Adjustable total internal reflectance microscopy (TIRFM) illuminator apparatus

摘要

A new apparatus and method of delivering light to the hack aperture of a High Numerical Aperture (NA) Microscopy Objective lens for Total Internal Reflectance Microscopy (TIRFM) is provided. The apparatus and method include pumping light generated by a laser through an optical fiber which is optically coupled to the objective lens by a collimating optical element, such as, for example a lens or prism. The apparatus and method also include providing a fiber axial translator which is mechanically adjustable for focusing the laser light optically coupled to the objective lens. The apparatus also includes a mechanical coupler for mechanically coupling the apparatus to the object lens such that the laser light optically coupled to the objective lens can be adjusted to exceed, or not exceed, a critical angle associated with TIRFM illumination.

主权项

1. An adjustable total internal reflectance microscopy (TIRFM) illuminator apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
an objective lens wherein the objective lens comprises:
an optical axis,an outer circumference;inner circumference at least one optical fiber, wherein the at least one optical fiber is adaptable to transmit at least one optical excitation light wavelength through the outer circumference of the objective lens; at least one fiber axial translator for focusing the at least one optical excitation light wavelength, wherein the at least one fiber axial translator is mechanically adjustable in at least one-degree-of freedom; at least one collimating optical element connectable to the at least optical fiber for impinging the at least one optical excitation light wavelength on to the optical axis wherein the at least one collimating optical element comprises at least one optical prism adaptable to impinge the at least one optical excitation light wavelength on to the optical axis through the outer circumference of the objective lens; wherein the objective lens is adaptable to transmit emission light wavelength through the inner circumference of the objective lens; and said TIRFM illuminator apparatus not including a dichroic mirror for impinging the at least one optical excitation light wavelength on to the optical axis.