An adaptive optics 3D STED microscope for super-resolution imaging of thick samples with background noise suppression using digital image processing

Interest in digital image processing techniques dates back to the early 1920's, when digitized pictures of world news events were first transmitted by submarine cable between New York and London. Applications of digital image processing concepts, however, did not become widespread until the middle 1960's, when third-generation digital computers began to offer the speed and storage capabilities required for practical implementation of image processing algorithms. Since then, this area has experienced vigorous growth, having been a subject of interdisciplinary research in fields ranging from engineering and computer science to biology, chemistry, and medicine.

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A method to measure pores and fissures in geologic materials under S.E.M. by digital image processing

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100108209 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 212-213

Author(s):

L. Montoto ◽

M. Montoto ◽

A. Bel-Lan

Keyword(s):

Image Processing ◽

Optical Microscopy ◽

Digital Image Processing ◽

Digital Image ◽

Digital Processing ◽

Free Surfaces ◽

Geologic Materials ◽

Automatic Information ◽

Detector Output ◽

Rock Specimens

INTRODUCTION.- The physical properties of rock masses are greatly influenced by their internal discontinuities, like pores and fissures. So, these need to be measured as a basis for interpretation. To avoid the basic difficulties of measurement under optical microscopy and analogic image systems, the authors use S.E.M. and multiband digital image processing. In S.E.M., analog signal processing has been used to further image enhancement (1), but automatic information extraction can be achieved by simple digital processing of S.E.M. images (2). The use of multiband image would overcome difficulties such as artifacts introduced by the relative positions of sample and detector or the typicals encountered in optical microscopy.DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING.- The studied rock specimens were in the form of flat deformation-free surfaces observed under a Phillips SEM model 500. The SEM detector output signal was recorded in picture form in b&w negatives and digitized using a Perkin Elmer 1010 MP flat microdensitometer.

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Digital image processing methods applied to the study of annealing time on semiconductor-metal eutectic composites

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100106302 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 46 ◽

pp. 848-849

Author(s):

J. Hefter

Keyword(s):

Image Processing ◽

Digital Image Processing ◽

Digital Image ◽

Electronic Device ◽

Processing System ◽

Average Diameter ◽

Eutectic Solidification ◽

Metal Silicide ◽

The Matrix ◽

Microscopic Studies

Semiconductor-metal composites, formed by the eutectic solidification of silicon and a metal silicide have been under investigation for some time for a number of electronic device applications. This composite system is comprised of a silicon matrix containing extended metal-silicide rod-shaped structures aligned in parallel throughout the material. The average diameter of such a rod in a typical system is about 1 μm. Thus, characterization of the rod morphology by electron microscope methods is necessitated.The types of morphometric information that may be obtained from such microscopic studies coupled with image processing are (i) the area fraction of rods in the matrix, (ii) the average rod diameter, (iii) an average circularity (roundness), and (iv) the number density (Nd;rods/cm2). To acquire electron images of these materials, a digital image processing system (Tracor Northern 5500/5600) attached to a JEOL JXA-840 analytical SEM has been used.

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Complementary Z-Contrast Imaging and Digital Image Processing

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100118394 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 43 ◽

pp. 304-305

Author(s):

K. N. Colonna ◽

G. Oliphant

Keyword(s):

Image Processing ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Digital Image Processing ◽

Digital Image ◽

Biological Tissue ◽

Biological Imaging ◽

Tissue Preparation ◽

Contrast Imaging ◽

Imaging Tool ◽

Z Contrast

Harmonious use of Z-contrast imaging and digital image processing as an analytical imaging tool was developed and demonstrated in studying the elemental constitution of human and maturing rabbit spermatozoa. Due to its analog origin (Fig. 1), the Z-contrast image offers information unique to the science of biological imaging. Despite the information and distinct advantages it offers, the potential of Z-contrast imaging is extremely limited without the application of techniques of digital image processing. For the first time in biological imaging, this study demonstrates the tremendous potential involved in the complementary use of Z-contrast imaging and digital image processing.Imaging in the Z-contrast mode is powerful for three distinct reasons, the first of which involves tissue preparation. It affords biologists the opportunity to visualize biological tissue without the use of heavy metal fixatives and stains. For years biologists have used heavy metal components to compensate for the limited electron scattering properties of biological tissue.

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