Method and apparatus for producing unique radiation spectra

A system for analysis of a specimen using a desired spectral intensity profile from a broadband source, the system comprising:

• apparatus for providing a desired spectral intensity profile from a broadband light source, the apparatus comprising:
• separation means for separating light provided by the broadband light source into radiation having a continuum of wavelengths;
• a blocking element having a first side and a second side, the first side having a two-dimensional surface with a desired blocking contour configured thereon, the blocking element positioned relative to the separation means so as to receive the radiation separated into the continuum of wavelengths onto the first side thereof and allow a portion of the radiation to pass within the desired blocking contour from the first side to the second side, wherein the portion of the radiation conforms to the desired blocking contour;
• and
• recombination means for recombining the portion of the radiation conforming to the desired blocking contour into the desired spectral intensity profile;
• and
• an optical illumination pathway having an input end and an output end, the input end configured to receive the radiation having the desired spectral intensity profile from the recombination means, and the output end being configured to provide the radiation having the desired spectral intensity profile to a microscope.

A system for providing a desired spectral intensity profile to a studio lighting lens, the system comprising:

• apparatus for providing a desired spectral intensity profile from a broadband light source, the apparatus comprising:
• separation means for separating light provided by the broadband light source into radiation having a continuum of wavelengths;
• a blocking element having a first side and a second side, the first side having a two-dimensional surface with a desired blocking contour configured thereon, the blocking element positioned relative to the separation means so as to receive the radiation separated into the continuum of wavelengths onto the first side thereof and allow a portion of the radiation to pass within the desired blocking contour from the first side to the second side, wherein the portion of the radiation conforms to the desired blocking contour;
• and
• recombination means for recombining the portion of the radiation conforming to the desired blocking contour into the desired spectral intensity profile;
• a light trap configured to receive reflected light form the blocking element;
• and
• wherein the recombination means comprise a light shaping diffuser.

Apparatus for providing a desired spectral intensity profile to an optical device from a broadband light source, the apparatus comprising:

• separation means for separating light provided by the broadband light source into radiation having a continuum of wavelengths;
• a blocking element having a first side and a second side, the first side having a two-dimensional surface with a desired blocking contour configured thereon, the blocking element positioned relative to the separation means so as to receive the radiation separated into the continuum of wavelengths onto the first side thereof and allow a portion of the radiation to pass within the desired blocking contour from the first side to the second side, wherein the portion of the radiation conforms to the desired blocking contour;
• recombination means for recombining the portion of the radiation conforming to the desired blocking contour into the desired spectral intensity profile;
• wherein the blocking element is selectively chosen from a group consisting of a plurality of unique blocking elements, wherein the desired blocking contour of each of the plurality of unique blocking elements is different from one another;
• and
• a roll of material containing the plurality of unique blocking elements thereon and configured for selectively disposing a chosen one of the plurality of unique blocking elements into a pathway of broadband light between the broadband light source and the recombination means.

Apparatus for providing a desired spectral intensity profile to an optical device from a broadband light source, the apparatus comprising:

• separation means for separating light provided by the broadband light source into radiation having a continuum of wavelengths;
• a blocking element having a first side and a second side, the first side having a two-dimensional surface with a desired blocking contour configured thereon, the blocking element positioned relative to the separation means so as to receive the radiation separated into the continuum of wavelengths onto the first side thereof and allow a portion of the radiation to pass within the desired blocking contour from the first side to the second side, wherein the portion of the radiation conforms to the desired blocking contour;
• recombination means for recombining the portion of the radiation conforming to the desired blocking contour into the desired spectral intensity profile;
• wherein the blocking element is selectively chosen from a group consisting of a plurality of unique blocking elements, wherein the desired blocking contour of each of the plurality of unique blocking elements is different from one another;
• and
• a carousel configured for storing the plurality of blocking elements therein, the carousel configured for selective placement of a chosen one of the plurality of unique blocking elements into a pathway of broadband light between the broadband light source and the recombination means.

A system for analysis of a specimen using a desired spectral intensity profile from a broadband source, the system comprising:

• apparatus for providing a desired spectral intensity profile from a broadband light source, the apparatus comprising:
• separation means for separating light provided by the broadband light source into radiation having a continuum of wavelengths;
• a blocking element having a first side and a second side, the first side having a two-dimensional surface with a desired blocking contour configured thereon, the blocking element positioned relative to the separation means so as to receive the radiation separated into the continuum of wavelengths onto the first side thereof and allow a portion of the radiation to pass within the desired blocking contour from the first side to the second side, wherein the portion of the radiation conforms to the desired blocking contour;
• and
• recombination means for recombining the portion of the radiation conforming to the desired blocking contour into the desired spectral intensity profile;
• and
• an optical illumination pathway having an input end and an output end, the input end configured to receive the radiation having the desired spectral intensity profile from the recombination means, and the output end being configured to provide the radiation having the desired spectral intensity profile to a biological sample.