Visualizing the Invisible: Imaging Techniques for the Structural Biologist

The objective of this textbook is to introduce its readers to the many techniques now available for imaging biological materials, e.g. crystallography, optical microscopy and electron microscopy, at a level that will enable them to use them effectively to do research. Since all of these experimental methods are best understood in terms of Fourier transformations, this book explains the relevant concepts from this branch of mathematics, and then illustrates their elegance and power by applying them to each of the techniques presented.

The book is derived from a one-term course in structural biology that the author gave for many years at Yale. It is intended for students interested either in doing structural research themselves, or in exploiting structural information produced by others. Over the years, the course was taken successfully by advanced undergraduates and by graduate students. Scientists interested in entering the structural biology field later in their careers may also find it useful.