Abstract
In microscopy it is customary to use a wide variety of imaging methods. Unfortunately, for most of these it is
necessary to physically change the setup (filters, special objectives, etc.). We present a programmable microscope
in which an integrated spatial light modulator (SLM) is incorporated in order to realize a number of otherwise
physically intricate modifications. We employ a HDTV LCOS SLM (Holoeye Pluto, 1920x1080 pixel, 8 μm pixel
pitch), 2 different LED illuminations in reflection and transmission, an Olympus UmPlanFl 50x objective with
a NA of 0.8 and a CCD camera (SVS-Vistek eco204 1/3") with 1024x768 resolution. By the use of computer
generated holograms (CGHs) we are able to recreate a number of classical phase contrast imaging techniques
such as Zernike phase contrast or DIC, and modify them in unconventional ways. Additionally, the SLM enables
us to compensate various kinds of aberrations. Other imaging methods like stereovision for three dimensional
object reconstruction on a microscopic scale, structured illumination or confocal microscopy are also possible if
the setup is extended to a state in which not only the imaging light but also the illumination light is propagated
over an SLM with a CGH.
