Imaging acousto-optic tunable filter with 0.35-micrometer spatial resolution

Image blur in acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTF's) has been a persistent problem. Here we describe the connection between transducer structure and image blur and experimentally measure it by using a 5-cm 12°-cut TeO(2) crystal of our design. With these quantitative results, we develop an imag...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied optics (2004) 1996-09, Vol.35 (25), p.5220-5226
Main Authors: Wachman, E S, Niu, W H, Farkas, D L
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Image blur in acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTF's) has been a persistent problem. Here we describe the connection between transducer structure and image blur and experimentally measure it by using a 5-cm 12°-cut TeO(2) crystal of our design. With these quantitative results, we develop an image-processing method that minimizes AOTF-related image degradation. The combination of long crystal design and image processing results in substantially improved image contrast and spatial resolution relative to conventional AOTF imaging devices. We present high-magnification images of fluorescent actin fibers in cells in which we obtain a resolution of approximately 0.35 μm, representing the first successful use of an AOTF for ultra-high-resolution microscopy. Further improvements are also predicted.
ISSN:1559-128X
DOI:10.1364/AO.35.005220