Confocal microscopy system with free-space optics linkage

Abstract

A spinning disk confocal microscopy system, and components thereof, with improved illumination. The system may include (1) a light engine, (2) confocal optics, such as Yokogawa spinning disk confocal optics, (3) a detector, and (4) a free-space optics linkage. The light engine may include at least one light source configured to produce fluorescence excitation light. The confocal optics may direct the fluorescence excitation light from the light engine onto a fluorescent sample and collect fluorescence emission light emitted by the sample. The detector may capture fluorescence emission light from the sample to form an image of the sample. The free-space optics linkage may direct fluorescence excitation light from the light engine to the confocal optics, at least in part through free space.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.