Improvement of Axial Resolution via Photoswitching and Standing Wave Illumination

This technology includes an illuminator and reflector that enables flexible standing wave illumination on an inverted microscope stand, and procedures for using such illumination to improve axial resolution in confocal or instant SIM imaging systems. The axial resolution in conventional fluorescence microscopy is typically limited by diffraction to ~700 nm. This method that improves axial resolution ~7-fold over the diffraction limit, and that can be applied to any fluorescence microscope.

Accelerating Multiview Registration and Iterative Deconvolution to Improve Spatial Resolution and Contrast in Fluorescence Microscopy

This technology includes algorithms and software that improve the speed of iterative deconvolution, a common method for improving spatial resolution and contrast in fluorescence microscopy images. These algorithms also improve the registration of multiview datasets, and apply deep learning to accelerate spatially varying deconvolution.

Deconvolution Software for Modern Fluorescence Microscopy

This software invention pertains to Joint Richardson-Lucy (RL) deconvolution methods used to combine multiple images of an object into a single image for improving resolution in modern fluorescence microscopy. RL deconvolution merges images with very different point spread functions, such as in multi-view light-sheet microscopes, while preserving the best resolution information present in each image.

A Novel Demodulation System in X-ray Imaging

In various x-ray imaging methods, including scattering correction and phase contrast imaging, intensity modulation in space is introduced into the projection images by the use of masks, gratings, or apertures. The present invention relates to a process to demodulate the modulation. The current demodulation processes are either to remove the modulation pattern through digital processing or to move the modulation pattern on the detector in a series of images that requires mechanical movements of a component and tends to lose some information of the imaged object.

A Novel X-ray Grating to Enhance Phase Contrast Imaging

The present invention relates to improving x-ray phase contrast imaging. The invention discloses a novel grating interferometer for phase contrast imaging with hard x-rays that overcomes limitations in the level of sensitivity by utilizing the advantages of far-field interferometers. The novel design and fabrication process can easily acquire absolute and differential phase images of lightly absorbing samples.

A Current Amplifier for Local Coil Pre-amplification of NMR/MRI Signals

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems are used for a variety of imaging application. The present invention discloses an improving MRI device and method by amplifying signals received by resonant NMR coils of MRI systems. It utilizes positive feedback from low-noise Field-Effect Transistor to amplify the signal current that can be coupled out to receiving loops positioned externally without loss in sensitivity. Therefore, the NMR coil can be flexibly positioned near internal tissues and used to develop high-resolution images in highly invasive situations.

Microscopy System for Distinguishing Stimulated Emissions as a Means of Increasing Signal

The invention pertains to a system and method for distinguishing stimulated emissions as a means of enhancing signal strength of fluorescent markers in fluorescence microscopy applications. The system is arranged such that an excitation beam (e.g., laser beam) illuminates a sample along some axis exciting the fluorescent markers used in the sample. A second light beam, a stimulation beam, illuminates the sample along another axis, possibly the same as that of the excitation beam.

Octopod (8-Pointed Star) Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Enhance MRI T2 Contrast

The octopod-shaped iron oxide nanoparticles of this technology significantly enhance contrast in MRI imaging compared to spherical superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle T2 contrast agents. These octopod iron oxide nanoparticles show a transverse relaxivity that is over five times greater than comparable spherical agents. Because the unique octopod shape creates a greater effective radius than spherical agents, but maintains similar magnetization properties, the relaxation rate is improved. The improved relaxation rate greatly enhances the contrast of images.