Two-photon microscopy with simultaneous standard and extended depth of field using a tunable acoustic gradient-index lens.

Abstract : We describe a simple setup that allows depth of field switching at kilohertz rates in a nonlinear microscope. Beam profile and/or divergence are modulated using a tunable, acoustically driven gradient-index fluid lens. We demonstrate two modulation strategies, one based on fast varifocus scanning during each pixel and the other based on pseudo-Bessel beam excitation. Average beam shape is switched every line during scanning, resulting in the interlaced acquisition of two different images. We apply this approach to the simultaneous standard and 4.5x-extended depth-of-field imaging of developing embryos. © 2009 Optical Society of America