Abstract: A focusing apparatus for use with an optical system having a high NA objective lens includes an image forming and capturing mechanism for forming an image in an intermediate image zone and for capturing an image by receiving and refocusing light from a selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone, and a focus adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of the selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone. The image forming and capturing mechanism includes at least one high NA lens. In use, spherical aberration introduced by the high NA objective lens is reduced.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a use of polymer 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl-2-(trimethylammonio)ethyl phosphate-stearylmethacrylate copolymer suspension as a compound which is beneficial to inflamed, irritated and sensitive skin. According to an alternative further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preparing a fabric which is non-irritating to the skin, said method comprising: scouring a fabric; rinsing the scoured fabric; coating the fabric with a polymer suspension having dual hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics; and finally setting the coated fabric to the required dimensions using a heat drying process so that an original handfeel of the fabric is not affected by the coating.

Abstract: A focusing apparatus for use with an optical system having a high NA objective lens includes an image forming and capturing mechanism for forming an image in an intermediate image zone and for capturing an image by receiving and refocusing light from a selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone, and a focus adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of the selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone. The image forming and capturing mechanism includes at least one high NA lens. In use, spherical aberration introduced by the high NA objective lens is reduced.

Abstract: A diaphragm coupling having first and second diaphragm plates that are joined together around their outer edges. Each diaphragm plate has a central, axially-extending hub. The hub of the first plate supports within it a pin member having an outwardly projecting shoulder at each end adapted to engage an internal shoulder on the hub of the first plate at one end and an internal shoulder on the hub of the second plate at the other end so as to limit axial separation of the two hubs—from one another.

Abstract: A focusing apparatus for use with an optical system having a high NA objective lens includes an image forming and capturing apparatus for forming an image in an intermediate image zone, and for capturing an image by receiving and refocusing light from a selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone, and a focus adjusting apparatus for adjusting the position of the selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone. The image forming and capturing apparatus includes at least one high NA lens. In use, spherical aberration introduced by the high NA objective lens is reduced.

Abstract: A focusing apparatus for use with an optical system having a high NA objective lens includes an image forming and capturing mechanism for forming an image in an intermediate image zone and for capturing an image by receiving and refocusing light from a selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone, and a focus adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of the selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone. The image forming and capturing mechanism includes at least one high NA lens. In use, spherical aberration introduced by the high NA objective lens is reduced.

Abstract: A focusing apparatus for use with an optical system having a high NA objective lens (20) includes an image forming and capturing means (26) for forming an image in an intermediate image zone (44), and for capturing an image by receiving and refocusing light from a selected focal plane within said intermediate image zone, and a focus adjusting means (28) for adjusting the position of the selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone. The image forming and capturing means (26) includes at least one high NA lens. In use, spherical aberration introduced by the high NA objective lens (20) is reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus thereof for providing a material for use in forming a product fixture assembly. One or more flaws of a currently utilized material can be analyzed for use in meeting a particular requirement of a product fixture assembly in order to identify one or more alternate materials for use in meeting the particular requirement of the product fixture assembly. The alternate material(s) are then analyzed with regard to all requirements of the product fixture assembly, in response to identifying the alternate material(s). An offering of the alternate material(s) can be developed that meets the particular requirement of the product fixture assembly and overcomes the flaws(s) associated with the currently utilized material. The alternate material(s) can be then selected in order to develop the product fixture assembly. A new material may also be developed, which meets the particular requirement of the product fixture assembly.

Abstract: A microscopic imaging system includes a receiving means (2) for receiving an article (4) to be imaged, a linear optical detector (16), focussing means (10) for focussing an image of an article in the receiving means onto the detector, scanning means (6) for producing relative movement between the image and the detector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the detector, and an optical correcting element (14) for reducing aberrations in the image focussed onto the detector.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluorescence lifetime includes illuminating a sample containing at least one fluorophore with light to excite fluorescence and switching the intensity of the excitation light repeatedly between a first intensity I1 and a second intensity 12. Emitted light caused by fluorescence of the sample is detected and a detected light signal is generated. The detected light signal is switched repeatedly to divide it into first and second portions, and the amount of light detected during each of the first and second portions is measured to obtain a first emitted light value S1 and a second emitted light value S2. The fluorescence lifetime is determined from the first and second emitted light values S1 and S2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a beam of light having extended depth of focus. The apparatus comprises, for instance, a binary phase mask that generates a diffraction pattern including a bright main ring and a plurality of side-lobe rings, an annular aperture mask that passing only a portion of the diffraction pattern, and a lens that causes light passing through the annular aperture to converge toward and cross an optical axis. Where the converging light crosses the optical axis, constructive interference takes place, thereby generating a beam of light that has extended depth of focus.

