Technology ID
TAB-2157

Superresolution Microscopy via Azicon Beam Polarization Devices

E-Numbers
E-251-2009-0
Lead Inventor
Knutson, Jay (NHLBI)
Development Status
The invention is fully developed.
Lead IC
NHLBI
ICs
NHLBI
The technology offered for licensing pertains to novel polarizers that produce tangentially and radially polarized beams. The polarizers and polarizing beam splitter of the technology include one or more pairs of axicons (also known as conical lenses) that are configured to separate an input beam into a radially polarized component and a tangentially (or azimuthally) polarized component. A second axicon pair can be positioned to recombine the tangentially polarized component so as to provide a more uniform beam intensity. The radial polarized component can be reflected or otherwise directed so that one or both the radial and tangential components are available for use.
Commercial Applications
The disclosed methods and apparatus of the technology can be used to provide radially or tangentially polarized beams (or both) to many applications. In particular the technology can be effectively utilized in applications such as:
  • Multi-photon microscopy
  • Microlithography
  • Ultrafine imaging in conjunction with the use of fluorophores
Competitive Advantages
The technology provides higher optical resolution for certain applications as compared with currently used methodologies.
Licensing Contact:
Shmilovich, Michael
shmilovm@nih.gov