<title>Test and analysis on variable-integration low-light-level CCD camera signal and noise properties</title>

In recent developments, the ASU HB5 has been modified so that the timing, positioning, and scanning of the finely focused electron probe can be entirely controlled by a host computer. This made the asynchronized handshake possible between the HB5 STEM and the image processing system which consists of host computer (PDP 11/34), DeAnza image processor (IP 5000) which is interfaced with a low-light level TV camera, array processor (AP 400) and various peripheral devices. This greatly facilitates the pattern recognition technique initiated by Monosmith and Cowley. Software called NANHB5 is under development which, instead of employing a set of photo-diodes to detect strong spots on a TV screen, uses various software techniques including on-line fast Fourier transform (FFT) to recognize patterns of greater complexity, taking advantage of the sophistication of our image processing system and the flexibility of computer software.

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Low-light-level three-dimensional video microscope with long working distance objective lenses

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100168864 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 52 ◽

pp. 226-227

Author(s):

W. Lin ◽

J. Gregorio ◽

T.J. Holmes ◽

D. H. Szarowski ◽

J.N. Turner

Keyword(s):

Three Dimensional ◽

Light Level ◽

Stereo Pair ◽

Light Illumination ◽

Initial Image ◽

Low Light ◽

Image Recording ◽

Depth Discrimination ◽

Video Microscope ◽

Working Distance

A low-light level video microscope with long working distance objective lenses has been built as part of our integrated three-dimensional (3-D) light microscopy workstation (Fig. 1). It allows the observation of living specimens under sufficiently low light illumination that no significant photobleaching or alternation of specimen physiology is produced. The improved image quality, depth discrimination and 3-D reconstruction provides a versatile intermediate resolution system that replaces the commonly used dissection microscope for initial image recording and positioning of microelectrodes for neurobiology. A 3-D image is displayed on-line to guide the execution of complex experiments. An image composed of 40 optical sections requires 7 minutes to process and display a stereo pair.The low-light level video microscope utilizes long working distance objective lenses from Mitutoyo (10X, 0.28NA, 37 mm working distance; 20X, 0.42NA, 20 mm working distance; 50X, 0.42NA, 20 mm working distance). They provide enough working distance to allow the placement of microelectrodes in the specimen.

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