IDBR: Type A - Improving 3D resolution and reducing sensitivity to spherical aberration in live, thick sample cellular imaging using novel methods in optical sectioning microscopy

该奖项由生物科学局的生物研究仪器开发项目颁发给孟菲斯大学。生物和生物医学研究的几个领域严重依赖3D成像来准确分析厚重细胞样本中的亚细胞结构。这项研究项目将创造一种新的基于集成计算和光学技术的成像系统设计，以克服高分辨率3D显微镜成像的深度限制。这项研究的合作性质是基础科学家和工程师之间合作的典范。与该项目相关的外展活动将为当地本科生和社区大学教师提供参与这项研究的机会，与生物学研究人员和国际显微镜社区建立联系，并获得现代显微镜技术的技能。该项目将开发用于三维(3D)显微镜成像的计算光学系统。这项研究涉及集成结构照明光学、相位调制成像光学、数字信号处理和分析/合成技术，以实现传统成像标准无法获得的结果。将设计和测试一种新的部分相干照明配置，并将设计一种独特的能够对样品诱导的像差不敏感的成像系统。将开发数字处理算法，在厚样品中产生深达100微米的高分辨率、低噪声的3D图像。这项工作的更广泛影响包括为解决目前难以解决的生物学问题而开发的新能力，以及通过实施鼓励青年科学家和工程师相互参与创新和发现的跨学科教育模式可能带来的社会效益。传播计划包括a)为潜在用户和行业合作伙伴举办为期3天的讲习班/培训班，以及b)建立该系统的在线计划和说明，以及非营利性机构使用该系统进行研究的权利。

This award is being made to the University of Memphis by the Instrumentation Development for Biological Research program in the Directorate for Biological Sciences.Several areas of biological and biomedical research critically depend on 3D imaging for accurate analysis of subcellular structures within thick cellular samples. This research project will create a new imaging system design based on integrated computational and optical techniques to overcome the depth limitations of high-resolution 3D microscope imaging. The collaborative nature of the research is a model for cooperation between basic scientists and engineers. Outreach activities associated with this project will provide opportunities for local undergraduate students and community college instructors to participate in this research, connect with biological researchers and the international microscopy community, and gain skills in modern microscopy techniques.This project will develop a computational optical system for three-dimensional (3D) microscopy imaging. The research involves integrated structured illumination optics, phase modulated imaging optics, digital signal processing, and analysis/synthesis techniques to achieve results not obtainable from traditional imaging standards. A novel partially coherent illumination configuration will be designed and tested and an imaging system uniquely capable of insensitivity to sample-induced aberration will be engineered. Digital processing algorithms that result in high-resolution, low-noise 3D images at depths of up to 100 micrometers within a thick sample will be developed. The broader impacts of this work include enabling of new capabilities developed to address currently inaccessible biological questions as well as potential societal benefits from implementation of a model for interdisciplinary education that encourages young scientists and engineers to engage each other in the drive toward innovation and discovery. Dissemination plans include a) a 3-day workshop/training session for potential users and industry partners, and b) online plans and instructions to build the system and the right to non-profit institutions to use it for research.