The new 2D Superresolution mode for ZEISS Airyscan

Utilizing a pinhole-plane imaging concept, Airyscan allows for simultaneous improvement in resolution and signal-to-noise by capitalizing on an innovative 32-channel GaAsP photomultiplier tube (PMT) array detector. Each detection channel functions as a very small pinhole to increase resolution while the overall detector design delivers better signal-to-noise than traditional GaAsP-based confocal systems. In the past, a stack of at least five z -slices had to be deconvolved to get usable images with an optical section thinner than 1 Airy unit. Now, the new 2D Superresolution mode for Airyscan delivers images with the thinnest optical section (0.2 Airy units) from a single image while maintaining the light collection efficiency of a much larger 1.25-Airy-unit pinhole.