Using the Spatial Light Modulator for Adaptive Optics in Fluorescence Microscopy

Abstract

To improve the quality of Stimulated Emission Depletion microscopy for the study of the physiology of Epidermal Growth Factor, challenges and possibilities of depletion beam pattern formation are assessed using a Spatial Light Modulator. The fluorescence depletion spot is analyzed without sample interaction, using high-resolution imaging of the spot shape under a high diffraction limit. Software is developed to gain full control over the depletion spots and analytical tools are written to determine correction schemes for them. Due to the benefit of parallel con-focal measurements, the quality analysis extends to the generation of multiple depletion beams using a single SLM.