- The basic layout of the light microscope as consisting of a microscope objective and an eye-piece, and their properties such as aberrations, magnification, numerical aperture, and field of view.
- Different methods for obaining contrast in a microscope, such as absorption, fluorescence, and phase-contrast methods.
- Different image-quality measures such as resolution, contrast, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), modulation transfer function (MTF), sampling density, field of view, and depth of field.
- Layout of the illumination systems, particularly Köhler illumination for transmission and epi-fluorescence microscopy, and how the illumination system can be used to optimize image quality.
- How properties of the microscope and illumination system affect image quality such as resolution and contrast, mainly via Fourier methods including point-spread functions (PSF) and optical transfer functions (OTF, MTF).
- How the choice of detector affects image quality measures such as signal-to-noise (SNR) and sampling. How to sample to avoid loss of information and artefacts. Some microscope photometry.
- The basic layout for confocal microscopy and hence three-dimensional imaging, including resolution and sampling in different dimensions.
- The basics of nanoscopy and imaging beyond the classical resolution limit.
SK2500 Physics of Biomedical Microscopy 6.0 credits
This course will be discontinued.
Last planned examination: Autumn 2026
Decision to discontinue this course:
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The course covers the physics and technology of microscopic imaging methods, with special emphasis on applications within the life sciences.
About course offering
For course offering
Autumn 2023 Start 30 Oct 2023 programme students
Target group
Elective for all programmes as long as it can be included in your programme.
Part of programme
Master's Programme, Engineering Physics, åk 1, TFYF, Conditionally Elective
Master's Programme, Engineering Physics, åk 2, TFYF, Conditionally Elective
Periods
P2 (6.0 hp)Duration
Pace of study
33%
Form of study
Normal Daytime
Language of instruction
English
Course location
AlbaNova
Number of places
Places are not limited
Planned modular schedule
Course memo
Link to course memoSchedule
Link to scheduleApplication
For course offering
Autumn 2023 Start 30 Oct 2023 programme students
Application code
50916
Contact
For course offering
Autumn 2023 Start 30 Oct 2023 programme students
Contact
Anna Burvall (anna.burvall@biox.kth.se)
Examiner
No information insertedCourse coordinator
No information insertedTeachers
No information insertedContent and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should be able to:
- adjust the microscope and the illumination system to obtain optimal performance in transmission and fluorescence microscopy.
- select suitable contrast methods and microscope objectives for standard microscopic samples.
- perform and report quantitative microscopic measurements, including image computer processing and 3D visualization.
- assess how different image quality measures are affected by physical limits connected to choices of microscopes and imaging parameters, and use this knowledge to choose suitable settings in new imaging experiments.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
English B / English 6
.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Written examination (TEN1; 4 credits, grading scale A-F)
Laboratory (LAB1; 2 credits, grading scale P/F).
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Yes
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.