Development of Laser Feedback Microscopy (LFM): High- Resolution Optical Imaging for Biological Science and Technology

激光反馈显微镜（LFM），一种新型的扫描 共聚焦光学显微镜，起源于这个实验室。 目前，我们已经生产出一种测量表面的线性调频 具有z分辨率的低反射率样品的形貌 低至1纳米（10-9米）。 LFM，远场光学 显微镜技术，允许检查生物 试样 生理条件;没有 转移到高真空环境或 施加其他特殊的制备条件，例如， 染色或阴影。我们正在申请资金， 开发和扩大原型仪器的建设 以及它们在生物和其他生物的LFM成像中的应用 材料.本提案提出的主要目标是 - 在10- 50 nm范围内实现LFM x，y分辨率， 媲美 电子显微镜和接近 表面探测技术的分辨率，如扫描- 隧道和原子力显微镜。此外，LFM还 显微镜下测量光学特性的能力 材料的特性;我们将利用这一独特的功能 提供新的“光学对比”方法， 非传统的显微镜图像传达了重要的 关于生物制剂的信息。最后，一个完整的- 仪表化，计算机控制台控制的线性调频， 最高可能的分辨率将被建立为一般使用， 生物科学

Laser feedback microscopy (LFM), a new type of scanning confocal optical microscopy, originated in this laboratory. Presently, we have produced a LFM which measures surface topography of low-reflectance samples with a z-resolution down to a nanometer (10-9 meter). LFM, a far-field optical microscopic technique, allows the examination of biological samples under physiological conditions; there is no requirement for transfer to a high-vacuum environment or the imposition of other special preparative conditions, e.g., staining or shadowing. We are requesting funds to further develop and extend the construction of prototype instruments and their application to LFM imaging of biological and other materials. The major goal presented in this proposal is the attainment of LFM x,y-resolution in the 10-50nm range, rivaling that of electron microscopy and approaching the resolution of surface-probe techniques such as scanning- tunneling and atomic-force microscopy. In addition, LFM has the capability of measuring microscopically the optical properties of materials; we will utilize this unique feature to provide new methods of "optical contrast" resulting in unconventional microscope images conveying important information about biological preparations. Finally, a fully- instrumented, computer-console controlled LFM with the highest possible resolution will be built for general use in the biological sciences.