Artifact Halo Reduction in Phase Contrast Microscopy Using Apodization

A new phase contrast microscopy technique for halo reduction is proposed. This technique is based on an apodization method combined with the Zernike phase contrast method. Although it has been a difficult theoretical problem, the proposed technique achieves halo reduction by considering angles of diffraction and phase differences. The technique utilizes an apodized phase plate consisting of a quarter wave phase shift ring with a 25% transmittance, and a pair of adjacent rings, which have 50% transmittance. This element is placed at the back focal plane of the objective. The result is startling, halo reduced images of phase objects providing enhanced inner details.     

Detection of Label Area by Comb-Shaped Illumination

We have developed a non-contacting technique to detect small steps on a surface such as label edges on a letter by using a spatially modulated illumination. Steps can be detected correctly with this new technique even if there are printed patterns on the same surface. Thus the technique is effective for determining label areas that are often seen on pieces of direct mail.This paper was originally presented at the 2nd International Conference on Optical Design and Fabrication, ODF2000 which was held on November 15–17, at the International Conference Center, Tokyo, Waseda University, Japan.     

A Novel Fabrication Technique of Long Period Fiber Gratings Using a Holographic Optical Element

We develop a new flexible and precise ultraviolet exposure technique to fabricate a long period fiber grating using a computer-generated holographic optical element (HOE). The HOE can generate a striped beam pattern with about a 300 #x03BC;m period from a KrF excimer laser. This method offers (1) ease in varying the grating period and (2) grating period precision. We achieve a grating period within an accuracy of #x00B1;0.04 #x03BC;m. This means that the peak wavelength can be controlled within an accuracy of #x00B1;0.2nm with an operating wavelength of 1.55 #x03BC;m.This paper was originally presented at the 2nd International Conference on Optical Design and Fabrication, ODF2000 which was held on November 15-17, 2000 at the International Conference Center, Tokyo, Waseda University, Japan.     

Design Criterion for Micro-Machine Scanner Optical Switch Based on Beam Steering Angle Error Analysis

The micro-machine scanner optical switch is gaining attention for its ability to switch over 100 ports. A beam steering error for devices using tilted mirrors or a moving lens is analyzed and schemes to overcome the limit are reported. The channel number is limited by the achievable beam steering error. A device with several hundred ports is possible with the beam steering error under 1#x0025;. Optimized focal length or fiber mode divergence angle is beneficial for increasing the channel number. To minimize the thermal expansion effect, large focal length is required indicating need for a compensation scheme to attain larger channel number. A new type of scanning optics is proposed to overcome the limit set by the beam steering error, and a new switch network described can further expand the channel number.This paper was originally presented at the 2nd International Conference on Optical Design and Fabrication, ODF2000 which was held on November 15-17, 2000 at the International Conference Center, Tokyo, Waseda University, Japan.     

Measurement of Wave-Front Aberrations in Lithography Lenses with an Overlay Inspection Tool

Measurement methods using overlay inspection tools have been established for wave-front aberrations in optical lithography lenses used for integrated circuit manufacturing. Three-beam interferometry and asymmetric two-beam interferometry can transform the wave-front aberrations at selected points on the lens pupil to lateral image shifts for fine grating objects. A technique of overlapped exposures makes the image shifts of inner lines of the grating images optically measurable, even if the images are too fine to be resolved optically. These methods are available in the fields of integrated circuit manufacturing and lithography tool assembling. This paper sums up measurement methods for wave-front aberrations. It is experimentally estimated that the methods are equally matched with the phase measuring interferometry widely used in the tool assemblies respecting accuracy and precision.This paper was originally presented at the 2nd International Conference on Optical Design and Fabrication, ODF2000 which was held on November 15–17, 2000 at the International Conference Center, Tokyo, Waseda University, Japan.     

Wavelength-Multiplexing Diffractive Phase Element with Quantized Phase Structure

We have reported on the design algorithm of the wavelength-multiplexing diffractive phase element (WMDPE) capable of generating independent spot patterns for more than two wavelengths. [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 18 (2001) 1082] In this paper, the stepwise quantization method proposed by F. Wyrowski [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 7 (1990) 961] is built into the algorithm to design the WMDPE with quantized phase structure. Validity of the method is verified by the WMDPE for 7 wavelengths with 9 phase levels. The optical experiment demonstrates that the fabricated WMDPE generates correct patterns for different wavelengths. Performance dependence of the WMDPE on the number of quantized phase levels is discussed based on the simulation results.This paper was originally presented at the 2nd International Conference on Optical Design and Fabrication, ODF2000 which was held on November 15-17, 2000 at the International Conference Center, Tokyo, Waseda University, Japan.     

Optical Pick-up for Blue Optical Recording at NA = 0.85

Sony and Philips have recently developed the basic technology for a 22.5 GB optical recording system, based on a blue laser (#x03BB; = 405 nm) and high numerical aperture (NA = 0.85) objective lens. This system is referred to by the acronym DVR (for Digital Video Recording). In this paper we describe the relization of a compact optical pickup unit capable of writing and reading data on disc according to the DVR format.This paper was originally presented at the 2nd International Conference on Optical Design and Fabrication, ODF2000 which was held on November 15-17, 2000 at the International Conference Center Tokyo Waseda University, Japan.     

