Arrangement for examining microscopic preparations with a scanning microscope, and illumination device for a scanning microscope

• US 20050122580A1
• Filed: 01/14/2005
• Published: 06/09/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH (Danaher Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbH (Danaher Corporation)
• Inventors: Storz, Rafael, Birk, Holger
• Granted Patent: US 7,123,408 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/389
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 20/00 Nanooptics, e.g. quantum optics or photonic crystals
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/002 Scanning microscopes scanning near field optical microscopes G01Q60/18
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/0024 Confocal scanning microscopes (CSOMs) or confocal "macroscopes"; Accessories which are not restricted to use with CSOMs, e.g. sample holders
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/0032 Optical details of illumination, e.g. light-sources, pinholes, beam splitters, slits, fibers G02B21/0036 - G02B21/008; means for illumination of specimens in general G02B21/06
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/0056 based on optical coherence, e.g. phase-contrast arrangements, interference arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/0064 multi-spectral or wavelength-selective arrangements, e.g. wavelength fan-out, chromatic profiling G02B21/0076 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/0076 arrangements using fluorescence or luminescence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/008 Details of detection or image processing, including general computer control
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/06 Means for illuminating specimens
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/02366 Single ring of structures, e.g. "air clad"
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/02371 Cross section of longitudinal structures is non-circular
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/02376 Longitudinal variation along fibre axis direction, e.g. tapered holes
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/1225 comprising photonic band-gap structures or photonic lattices
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/2552 reshaping or reforming of light guides for coupling using thermal heating, e.g. tapering, forming of a lens on light guide ends
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 3/005 Optical devices external to the laser cavity, specially adapted for lasers, e.g. for homogenisation of the beam or for manipulating laser pulses, e.g. pulse shaping shaping laser beam for working metal or other materials B23K26/06; optical elements, systems or apparatus in general G02B
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 3/1625 titanium
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 3/1636 Al2O3 (Sapphire)

Abstract

The arrangement for examining microscope preparations with a scanning microscope comprises a laser (1) and an optical means (12) which images the light generated by the laser (1) onto a specimen (13) that is to be examined. Provided between the laser (1) and the optical means (12) is an optical component (3, 20) that spectrally spreads, with a single pass, the light generated by the laser (1). The optical component (3, 20) is made of photonic band-gap material. It is particularly advantageous if the photonic band-gap material is configured as a light-guiding fiber (20).

Claims

1. An illumination device for a confocal scanning microscope comprising:

a laser which has a light exit opening, an optical component made of photonic band-gap material which is mounted at the light exit opening.

2. The illumination device as defined in claim 1, wherein the photonic band-gap material is configured as a light-guiding fiber.

3. The illumination device as defined in claim 2, wherein the light-guiding fiber defines an exit end which serves as the illumination pinhole.

4. The illumination device as defined in claim 1, wherein the laser is a pulsed laser.

5. An illumination device for a confocal scanning microscope comprising:

a laser which has a light exit opening, a tapered light-guiding fiber, which is mounted at the light exit opening.

6. The illumination device as defined in claim 5, wherein the tapered light-guiding fiber defines an exit end which serves as the illumination pinhole.

7. The illumination device as defined in claim 5, wherein the laser is a pulsed laser.