Multi-foci laser scanning microscope and use of same for analyzing samples

摘要

A multi-foci laser scanning microscope generates a set of time-multiplexed beams that are simultaneously scanned over multiple scan areas of the sample to be observed. A photodetector array associated with the beams detect fluorescence signals from the sample. A processor processes output signals from the photodetector array based on the time-multiplexing of the beams to provide a much wider field of view and reduced crosstalk between neighboring scan areas for more accurate imaging.

主权项

1. A laser scanning microscope comprising:
a laser generator that generates a plurality of time-multiplexed N by M beams in an illumination cycle having a plurality of phases, wherein N and M are each at least 2; a beam scanner that scans the plurality of beams across a sample to be observed; an objective that focuses the plurality of beams from the beam scanner on to the sample; a photodetector including an array of N by M detector elements respectively associated with the time multiplexed N by M beams, the photodetector detecting fluorescence signals from the sample; and a processor coupled to the photodetector and operable to process output signals from the photodetector according to the illumination cycle such that in any phase, only output signals from non-neighboring detector elements are read.