Wide field-of-view microscope based on holographic focus grid illumination

We have developed a new microscopy design that can achieve wide field-of-view (FOV) imaging and yet possesses resolution that is comparable to a conventional microscope. In our design, the sample is illuminated by a holographically projected light-spot grid. We acquire images by translating the sample across the grid and detecting the transmissions. We have built a prototype system with an FOV of 6 mm x 5 mm and acquisition time of 2.5 s. The resolution is fundamentally limited by the spot size-our demonstrated average FWHM spot diameter was 0.74 mu m. We demonstrate the prototype by imaging a U.S. Air Force target and a lily anther. This technology is scalable and represents a cost-effective way to implement wide FOV microscopy systems. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America