Optical Imaging Techniques in Cell Biology

Since the word microscopy was coined in 1656, the evolution of the instrument has had a long and convoluted history. Plagued with problems of chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and challenges with illumination and resolution, the microscope's technical progression happened in a series of fits and starts until the late 19th century. After Ernst Abbe perfected the "how" of lens design, achieving the theoretical limit imposed by wavelength, there came a revolution in subject matter or "what" could be studied by microscope. Covering the entire field of microscopy, Optical Imaging Techniques in Cell Biology provides an overview of the technical evolution of the microscope and explains how the basics of optical microscopy led to the most advanced techniques employed today. The author addresses a vast array of topics including optical contrasting techniques, fluorescence, confocal versus widefield microscopes, lasers as a light source, and digital imaging, as well as the correction of aberrations that might arise. Building on this foundation, he then examines more advanced techniques such as quantitative fluorescence, fluorescence resonant energy, three-dimensional imaging, high-speed confocal microscopy, non-linear microscopy, and stimulated emission depletion. Delivering a truly comprehensive work encompassing the scope and breadth of the field, the author brings a new level of understanding to the student, technician, researcher, or investigator working in the fascinating realm of optical microscopy.

Table of Contents:
The Light Microscope. Optical Contrasting Techniques. Fluorescence and Fluorescence Microscopes. Image Capture. The Confocal Microscope. The Digital Image. Aberrations and their Consequences. Non Linear Microscopy. High-Speed Confocal. Deconvolution and other Image Processing. Three Dimensional Imaging: Stereoscopy & Reconstruction. GFP, its Relatives and Derivatives. Fluorescent Staining. Quantitative Fluorescence. Advanced Fluorescence Techniques. Breaking the Diffraction Limit.

Review :
“…represents an excellent resource for those wishing to gain a grounding in a broad range of optical techniques…written in a highly knowledgeable, enthusiastic and accessible manner…comprehensively covers virtually the entire field of microscopy. …a valuable addition to the bookshelf of many research laboratories…can quickly and easily provide a clear understanding of commonly used techniques and underlying concepts. Students, technicians, and researchers will find it useful whether they are intending to use the techniques, have been using the techniques for some time, or are merely curious to know more about what the techniques can offer the cell biologist.” —Mark Prescott, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, in Australian Biochemist vol 38 no 3