An optical imager, such as a microscope for performing multiple frequency fluorometric measurements comprising a light source, such as a laser source is disclosed. The system is used to excite a sample into the fluorescent state. Light from the excited sample is collected by a microscope. The microscope utilizes conventional confocal optics optimized to have a very narrow depth of field, thus limiting the information collected to a thin planar region. Measurements are taken over the fluorescence lifetime of the sample simultaneously from the excitation source and from the excited sample. Information is taken in a matrix and comparison of the image matrix and the standard during simultaneous measurements yields output information.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a CIP Ser. No. of 10/763,681 filed Jan. 23, 2004 which is a non provisional application claiming the priority of prior applications 60/442,036 filed Jan. 23, 2003. The priority of the above application is hereby claimed by the applicant.
