Spectral microscope and method for data acquisition using a spectral microscope
AssigneeLeica Microsystems CMS GmbH
InventorFrank Olschewski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A spectral scanning microscope and a method for data acquisition using a spectral scanning microscope are disclosed. A computer system is provided that encompasses a memory and a database. In combination with the computer system and/or the database, a continuous wavelength subregion that serves to illuminate the specimen can be selected from a continuous wavelength region using the spectral selection means. Also in combination with the computer system together with the spectral selection means, a detection band can be selected from the detected light beam.
Claims12
A method for data acquisition using a spectral scanning microscope, comprising the following steps:
- a) generating an illuminating light beam having a white light spectrum by propagating laser light from a laser source through a microstructured element and spectrally widening the laser light, the illuminating light beam having a continuous white light region;
- b) selecting a continuous illumination wavelength subregion from the continuous wavelength region of the illuminating light;
- c) setting a detection unit to a selceted detection wavelength subregion;
- d) performing an image or volume acquisition process and obtaining acquired image data;
- e) analyzing the acquired image data by means of a data analysis algorithm and obtaining analyzed data;
- f) determining a transfer spectrum χi (λex, λem) for a pixel in the analyzed data;
- and
- g) using the transfer spectrum to adjust the illumination wavelength subregion and the detection wavelength subregion for subsequent data acquisition.
A spectral scanning microscope comprising:
- an illumination system for generating an illuminating light beam comprsing a laser source designed to emit laser light in a direction of the illuminating light beam, a microstructured element disposed alone the illuminating light beam, the laser light propagating through a microstructured element and spectrally widening to a spectrum of white light and a continuous while light region when the microscope is in operation;
- a computer system and a memory with a database comprising a transfer spectrum χi (λex, λem) for a pixel stored in the computer system;
- spectral selection means of the illuminating light beam for selecting a continuous wavelength subregion from a continuous wavelength region based on the transfer spectrum χi (λex, λem);
- and
- at least one spectrally configurable detector along a detected light beam for selecting a detection band from the detected light beam based on the transfer spectrum χi (λex, λem).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.