Generalized Microscopy and the Two-Wave-Length Microscope

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In the ordinary simple microscope, the same light is permitted to flow through the entire system. A more general microscope can be devised in which light of one wave‐length is permitted to flow as far as the diffraction image of the object, then light of a second wave‐length is substituted at this plane, and continues to flow through the rest of the optical system. It is shown that for such a generalized microscope, the magnification depends not only on the ordinary image‐to‐object distance ratio, but also on the ratio of wave‐lengths used. Utilizing x‐rays and visible light, this second factor is about 104 diameters, and the whole magnification is of the order of 3×105. This is enough to permit one to see an atom. Apparatus has been built which realizes this theory. A most important characteristic of any such system is that a loss of phase occurs at the first diffraction image, where the wave‐length substitution takes place. This phase must be supplied by the apparatus. It is accomplished with the aid of phase shifters prepared from a large uniform mica cleavage fragment. The apparatus and the results achieved with it are described.

This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit: