Simultaneous 25 Plane 3d Live Imaging System For Neural Circuits

This project enables the development of a live three-dimensional (3D) imaging system for Biology. Our prototype for the optical microscopy system enables the recording of live 3D volumes fast and simultaneously by capturing 25 focal planes based on a novel design of an aberration-corrected multifocus microscopy (MFM). Utilizing a 5x5 array of low-noise, fast, and small cameras, we acquired data with the diffraction-limit resolution of up to 100 volumes per second. Based on Dr. Sara Abrahamsson diffractive Fourier optics technique MFM, we utilized UC Santa Barbara Nanofabrication facilities to develop the optical elements for simultaneous 3D imaging without loss of resolution. This technology hopes to advance the field of biology by allowing simultaneous live imaging of 25 focal planes applicable for any optically transparent neural circuit model organisms.