VisiTech International' Super Resolution Imaging in Multi-beam Confocal Scanning Systems

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An ongoing challenge of imaging microscopy is the limitations of achievable opticalresolution. Improved optical resolution allows smaller features to be resolved which in turnallows researchers to better understand such processes as cell division, movement ofmitochondria and colloidal dynamics. The techniques to improve optical resolution beyondthe current perceived limitations are called super resolution.Existing systems which can offer this super resolution are limited by the poor achievabletemporal resolution and high cost. The poor temporal resolution of these systems limits themto taking a “snap shot” of a sample in super resolution but the dynamics cannot be studied insuper resolution. This is hugely limited in applications such as those mentioned above. Alsothese existing super resolution techniques are very expensive (£1M) putting them beyond thebudget of many scientists worldwide.The aim of this project is to develop a new technique for improving the spatial resolution ofconfocal imaging systems without impacting on the temporal resolution at a price which istargeted at being one quarter of the price of existing systems. We have developed a conceptthat combines our multi beam confocal imaging system with super resolution providing theworld’s first multi beam super resolution system offering super resolution at a high enoughtemporal resolution to allow the study of dynamics in super resolution.A further objective of the project is to transfer our design into a working prototype ensuringthat we develop clear records of each stage of manufacture so we can transfer the knowledgegained through prototype development into a product that we can manufacture at our targetprice and in turn market worldwide.Over 85% of the materials we procure to build our confocal imaging systems are taken fromlocal, UK companies so any increase in turn over resulting from our new technology will havea direct impact on the local economy.