Abstract: A microscopic imaging system includes a receiving means (2) for receiving an article (4) to be imaged, a linear optical detector (16), focussing means (10) for focussing an image of an article in the receiving means onto the detector, scanning means (6) for producing relative movement between the image and the detector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the detector, and an optical correcting element (14) for reducing aberrations in the image focussed onto the detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a beam of light having extended depth of focus. The apparatus comprises, for instance, a binary phase mask that generates a diffraction pattern including a bright main ring and a plurality of side-lobe rings, an annular aperture mask passing only a portion of the diffraction pattern, and a lens that causes light passing through the annular aperture to converge toward and cross an optical axis. Where the converging light crosses the optical axis, constructive interference takes place, thereby generating a beam of light that has extended depth of focus.

Abstract: A method of stereo microscopy involves using an apparatus including a microscope (2), a sample holder (4) located in the vicinity of the focal point of the microscope, drive means (18) for providing relative movement between the sample holder and the focal point, an image gathering device (10) arranged to collect microscopic images of objects at the focal point of the microscope, an image processing device (20) and a display device (22). First and second microscopic images of an object in the sample holder are gathered by the image gathering device (10) by means of first and second sequential exposures, relative movement between the sample holder and the focal point being provided in first and second directions during said first and second exposures respectively.

Abstract: The confocal microscope has two matched light sources: a first light source (1) and a second light source (8). The light sources (1,8) are arranged to illuminate opposite sides of a modulating mask (6). The light either reflecting from or passing through the modulating mask (6) is then used to illuminate an object O supported on a mount (5). The microscope is arranged so that the object O is mounted on the opposite side of the mask (6) to a camera (7) such that light reflected from the object O passes through the modulating mask (6) before being captured by the camera (7). Subtraction of the image produced using the second light source (8) from the image produced using the first light source (1) generates a confocal image that contains substantially less noise than is possible with available confocal microscopy apparatus.

Abstract: The wavefront sensing device consists of a light source, a binary phase mask (10), a fixed focus lens (11) and at least two finite sized spatially separated detectors (12) positioned in the plane of focus of the wavefront sensing device. The binary phase mask (10) simultaneously applies a positive bias and a negative bias to the wavefront of the incident light such that a pair of spatially separated light points are generated in the plane of focus and detected by the detectors (12). The difference in intensity between the pair of light points is representative of the aberration of the wavefront of the incident light from the ideal.

Abstract: The confocal imaging apparatus includes first and second light sources (6, 7) located at opposite ends of a fibre optic bundle (1). One end of the fibre optic bundle (4) is located adjacent the object to be imaged the opposite end of the fibre optic bundle (2) is located adjacent a camera (3) that records the images received from the fibre optic bundle (4). An analyser (10) is used to extract a confocal image from the image of the object produced using the illumination from the first light source (6) and the image of the object produced using illumination from the second light source (7). The imaging apparatus is particularly suited to endoscopy applications and is able to provide video rate confocal images.

Abstract: An object is illuminated by a light source, and a periodic pattern of transparent and non-transparent stripes is superimposed onto the object. At least three images are recorded at different spatial phases of the pattern by means of a microscope of shallow focal depth, and a three-dimensional image containing only in-focus detail is then derived from the recorded images.

Abstract: A confocal microscope comprises a light source, a focusing arrangement, a detector and an encoded mask (17). The light source illuminates the mast (17) and the encoded light is then focused on a specimen. Light from the specimen is then decoded, by either the same or a separate complementary mask, before being detected, for example by a camera. The mask (17) is encoded with a pattern which generates a combined confocal and non-confocal image and the confocal image is subsequently extracted from the combined image. This means that confocal images of different regions of the specimen can be produced simultaneously, which in turn enables real-time confocal imaging of the specimen. In addition, as the microscope is no longer restricted to delta correlated images, an improvement in the light budget can also be achieved.