Synthetic aperture phase imaging of second harmonic generation field with computational adaptive optics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel super-resolution imaging method for second-harmonic generation fields using synthetic aperture Fourier holographic microscopy combined with computational adaptive optics, enabling deep-tissue imaging beyond diffraction limits.

Contribution

First experimental demonstration of super-resolution quantitative phase imaging of SHG fields with adaptive optics correction in scattering media.

Findings

Overcomes the diffraction limit in SHG imaging.

Validates performance in thick scattering media.

Achieves super-resolution deep-tissue phase imaging.

Abstract

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy provides label-free imaging of biological tissues with unique contrast mechanisms, but its resolution is limited by the diffraction limit. Here, we present the first experimental demonstration of super-resolution quantitative phase imaging of the SHG field based on synthetic aperture Fourier holographic microscopy. We discuss the mathematical model of synthetic-aperture imaging of SHG fields, as well as the computational adaptive optics technique for correcting sample-induced aberration. We demonstrate proof-of-concept experiments where SHG targets are embedded within a thick scattering medium to validate the performance of the proposed imaging technique. It is shown to be able to overcome the conventional Abbe diffraction limit even in the complex aberrations and strong multiple scattering. We also demonstrate SHG-based super-resolution deep-tissue phase imaging of ex-vivo zebrafish muscle tissue.