3-D Optical Microscope

A method of generating a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a sample using an optical microscope, the method comprising:

• varying the relative distance between the sample and an objective lens of the optical microscope at pre-determined steps;
• at one or more of the pre-determined steps:
• projecting a pattern onto a focal plane of the objective lens;
• capturing a first image of the sample with the pattern;
• storing the first image in a first image array;
• removing the pattern from the focal plane of the objective lens;
• capturing a second image of the sample without the pattern;
• and
• storing the second image in a second image array;
• generating a depth profile using the first image array;
• generating image intensity using the second image array;
• combining the depth profile and the image intensity to generate the 3-D image of the sample.

A method of generating a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a sample using an optical microscope, the method comprising:

• varying the relative distance between the sample and an objective lens of the optical microscope at pre-determined steps;
• at one or more of the pre-determined steps:
• projecting a pattern onto a focal plane of the objective lens;
• capturing a first image of the sample with the pattern;
• storing the first image in a first image array;
• removing the pattern from the focal plane of the objective lens;
• capturing a second image of the sample without the pattern;
• and
• storing the second image in a second image array;
• generating a depth profile using the first image array;
• generating color values using the second image array;
• combining the depth profile and the color values to generate the 3-D image of the sample.