In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Optica, researchers at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus have successfully applied astronomy techniques to the field of microscopy. By utilizing a class of methods known as phase diversity, traditionally used in astronomy, they have developed a faster, cheaper, and more accessible way to achieve clearer and sharper images in the life sciences.
Challenges of Traditional Adaptive Optics
Historically, microscopists have struggled with adapting adaptive optics techniques from astronomy to microscopy. These methods, which involve measuring and correcting how light is distorted by the atmosphere, are complex, expensive, and slow. This has made them impractical for many laboratories in the life sciences field.
The Innovation of Phase Diversity
The team at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus recognized the potential of phase diversity techniques, which involve adding images with known aberrations to a blurry image with unknown aberrations to unblur the original image. Significantly, this method does not require major changes to the imaging system, making it a more attractive option for microscopy.
To implement the new method, the researchers adapted the astronomy algorithm for microscopy and validated it through simulations. They then constructed a microscope with a deformable mirror and two additional lenses, minor modifications that introduce known aberrations. Additionally, they enhanced the software used for the phase diversity correction.
Advantages and Benefits
In testing their new method, the team demonstrated the ability to calibrate the deformable mirror 100 times faster than with existing techniques. They also successfully corrected randomly generated aberrations, resulting in clearer images of fluorescent beads and fixed cells. The next phase of research will involve testing the method on real-world samples and expanding its use to more complex microscopes.
Looking ahead, the researchers aim to make the method more automated and user-friendly. By enhancing accessibility and affordability, they hope to enable more laboratories to benefit from adaptive optics technology. Ultimately, the goal is to empower biologists to gain a clearer understanding of cellular and tissue structures by peering deep into the microscopic world.
The adaptation of astronomy techniques in microscopy represents a major advancement in the field. By harnessing the power of phase diversity, researchers have opened up new possibilities for achieving high-quality microscopy images in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize how biologists study and visualize biological samples, paving the way for exciting discoveries in the life sciences.