Imaging system and method for reduction of interstitial images

Abstract

An optical imaging system with a first imaging lens, a field stop, and a second imaging lens configured to reduce the amount of dead space between images of samples.

1 . An imaging system, comprising: 
 a plurality of collection lenses, each lens of the plurality of collection lenses positioned to receive and collimate light from a plurality of samples corresponding to the collection lenses;    a first lens system positioned to receive the collimated light from the plurality of collection lenses and focus the collimated light on a primary imaging plane;    a second lens system positioned to receive and collimate light from the primary imaging plane;    a field stop positioned at the-primary imaging plane to block at least a portion of light from dead space between the plurality of samples; and    a detector positioned to detect light from the second lens system.    
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the field stop is in an image plane of the first lens system.  
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein the field stop is in an image plane of the second lens system.  
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 3 , further comprising a sample holder for holding the plurality of samples.  
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 4 , further comprising a plurality of focusing lenses corresponding to the plurality of samples and positioned between the second lens system and the detector.  
   
   
       6 . A system according to  claim 5 , comprising a plurality of optical channels, each channel comprising one of the plurality of collection lenses, the first imaging lens, the second imaging lens, the field stop, one of the plurality of focusing lenses, and the detector.  
   
   
       7 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein the field stop is a slit comprising two substantially parallel edges.  
   
   
       8 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a light source.  
   
   
       9 . A system according to  claim 8 , further comprising a beam splitter positioned between the plurality of collection lenses and the first lens system.  
   
   
       10 . A system according to  claim 8 , further comprising a beam splitter positioned prior to, coincident with, or past the field stop.  
   
   
       11 . A system according to  claim 3 , further comprising a chromatic separation device positioned between the second lens system and the detector.  
   
   
       12 . A method for imaging, comprising: 
 collimating light collected from a plurality of samples spaced on a sample holder;    focusing the collimated light onto a primary image plane;    blocking at least a portion of light from dead space between the plurality of samples;    re-collimating the light; and    detecting light from each of the plurality of samples.    
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 12 , further comprising spatially filtering light near the primary image plane.  
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein said blocking comprises blocking with a field stop.  
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein said blocking comprises blocking with a mask.