Quantitative phase retrieval in X‐ray Zernike phase contrast microscopy

In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to X‐ray phase contrast imaging, since it can provide high‐contrast images by using phase variations. Among the different existing techniques, Zernike phase contrast microscopy is one of the most popular phase‐sensitive techniques for investigating the fine structure of the sample at high spatial resolution. In X‐ray Zernike phase contrast microscopy, the image contrast is indeed a mixture of absorption and phase contrast. Therefore, this technique just provides qualitative information on the object, which makes the interpretation of the image difficult. In this contribution, an approach is proposed for quantitative phase retrieval in X‐ray Zernike phase contrast microscopy. By shifting the phase of the direct light by π/2 and 3π/2, two images of the same object are measured successively. The phase information of the object can then be quantitatively retrieved by a proper combination of the measured images. Numerical experiments were carried out and the results confirmed the feasibility of the proposed method. It is expected that the proposed method will find widespread applications in biology, materials science and so on.     

Near-Field Optical Microscope with Tapping Illumination and Synchronous Detection

We use the tapping illumination and synchronous detection in a scanning near-field optical microscopy to obtain a near-field optical signal that is separated from the far-field signal. The illumination light was irradiated from the bent fiber tip vibrating normal to the sample surface. The transmitted light synchronized with the tapping vibration was observed. The obtained image of an organic film shows that this technique is effective for the weak contrast samples.This paper was originally presented at the 5th International Conference on NEAR FIELD OPTICS and RELATED TECHNOLOGIES (NFO-5), which was held on December 6–10, 1998 at Coganoi Bay Hotel, Shirahama, Japan, in cooperation with the Japan Society of Applied Physics and Mombusho Grant-in Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Areas “Near-field Nano-optics” Project, sponsored by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.     

Review of Recent Zoom Lens Developments for 35 mm Cinematography at Panavision

A series of high performance zoom lens objectives developed by Panavision over fifteen years, which are very popular in the motion picture (cine) industry, are described. Various aspects of four cine zoom lenses, including; definitions, development, specification, construction, aberrations and tolerances, are discussed.This paper was originally presented at the 2nd International Conference on Optical Design and Fabrication, ODF2000 which was held on November 15-17, 2000 at the International Conference Center, Tokyo, Waseda University, Japan.     

Visualization of a Phase Object by Two-Wave Coupling in a Photorefractive Bismuth Silicon Oxide Crystal

We propose a method to visualize a phase object using a locally-controllable image amplification scheme we developed earlier which is based on two-wave coupling in a bismuth silicon oxide (Bi₁₂SiO₂₀, or BSO) crystal. In this method the BSO crystal is used as a phase plate in the configuration of Zernike’s phase contrast imaging system. The principle of the phase-visualization with two-wave coupling is presented. An experimental result to verify the proposed method is shown.     

A Practical See-Through Head Mounted Display Using a Holographic Optical Element

This paper describes a practical method for design and fabrication of holographic optical elements (HOEs) as off-axis imaging optics. The authors have designed and fabricated a compact glass-like and see-through display using HOE and a total internal reflection prism. Observers can see through the display because wavelength selectivity of the HOE provides high transparency. Wave front of the HOE is designed by commercial software, though the actual fabrication method is not provided. The authors propose a practical method to fabricate HOEs, which can be applied to a wide range of imaging optics.This paper was originally presented at the 2nd International Conference on Optical Design and Fabrication, ODF2000 which was held on November 15–17, 2000 at the International Conference Center, Tokyo, Waseda University, Japan.     

Performance analysis of quantitative phase retrieval method in Zernike phase contrast X-ray microscopy

Since the invention of Zernike phase contrast method in 1930,it has been widely used in optical microscopy and more recently in X-ray microscopy.Considering the image contrast is a mixture of absorption and phase information,we recently have proposed and demonstrated a method for quantitative phase retrieval in Zernike phase contrast X-ray microscopy.In this contribution,we analyze the performance of this method at different photon energies.Intensity images of PMMA samples are simulated at 2.5 keV and 6.2 keV,respectively,and phase retrieval is performed using the proposed method.The results demonstrate that the proposed phase retrieval method is applicable over a wide energy range.For weakly absorbing features,the optimal photon energy is 2.5 keV,from the point of view of image contrast and accuracy of phase retrieval.On the other hand,in the case of strong absorption objects,a higher photon energy is preferred to reduce the error of phase retrieval.These results can be used as guidelines to perform quantitative phase retrieval in Zernike phase contrast X-ray microscopy with the proposed method.     

