Laser taramalı konfokal mikroskobu denetleyicisinin açık tasarım yaklaşımı ile donanımsal/yazılımsal olarak tasarlanması ve uygulanması

Laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) is a powerful electro-optic instrument in biological imaging and material science, compared to traditional wide-field microscopy methods. This stems from the fact that confocal microscopy enables optical imaging with a better spatial resolution. However, high cost and complexity of commercially available confocal systems hinder their wider usage. In this thesis, a new LSCM hardware/software is studied and developed using an open design approach. This device is made more convenient by adapting low cost design techniques, widely adapted components and well supported open source software. For this reason, a CDAQ (Control and Data Acquisition) unit is designed and implemented to perform essential electrical input/output (I/O) operations. This unit consists of a 2-channel 16-bit ultralow glitch Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) for driving the galvanometer scanning mirrors, and interference reduction circuitry for a 3-channel on-board 12-bit Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) which is used for sampling photomultiplier tube and motor position feedback signals. These I/O peripherals are controlled by an ARM CortexM based microcontroller which runs a multithreaded firmware to accomplish given tasks. Components of the CDAQ are all pluggable I/O interfaces and they are open to modification for the desired application. Along with these operations, CDAQ provides power supply and gain control units. CDAQ unit is controlled as a device from the user interface named "Konfokal" which is developed using Python programming language along with PyQt framework. "Konfokal" is an open source software which aims at increasing the productivity of researchers by providing environment where LSCM image acquisition and modification can be done under one single program. Also, the opportunity to tailor or modify the source for the application is possible. Capabilities of this complete working device are shown with acquired images of test samples and it is offered as a more convenient and modern device for use of researchers. "Konfokal" program was also extended in order to incorporate a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) as a scanning unit in place of the galvanometer scanning mirrors.