AdaptiveSTED | Real-time automatic aberration correction for easy high-resolution imaging in complex specimens, by STED and other point-scanning microscopy techniques

Summary
Super-resolution methods have recently given new life to fluorescence microscopy; they promise molecular-scale resolution, while maintaining all the benefits of traditional diffraction limited techniques, such as robust labeling methods and three-dimensional imaging capability. However, the current super-resolution techniques only work reliably with thin, brightly labeled, low background samples. STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) super-resolution microscopy in principle is exceptionally well suited for deep imaging, because point-illumination makes it possible to use an optical pinhole that significantly reduces the out-of-focus background signal. However, current STED microscope implementations suffer from very low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the STED depletion beam intensity distribution – that is used to reduce the size of the effective fluorescence volume at the focus – is extremely sensitive to optical aberrations. In AdaptiveSTED project both of these issues will be addressed. The main goal of the AdaptiveSTED project is to develop a real-time aberration correction scheme for STED (and other point-scanning microscopes) that will allow robust, high resolution imaging deep inside complex, aberrating samples. A novel Single Photon Avalanche diode (SPAD) array detector, will make it possible to combine real-time wavefront sensing with high-SNR fluorescence recording into a single detector. The aberration correction scheme will be compatible with any poin-scanning microscopy technique: it will be thoroughly tested with a variety of biological samples in an open-access setting (anyone can use), in STED, two-photon and confocal imaging modes. The aberration correction system will be realized in collaboration with Prof. Martin J. Booth’s group at University of Oxford.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/794531
Start date: 01-01-2019
End date: 31-12-2020
Total budget - Public funding: 180 277,20 Euro - 180 277,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

Super-resolution methods have recently given new life to fluorescence microscopy; they promise molecular-scale resolution, while maintaining all the benefits of traditional diffraction limited techniques, such as robust labeling methods and three-dimensional imaging capability. However, the current super-resolution techniques only work reliably with thin, brightly labeled, low background samples. STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) super-resolution microscopy in principle is exceptionally well suited for deep imaging, because point-illumination makes it possible to use an optical pinhole that significantly reduces the out-of-focus background signal. However, current STED microscope implementations suffer from very low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the STED depletion beam intensity distribution – that is used to reduce the size of the effective fluorescence volume at the focus – is extremely sensitive to optical aberrations. In AdaptiveSTED project both of these issues will be addressed. The main goal of the AdaptiveSTED project is to develop a real-time aberration correction scheme for STED (and other point-scanning microscopes) that will allow robust, high resolution imaging deep inside complex, aberrating samples. A novel Single Photon Avalanche diode (SPAD) array detector, will make it possible to combine real-time wavefront sensing with high-SNR fluorescence recording into a single detector. The aberration correction scheme will be compatible with any poin-scanning microscopy technique: it will be thoroughly tested with a variety of biological samples in an open-access setting (anyone can use), in STED, two-photon and confocal imaging modes. The aberration correction system will be realized in collaboration with Prof. Martin J. Booth’s group at University of Oxford.

Status

CLOSED

Call topic

MSCA-IF-2017

Update Date

28-04-2024
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Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE
H2020-EU.1.3. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
H2020-EU.1.3.2. Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
H2020-MSCA-IF-2017
MSCA-IF-2017