includes a laser light source and a low coherence light source that alternatively provide light to a collimator, followed by a polarizer, and a polarizing beam splitter. The system further includes two optical filters, a quarter waveplate, two objectives and a reference optical component. Each light source produces a set of interferograms, where one set of interferograms is used to measure the surface shape and another set of interferograms is used to measure the surface roughness of the optical component.

Abstract: Snapshot phase-shifting diffraction modules and associated systems and methods are described that enable high spatial and temporal resolution phase imaging with high immunity to environmental factors such as vibrations and temperature changes. One example optical diffraction phase module includes a polarization grating to produce two circularly polarized light beams with opposite polarizations, a first lens to receive the two circularly polarized beams, and a spatial filter positioned at a focal plane of the first lens. The spatial filter includes two openings, one to spatially filter one of the two circularly polarized light beams, and another opening to allow another circularly polarized light beam to pass. The module also includes a second lens to focus the received light onto an image plane and to enable a phase measurement based a plurality of interferograms. The phase module can be incorporated into a microscope system that operates a reflection or a transmission mode.