title: Real-time extended depth of field microscopy.
abstract: We describe an optical microscope system whose focal setting can be changed quickly without moving the objective lens or specimen. Using this system, diffraction limited images can be acquired from a wide range of focal settings without introducing optical aberrations that degrade image quality. We combine this system with a real time Nipkow disc based confocal microscope so as to permit the acquisition of extended depth of field images directly in a single frame of the CCD camera. We also demonstrate a simple modification that enables extended depth of field images to be acquired from different angles of perspective, where the angle can be changed over a continuous range by the user in real-time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Edward J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Botcherby
authors.forename: Martin J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Booth
authors.forename: Rimas
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Juskaitis
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D004867:Equipment Design; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D051379:Mice; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D055096:Optical Devices; D055100:Optical Fibers; D014741:Video Recording / Q000379:methods