Light-Sheet Microscopy for Surface Topography Measurements and Quantitative Analysis

A novel light-sheet microscopy (LSM) system that uses the laser triangulation method to quantitatively calculate and analyze the surface topography of opaque samples is discussed. A spatial resolution of at least 10 μm in -direction, 10 μm in -direction and 25 μm in -direction with a large field-of-view (FOV) is achieved. A set of sample measurements that verify the system's functionality in various applications are presented. The system has a simple mechanical structure, such that the spatial resolution is easily improved by replacement of the objective, and a linear calibration formula, which enables convenient system calibration. As implemented, the system has strong potential for, e.g., industrial sample line inspections, however, since the method utilizes reflected/scattered light, it also has the potential for three-dimensional analysis of translucent and layered structures.