Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The present invention provides a substrate that overcomes the performance limitations of conventional microscope slides, microarrays, or microtiter plates when optically interrogated through the thickness of the substrate. With conventional microscope slides, image quality and resolution are degraded as a result of distortions introduced by imaging through the thickness of the glass. Fiber Optic Interrogated Microslides (FOI) consist of many fiber optics that have been fused together. When sliced and polished to form microscope slides, the fibers effectively transfer optical images from one surface of the microslide to the other. The finished microslide is the optical equivalent of a zero thickness window. The image of an object on the top surface is transferred to the bottom surface allowing it to be viewed without focusing through the thickness of the slide. In addition to providing improved image quality, FOI microslides allow objects to be directly imaged without complex and expensive focusing optics.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim