Apparatus and methods for analyzing samples
First Claim
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1. A lighting system comprising:
- a first light source for analyzing a sample of interest, light from the first light source defining a first optical path that is incident on the sample of interest; and
a second light source operating with the first light source for determining a position of the first optical path relative to the sample of interest.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for analyzing biological samples. In particular, the invention provides systems and methods for analyzing samples in a light microscope. The invention allows microscopic position sensing and focusing. The invention includes the use of at least two coordinated beams of light, one of which operates to determine the position of the other. In a preferred embodiment, the system is a microscope having total internal reflection optics installed. Systems of the invention can also be constructed from a standard microscope configured with a total internal reflection objective.
289 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A lighting system comprising:
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a first light source for analyzing a sample of interest, light from the first light source defining a first optical path that is incident on the sample of interest; and
a second light source operating with the first light source for determining a position of the first optical path relative to the sample of interest. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of substantially maintaining the relative orientation or a light source and sample of interest in a light-based microscope, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a first beam of light for intersecting with the sample of interest;
providing a second beam of light for determining a position of the first beam of light on the sample of interest;
directing the second beam of light onto a position sensor;
adjusting the relative orientation of the first beam of light and the sample of interest in response to a signal from the position sensor to vary an angle of incidence of the first beam of light with respect to the sample of interest to substantially maintain total internal reflection. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification