3D space-variant modal deconvolution with computed point spread functions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a 3D space-variant deconvolution method for microscopy that uses computed point spread functions to correct spatially varying aberrations without requiring calibration or symmetry, improving image clarity.

Contribution

It extends modal deconvolution to handle complex, asymmetric aberrations in 3D microscopy using a ZEMAX-based PSF approach without guide stars or calibration.

Findings

Successfully applied to biological samples and bead images

Demonstrates effective correction of complex spatial aberrations

No need for calibration or symmetry assumptions

Abstract

Deconvolution is the most widely used aberration correction technique in microscopy, however most techniques assume that the aberrations are the same for each point in the image, which is rarely true. Methods for tracking spatially varying aberrations require burdensome calibration or computation, or require symmetries in the aberration patterns. Here, we expand on existing modal deconvolution methods to demonstrate 3D fluorescence deconvolution in imaging systems that exhibit no simple symmetry. Our method is based on a space-variant generalization of Richardson-Lucy deconvolution that makes use of ZEMAX\textsuperscript{\textregistered}-derived point spread functions without the requirement of guide stars or calibration measurements. We validate the performance of our method by applying it to snapshot multiplane imaging of both bead samples and biological specimens, and show that modal decomposition is a practical solution for deconvolving spatially varying aberrations that do not display clear symmetries.