Miniaturized microscope for phase contrast and multicolor fluorescence imaging

Abstract

A microscope is provided. The microscope includes an illumination source configured to provide illumination beams to image a portion of a biological sample. The microscope also includes an optical unit configured to enable both phase contrast imaging and multicolor fluorescence imaging of the portion of the biological sample utilizing parallel point scanning. The microscope further includes a detector configured to simultaneously acquire multiple point images at different locations of the portion of the biological sample.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a microscope, in particular, a miniaturized microscope that enables both phase contrast and multicolor fluorescence imaging.[0002]Microscopes are used for acquiring information regarding one or more properties or aspects of biological samples. Certain types of microscopes (e.g., fluorescent microscopes) require sophisticated and expensive optical lenses, one or more motion control stages, and a charge coupled device (CCD) camera. Further, certain microscopes utilize bulky and expensive components (e.g., high precision actuators for autofocusing). As a result, the traditional fluorescent microscopes are bulky, slow, and costly. Due to these attributes, the utilization of these microscopes is limited to laboratory settings, which makes it difficult for them to be utilized in the field. Even further, these microscopes may be limited in their functionality (i.e., the types of imaging that may be utilized or having a limited ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The miniaturized microscope provides a portable, cost-effective solution for both phase contrast and multicolor fluorescence imaging, enabling fast image acquisition and a scalable field of view, suitable for point-of-care diagnostics and field applications.

Problems solved by technology

Certain types of microscopes (e.g., fluorescent microscopes) require sophisticated and expensive optical lenses, one or more motion control stages, and a charge coupled device (CCD) camera.

Further, certain microscopes utilize bulky and expensive components (e.g., high precision actuators for autofocusing).

As a result, the traditional fluorescent microscopes are bulky, slow, and costly.

Due to these attributes, the utilization of these microscopes is limited to laboratory settings, which makes it difficult for them to be utilized in the field.

Even further, these microscopes may be limited in their functionality (i.e., the types of imaging that may be utilized or having a limited field of view).

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