Patent ID: 6998600
Filing Date: 2006-02-14
Classification: G21K

Abstract:
1. A solid-state scanning microscope, comprising: a source of collimated radiant energy; a plurality of narrow angle filters comprising a microchannel structure to permit the passage of only unscattered radiant energy through the microchannels, the microchannel structure having a first end and a second end; a solid-state sensing array comprising a plurality of sensing elements, attached at the first end of the microchannel structure, the sensing elements being sensitive to radiant energy, a plurality of the microchannels being aligned each to correspond with an individual sensor element of the solid-state sensing array; a planar member of an optically conductive material suitable for conducting radiant energy, the planar member having a first side and a second side, the first side of the planar member being placed perpendicular to the second end of the microchannel structure and attached to the microchannel structure allowing for an air-gap between the planar member and the microchannel structure; an index matching fluid placed adjacent to the second side of the planar member, the index matching fluid being matched to the index of the planar member, the index matching fluid continuously filling the region between the surface of a sample and the second side of the planar member; and a prism placed upon the planar member so as to conduct the source of radiant energy operatively into the planar member, the radiant energy being reflected by the first side and not reflected by the second side of the planar member, the radiant energy escaping the second side of the planar member to illuminate the surface of the sample, some portion of the radiant energy being reflected by the sample to enter the microchannels, that portion of the radiant energy entering the microchannels that is parallel to the microchannel walls travels to the solid-state sensing elements to generate electrical signals that can enable an image to be reconstructed by an external device.