Large-image-format computed tomography imaging spectrometer for fluorescence microscopy

Multispectral imaging has significantly enhanced the analysis of fixed specimens in pathology and cytogenetics. However, application of this technology to in vivo studies has been limited. This is due in part to the increased temporal resolution required to analyze changes in cellular function. Here we present a non-scanning instrument that simultaneously acquires full spectral information (460 nm to 740 nm) from every pixel within its 2-D field of view (200 mum x 200 mum) during a single integration time (typically, 2 seconds). The current spatial and spectral sampling intervals of the spectrometer are 0.985 mum and 5 nm, respectively. These properties allow for the analysis of physiological responses within living biological specimens. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.