Fluorescence microscopeA fluorescence microscope is an optical microscope that uses fluorescence instead of, or in addition to scattering, reflection, and attenuation or absorption, to study the properties of organic or inorganic substances.
Optical sectioningOptical sectioning is the process by which a suitably designed microscope can produce clear images of focal planes deep within a thick sample. This is used to reduce the need for thin sectioning using instruments such as the microtome. Many different techniques for optical sectioning are used and several microscopy techniques are specifically designed to improve the quality of optical sectioning.
Point spread functionThe point spread function (PSF) describes the response of a focused optical imaging system to an idealized point source of light. In casual terms, for a given camera, it is the blurry blob image captured from pointing that camera at a single speck of light. More technically, a PSF is a form of impulse response function (IRF) for a focused optical imaging system, in spatial terms (as opposed to temporal terms).
Numerical apertureIn optics, the numerical aperture (NA) of an optical system is a dimensionless number that characterizes the range of angles over which the system can accept or emit light. By incorporating index of refraction in its definition, NA has the property that it is constant for a beam as it goes from one material to another, provided there is no refractive power at the interface (e.g., a flat interface).
Marvin MinskyMarvin Lee Minsky (August 9, 1927 – January 24, 2016) was an American mathematician who conducted research in the cognitive and computer science aspects of artificial intelligence (AI). After three years as a Junior Fellow of the Harvard Society of Fellows, Minsky joined the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1958 and spent the rest of his career at that institution.Optical resolutionOptical resolution is the resolved detail of an imaging system by scale. An imaging system may have many individual components, including one or more lenses, and/or recording and display components. Each of these contributes (given suitable design, and adequate alignment) to the optical resolution of the system; the environment in which the imaging is done often is a further important factor.
Signal-to-noise ratioSignal-to-noise ratio (SNR or S/N) is a measure used in science and engineering that compares the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. SNR is defined as the ratio of signal power to noise power, often expressed in decibels. A ratio higher than 1:1 (greater than 0 dB) indicates more signal than noise.
PhotomultiplierA photomultiplier is a device that converts incident photons into an electrical signal. Kinds of photomultiplier include: Photomultiplier tube, a vacuum tube converting incident photons into an electric signal. Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs for short) are members of the class of vacuum tubes, and more specifically vacuum phototubes, which are extremely sensitive detectors of light in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Spatial filterA spatial filter is an optical device which uses the principles of Fourier optics to alter the structure of a beam of light or other electromagnetic radiation, typically coherent laser light. Spatial filtering is commonly used to "clean up" the output of lasers, removing aberrations in the beam due to imperfect, dirty, or damaged optics, or due to variations in the laser gain medium itself.
MicrographA micrograph is an image, captured photographically or digitally, taken through a microscope or similar device to show a magnified image of an object. This is opposed to a macrograph or photomacrograph, an image which is also taken on a microscope but is only slightly magnified, usually less than 10 times. Micrography is the practice or art of using microscopes to make photographs.
SemiconductorA semiconductor is a material with electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Its conductivity can be modified by adding impurities ("doping") to its crystal structure. When two regions with different doping levels are present in the same crystal, they form a semiconductor junction.
Contrast (vision)Contrast is the difference in luminance or color that makes an object (or its representation in an image or display) distinguishable from a background. Human vision is more sensitive to relative differences than to absolute luminance, so perceived appearance can remain fairly stable despite large changes in illumination. The maximum contrast of an image is termed the contrast ratio or dynamic range.
Materials scienceMaterials science is an interdisciplinary field concerned with understanding the relationships between the structure of materials and their properties and using this knowledge to design materials for specific applications. The internal structure of a material—from atomic arrangements to microscopic features—strongly influences its mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical behavior.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.