Using a Deformable Mirror to Enhance Super Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy for Biological Imaging

Super resolution fluorescence microscopy is a possible candidate for simultaneous multicolor live-cell imaging of proteins through wavelength sensitive point spread functions (PSF). Deformable Mirrors (DM) are used in Astronomical telescopes to correct for wave front aberrations, which seems to be an interesting approach to be burrowed in order to increase the sensitivity of PSFs. DM will allow us to optimize differences in the PSFs across narrow ranges of wavelengths. Then proteins tagged by similar type of dyes could even be distinguished. The DM will be characterized using a Twyman Green Interferometer with polarizing optics in which an interferogram corresponding to the surface of the DM is obtained. Then it will be attached to the current fluorescence microscope to introduce a correction to the fluorescence light beam from the protein sample. High sensitivity of interferograms is expected to minimize errors that would consequently enhance color recognition. The DM helps to engineer PSFs that are information-optimal in terms of space and wavelength dimensions.