Interferometric scattering microscopy
AssigneeOxford University Innovation Limited
InventorsPhilipp KUKURA, Alexander WEIGEL, Justin BENESCH
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An interferometric scattering microscope is adapted by performing spatial filtering of output light, which comprises both light scattered from a sample location and illuminating light reflected from the sample location, prior to detection of the output light. The spatial filtering passes the reflected illumination light but with a reduction in intensity that is greater within a predetermined numerical aperture than at larger numerical apertures. This enhances the imaging contrast for coherent illumination, particularly for objects that are weak scatterers.
Claims13
1-59. (canceled)
An interferometric scattering microscope for characterizing interactions and/or assembly of individual biomolecules, the interferometric scattering microscope comprising:
- a sample holder for holding a sample in a sample location;
- an illumination source arranged to provide illuminating light;
- a detector;
- an optical system being arranged to direct illuminating light onto the sample location and being arranged to collect output light in reflection, the output light comprising both light scattered from the sample location and illuminating light reflected from the sample location, and to direct the output light to the detector;
- and
- a spatial filter positioned to filter the output light, the spatial filter being arranged to pass output light but with a reduction in intensity that is greater within a predetermined numerical aperture than at larger numerical apertures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.