Imaging Field of View

About

Background: Stanford researchers have designed a drop-in method to upgrade microscopy
 systems that increases field of view (FOV). Using electro-optical gratings and integrated software, Stanford researchers can scan across a 9x greater FOV, aberration free, without changing lenses or mechanics. Applications include one and two-photon scanning, vision systems for virtual reality (VR), autonomous vehicle navigation, and panoramic image capture for cell-phone cameras.   Stage of research: Researchers designed electro-optical gratings for fluorescence microscopy - a drop in to existing systems with no new lenses. Researchers demonstrate a 9x improvement on FOV using Olympus 10x/0.6NA WI immersion objective at 3.3 Hz.    Applications: One and two-photon raster scanning image acquisition systems (including confocal systems) Brain and neural scanning /optical stimulation of neurons Vision systems for virtual reality, autonomous vehicle navigation, and panoramic image capture for cell-phone cameras.   Advantages: Optically efficient 9x increased field-of-view in raster-scanned image acquisition. Faster panoramic view acquisition without the need for multiple cameras or mechanical motion. Accesses a larger region of brain tissue, improving the number of neurons available for therapeutic modulation. More reliable - motion-free scanning minimizes mechanical failure. Versatile - addresses multiple field-of-views (axial and transverse) in the sample space. Rapid scanning both across the brain (e.g. cortex, somatosensory and motor), and depth (layers II/III and IV) to create a large field-of-view composite without mechanically disturbing the sample. Drop-in solution – minimal changes to existing microscopes in the field. Less expensive - up to $50k less than dedicated large FOV microscopes.