Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a mid-infrared region image of a specimen are disclosed. The apparatus includes a mid-infrared region laser that generates a first light beam, and a stage adapted to carry a specimen to be scanned. An optical assembly focuses the first light beam to a point on the specimen. A first light detector measures a first intensity of light leaving the point on the specimen. A stage actuator assembly causes the specimen to move relative to the point in two dimensions. A controller forms a mid-infrared region image from the first intensity. The image can be based on reflected or transmitted light. The maximum size of the imaged area is determined by a scanning assembly that moves in a first direction relative to the stage, the stage moving in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method that facilitates the manual sorting of slides into slide folders. The apparatus includes a horizontal display surface and a controller configured to receive slides and folders into which the slides are to be placed (or sorted). The controller operates components of the apparatus to selectively illuminate the display surface to guide a user in placing folders at multiple folder locations and in sorting the slides into the folders. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus is configured to allow multiple folders to be stacked at a folder location during the slide sorting process. In these aspects, the apparatus is configured to determine number of folders stacked at each folder location.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method that facilitates the manual sorting of slides into slide folders. The apparatus includes a horizontal display surface and a controller configured to receive slides and folders into which the slides are to be placed (or sorted). The controller operates components of the apparatus to selectively illuminate the display surface to guide a user in placing folders at multiple folder locations and in sorting the slides into the folders. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus is configured to allow multiple folders to be stacked at a folder location during the slide sorting process. In these aspects, the apparatus is configured to determine number of folders stacked at each folder location.

Abstract: A light field representation of a sample is synthesized or simulated based on bright field image data and phase image data acquired by a microscope such as a quantitative phase microscope. The light field representation may be utilized to render three-dimensional representations of the sample.

Abstract: A microscope includes a spatial light modulator configured for adjusting the perspective angle of a view imaged at the light detector. The spatial light modulator is positioned at a pupil plane, or at an equivalent conjugate plane thereof, in the illumination light path or in the detection light path. The microscope enables perspective views of a sample at different angles, which may be utilized to generate a three-dimensional image of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus having a variable angle light source characterized by a pivot point, a variable response optical receiver, and a first optical system is disclosed. The variable response optical receiver receives light generated by the light source on a receiving surface, the receiver generating a signal indicative of an intensity of light that impinges on a receiving surface. The first optical system images the pivot point to a fixed point relative to the receiver surface. In one aspect of the invention the first optical system is chosen such that light from the variable angle light source covers more& than half the receiving surface. The variable angle light source can include a gain chip in a semiconductor laser having a pivot point located substantially on a facet of the gain chip.

Abstract: A microscope includes a spatial light modulator configured for adjusting the perspective angle of a view imaged at the light detector. The spatial light modulator is positioned at a pupil plane, or at an equivalent conjugate plane thereof, in the illumination light path or in the detection light path. The microscope enables perspective views of a sample at different angles, which may be utilized to generate a three-dimensional image of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a mid-infrared region image of a specimen are disclosed. The apparatus includes a mid-infrared region laser that generates a first light beam, and a stage adapted to carry a specimen to be scanned. An optical assembly focuses the first light beam to a point on the specimen. A first light detector measures a first intensity of light leaving the point on the specimen. A stage actuator assembly causes the specimen to move relative to the point in two dimensions. A controller forms a mid-infrared region image from the first intensity. The image can be based on reflected or transmitted light. The maximum size of the imaged area is determined by a scanning assembly that moves in a first direction relative to the stage, the stage moving in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: A light field representation of a sample is synthesized or simulated based on bright field image data and phase image data acquired by a microscope such as a quantitative phase microscope. The light field representation may be utilized to render three-dimensional representations of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus having a variable angle light source characterized by a pivot point, a variable response optical receiver, and a first optical system is disclosed. The variable response optical receiver receives light generated by the light source on a receiving surface, the receiver generating a signal indicative of an intensity of light that impinges on a receiving surface. The first optical system images the pivot point to a fixed point relative to the receiver surface. In one aspect of the invention the first optical system is chosen such that light from the variable angle light source covers mores than half the receiving surface. The variable angle light source can include a gain chip in a semiconductor laser having a pivot point located substantially on a facet of the gain chip.