Abstract:We propose a new structure of confocal imaging system based on a direct-view confocal microscope (DVCM) with an electrically tunable lens (ETL). Since it has no mechanical moving parts to scan both the lateral (x-y) and axial (z) directions, the DVCM with an ETL allows for high-speed 3-dimensional (3-D) imaging. Axial response and signal intensity of the DVCM were analyzed theoretically according to the pinhole characteristics. The system was designed to have an isotropic spatial resolution of 20 µm in both la… Show more
“…Furthermore, these methods can only provide two-dimensional (2D) images of the particle morphology. Three-dimensional (3D) morphology can be retrieved by imaging the particle from different angles, with Fourier ptychography 26,27 and optical diffraction tomography 28 , or by scanning the whole particle volume with confocal imaging 29 . However, these methods require several measurements throughout one 3D scan.…”
Nonspherical particles play a key role in the atmosphere by affecting processes such as radiative forcing, photochemistry, new particle formation and phase transitions. In this context, measurements on single particles proved to be very useful for detailed investigations of the properties of the particles studied and of processes affecting them. However, measurements on single nonspherical particles are limited by the difficulties and lack of understanding associated with the optical trapping of such particles. Here, we aim at better understanding the optical trapping of nonspherical particles in air by comparing the motion of an observed nonspherical particle with simulated optical forces and torques. An holographic microscope is used to retrieve the 6D motion of a trapped peanut-shaped particle (3D for translation and 3D for rotation). Optical forces and torques exerted by the optical trap on the peanut-shaped particle are calculated by using FDTD simulations. Most of the main features of the particle motion are in agreement with the calculations while some specific aspects of the particle motion cannot yet be explained.
“…Furthermore, these methods can only provide two-dimensional (2D) images of the particle morphology. Three-dimensional (3D) morphology can be retrieved by imaging the particle from different angles, with Fourier ptychography 26,27 and optical diffraction tomography 28 , or by scanning the whole particle volume with confocal imaging 29 . However, these methods require several measurements throughout one 3D scan.…”
Nonspherical particles play a key role in the atmosphere by affecting processes such as radiative forcing, photochemistry, new particle formation and phase transitions. In this context, measurements on single particles proved to be very useful for detailed investigations of the properties of the particles studied and of processes affecting them. However, measurements on single nonspherical particles are limited by the difficulties and lack of understanding associated with the optical trapping of such particles. Here, we aim at better understanding the optical trapping of nonspherical particles in air by comparing the motion of an observed nonspherical particle with simulated optical forces and torques. An holographic microscope is used to retrieve the 6D motion of a trapped peanut-shaped particle (3D for translation and 3D for rotation). Optical forces and torques exerted by the optical trap on the peanut-shaped particle are calculated by using FDTD simulations. Most of the main features of the particle motion are in agreement with the calculations while some specific aspects of the particle motion cannot yet be explained.
“…As another limiting factor, these methods only provide twodimensional (2D) images of the particle morphology. Truly three-dimensional (3D) morphologies can be retrieved by imaging particles from different angles, for example, with Fourier ptychography 29,30 or optical diffraction tomography 31 , or by scanning the whole particle volume using confocal imaging 32 . However, these methods suffer from reduced temporal resolution in the range of milliseconds or seconds because several measurements are required to acquire the whole 3D information.…”
Many processes taking place in atmospheric aerosol particles are accompanied by changes in the particles' morphology (size and shape), with potentially significant impact on weather and climate. However, the characterization of dynamic information on particle morphology and position over multiple time scales from microseconds to days under atmospherically relevant conditions has proven very challenging. Here we introduce holographic imaging of unsupported aerosol particles in air that are spatially confined by optical traps. Optical trapping in air allows contact-free observation of aerosol particles under relevant conditions and provides access to extended observation times, while the digital in-line holographic microscope provides six-dimensional spatial maps of particle positions and orientations with maximum spatial resolution in the sub-micron range and a temporal resolution of 240 μs. We demonstrate the broad applicability of our approach for a few examples and discuss its prospects for future aerosol studies, including the study of complex, multi-step phase transitions.
“…A challenge with conventional light microscopy methods is that these methods work in fixed imaging planes 46 , which precludes determining aerosol dynamics, phase, and three-dimensional (3D) morphology of aerosols 46 . However, the 3D structure information can be obtained using Fourier ptychography 47 , optical diffraction tomography 48 , or by scanning the whole sample/particle volume using confocal imaging 49 . All these existing microscopy techniques have significant advantages, yet they cannot track moving particles in situ or in real time, precluding their application to dynamic media, such as air.…”
In situ and real-time characterization of aerosols is vital to several fundamental and applied research domains including atmospheric chemistry, air quality monitoring, or climate change studies. To date, digital holographic microscopy is commonly used to characterize dynamic nanosized particles, but optical traps are required. In this study, a novel integrated digital in-line holographic microscope coupled with a flow tube (Nano-DIHM) is demonstrated to characterize particle phase, shape, morphology, 4D dynamic trajectories, and 3D dimensions of airborne particles ranging from the nanoscale to the microscale. We demonstrate the application of Nano-DIHM for nanosized particles (≤200 nm) in dynamic systems without optical traps. The Nano-DIHM allows observation of moving particles in 3D space and simultaneous measurement of each particle’s three dimensions. As a proof of concept, we report the real-time observation of 100 nm and 200 nm particles, i.e. polystyrene latex spheres and the mixture of metal oxide nanoparticles, in air and aqueous/solid/heterogeneous phases in stationary and dynamic modes. Our observations are validated by high-resolution scanning/transmission electron microscopy and aerosol sizers. The complete automation of software (Octopus/Stingray) with Nano-DIHM permits the reconstruction of thousands of holograms within an hour with 62.5 millisecond time resolution for each hologram, allowing to explore the complex physical and chemical processes of aerosols.
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