Abstract A process for the microscopy of transparent objects, in which the object is placed in a conventional photographic microscope with a diffraction grating system of predetermined spacing disposed in front of the photosensitive layer in which the photographic image is formed. Several images of the object are formed in the one photograph, each corresponding to a given focal plane and a given azimuthal orientation of the grating system with reference to the object. To reconstitute the multiple images recorded in the single photograph, the photograph is illuminated by means of a light source with a small, non-zero numerical aperture and a predetermined spectrum, and an afocal optical system providing at its image focus a real image of the photograph, with appropriate magnification. The beams diffracted by the photograph are selectively masked and the decoded images projected onto a suitable surface, for observation or analysis. The process finds application in three-dimensional microphotography.
A system for the storage in a single photograph of a series of microphotographic images of an optically thick object, said system comprising: a microscope for receiving said object; means for photographing said object; a diffracting grating system with variable azimuthal orientation disposed between the position of said object and the position at which said photograph is made, said grating system comprising i) a single rectangular grating and ii) an auxiliary optical device including an afocal optical system incorporating an apertured mask and having an optical axis about which said grating and said mask are simultaneously rotatable, and: means for varying the focal plane of said microscope and said azimuthal orientation of said grating system.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for the storage in a single photograph of a series of microphotographic images of an optically thick object, said system comprising: a microscope for receiving said object; means for photographing said object; a diffracting grating system with variable azimuthal orientation disposed between the position of said object and the position at which said photograph is made, said grating system comprising i) a single rectangular grating and ii) an auxiliary optical device including an afocal optical system incorporating an apertured mask and having an optical axis about which said grating and said mask are simultaneously rotatable, and: means for varying the focal plane of said microscope and said azimuthal orientation of said grating system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
82 words
A system for the reconstitution of series of microphotographic images obtained from the system according to claim 1 comprising, a light source and optical system for illuminating said photograph, and means for selectively masking the beams diffracted by said photograph, said means being disposed in the real image plane of said source and comprising a mask provided with a plurality of apertures and all but one of said apertures being covered with a glass plate, said glass plates all having different thickness.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
79 words
A system for the reconstitution of series of microphotographic images obtained from the system according to claim 1 comprising a light source and an optical system for Illuminating said photograph, and means for selectively masking the beams diffracted by said photograph, said means comprising, i) a single rectangular grating and, ii) an auxiliary optical device including an afocal optical system incorporating an apertured mask and having an optical axis about which said grating and said mask are simultaneously rotatable.