Optical layout of an eight-channel multispectral microscope module with simultaneous spectral-image acquisition

Subject of study. This study proposes a multispectral microscope module. Aim of study . The aim of this study is to develop and validate a multispectral device that is compatible with a standard optical microscope and provides simultaneous acquisition of spectral images of microobjects. Methods . The multispectral camera consists of identical miniature lenses that simultaneously form images of the same object on different regions of a single matrix sensor. Spectral filtering was performed using narrow-band filters placed behind each lens. The multispectral camera and microscope were optically coupled using a special coupling system. Main results . The optical system of the multispectral module was designed. The module forms eight spectral images of the same object on a single sensor in the spectral range 450–800 nm. The multispectral module was then fabricated. Agreement between the theoretically calculated and experimentally measured image-quality parameters was demonstrated. Practical significance . The developed multispectral module can be used both for spectral imaging and for analyzing the spatial distribution of the spectral properties of various microobjects. Spectral images can be acquired without scanning, enabling the use of the module for studying fast processes and recording weak signals with long exposure times.