Adaptive optics enables 3D STED microscopy in aberrating specimens

Opt Express. 2012 Sep 10;20(19):20998-1009. doi: 10.1364/OE.20.020998.

Abstract

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy allows fluorescence far-field imaging with diffraction-unlimited resolution. Unfortunately, extending this technique to three-dimensional (3D) imaging of thick specimens has been inhibited by sample-induced aberrations. Here we present the first implementation of adaptive optics in STED microscopy to allow 3D super-resolution imaging in strongly aberrated imaging conditions, such as those introduced by thick biological tissue.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Microspheres
  • Optical Phenomena*
  • Optics and Photonics / methods*
  • Retina / anatomy & histology
  • Zebrafish