Active drift stabilization in three dimensions via image cross-correlation

Rev Sci Instrum. 2013 Oct;84(10):103705. doi: 10.1063/1.4824197.

Abstract

By monitoring stage drift via the normalized cross-correlation of an image of a stuck bead, obtained in real-time, with an out-of-focus "template" image of a similar immobile bead, stored in memory, we implement a simple approach to actively stabilize drift in all three dimensions for existing video microscopy setups. We demonstrate stability to 0.0062 nm along the Z-axis and 0.0031 nm along the X- and Y-axes for long (100 s) timescales.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Microscopy, Video / methods*
  • Microspheres