硬X射线相位光栅的设计与研制

针对在普通实验室和医院实现40—100keVX射线相衬成像的需求,考虑到成像系统参数、X射线源空间相干特性及光栅衍射效率,设计出硅基相位光栅结构参数.利用我们已发展的光助电化学刻蚀技术研制出直径为5英寸的相位光栅,其空间周期为5.6μm,线宽为2.8μm,深度为40—70μm.在理论分析的基础上,通过提高硅片两端有效工作电压和修正Lehmann电流密度公式,解决了实际刻蚀过程中出现的钻蚀问题.由实验结果可知,本方案对制作大面积高精度相位光栅十分有效。     

Multiple Beam Scanning Optics for Laser Printer: Application of Optical Fiber Array Method

We have developed laser printer optics using various kinds of multiple beam generation devices, such as a polarization prism, grating, diode laser array, and optical fiber array. Recently we successfully demonstrated laser-print experiments using five beams from an optical fiber array. In the array, fibers are arranged with a spacing of 0.15 mm and emit circular Gaussian beams that have a diameter of 5 μm and a wavelength of 635 nm. The wavelength of diode lasers is determined from sensitivity of the photoconductor drum of As₂Se₃ material. The arrangement error vertical to the array is mostly suppressed below 0.4 μm. In the optics, curve of scan lines and print position errors in the scan direction are suppressed to a negligible size due to minimization of the magnification variation in the sub-scan direction along the print width and achromatized design, respectively.This paper was originally presented at the 2nd International Conference on Optical Design and Fabrication, ODF2000 which was held on November 15-17, 2000 at the International Conference Center, Tokyo, Waseda University, Japan.     

X射线光栅相位成像的理论和方法

通过对X射线光栅相位衬度成像实验装置的理论分析,提出了光栅位移曲线的表达式,推导出了X射线光栅相位衬度成像方程.根据该成像方程,提出了基于光栅成像相位提取方法.这些理论结果将简化光栅相位衬度成像实验步骤,提高信息获取效率,并为X射线光栅相位衬度成像和计算机断层成像的结合,进一步提出光栅相位衬度CT的简化理论奠定基础. 关键词： X射线 相位衬度成像 光栅衍射 Talbot效应     

Azodye Gelatin Films for Polarization Holographic Recording

Mordant pure yellow azodye in a matrix of gelatin is proposed as a medium for stable polarization recording. Relatively high values of birefringence are measured (over #x0394;n = 0.02). Polarization diffraction gratings are recorded with two circularly polarized waves and diffraction efficiency of 67#x0025; is achieved at 633 nm. Protected from the humidity, the recording is stable. Long-term radiation by a 633 nm probe beam is harmless as well. Unusual behaviour is observed when acting on the recorded grating alternatively with one of the recording beams. The left circularly polarized beam erases the grating sharply, while the right circularly polarized beam, before erasure, initially increases the diffraction efficiency.This paper was originally presented at the 2001 International Conference (2nd Joint OSJ-SPIE Conference) on Optical Engineering for Sensing and Nanotechnology, ICOSN 2001 which was held June 6-8, 2001 at the Pacifico-Yokohama Conference Center, Yokohama, Japan.     

Suppression of Multiple-Beam Interference Noise in Testing an Optical-Parallel Plate by Wavelength-Scanning Interferometry

Measurements of optical parallel plates in a Fizeau interferometer lead to problems from multiple-beam interference noise unless the back surface of the plate has an additional treatment to prevent its reflection from reaching the detector. Such internal-reflection noise can be separated from the fundamental interference signal by its modulation frequency in a wavelength-scanning interferometer. However, to completely eliminate the noise, the air-gap distance between the testing and reference surfaces of the interferometer must be adjusted to a specific value, depending on the thickness and refractive index of the plate. This adjustment requires an undesirable change in the air gap, which is related to the phase modulation rate of the interferometer, and also requires additional information regarding the testing plate, which makes the measurement laborious. We show that if we add new symmetries to the sampling functions of the phase measuring algorithm, we can obtain significantly greater tolerance for the air-gap error. A new 19-sample algorithm allows a tolerance of ±23% while keeping the systematic errors at less than λ/200. The periodicity of the new algorithm and an integrating bucket technique also provide more options for the thickness of the testing plate, which guarantees an air-gap distance more independent of this thickness.     

A new method of detecting interferogram in differential phase-contrast imaging system based on special structured x-ray scintillator screen

An x-ray scintillator screen with a special structure,functioning as detector and analyser grating,was proposed for collecting the interferogram of differential phase contrast imaging without absorption grating and difficulty of fabrication by a state of the art technique.On the basis of phase grating diffraction,a detecting model of the scintillator screen was built for analysing the phase and absorption information of objects.According to the analysis,a new method of phase retrievals based on two-images and the optimal structure of screen were presented.     

Development of fast,simultaneous and multi‐technique scanning hard X‐ray microscopy at Synchrotron Soleil

A distributed fast‐acquisition system for synchronized multi‐technique experiments is presented, in which the collection of metadata and the asynchronous merging of large data volumes from multiple detectors are managed as part of the data collection process. This fast continuous scanning scheme, named FLYSCAN, enables measurement of microscopy data on a timescale of milliseconds per pixel. Proof‐of‐principle multi‐technique experiments, namely scanning X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry combined with absorption, differential phase contrast and dark‐field imaging, have been performed on biological and geological samples.