Increased Angle Space for a Fourier Scatter Microscope via Simultaneous Axial and Off-Axis Imaging

Brigham Young University Engineering Building, Provo, UT

Fourier Scatter Imaging (FSI) has proven to be an innovative tool for measuring particle size. This research incorporates Fourier optics into a scatter imaging system with the addition of an off-axis pathway in a Fourier Scatter Microscope. The system uses 0.28 numerical aperture (NA) long working distance objectives that provide angular resolution over +/- 16.3° in the forward direction and 90° +/- 16.3° in the off-axis direction. This setup enables simultaneous capture of axial and off-axis scatter signals using a shared camera, significantly enhancing the angular scattering measurement capabilities. This proof-of-principle system demonstrates the potential for improvements in scattering image resolution. Future iterations will incorporate long working distance objectives with larger NAs (up to 0.90), expanding angular measurements across a range of 218° (from -64° through 154°). The increased angular coverage is expected to enhance the system's ability to measure chemically-induced scatter changes in human cells in vitro.