Single image sensorless adaptive optics using phase-diversified multifocal array

Abstract

Image-based sensorless adaptive optics is commonly used to improve microscope image quality through aberration compensation. However, its sequential nature leads to repeated sample exposures and a prolonged aberration estimation and correction process. In this work, we used a phase-diversified foci array to enhance the aberration-related information in multi-photon fluorescence microscope images. We showed that, through use of a neural network-based image processing algorithm, we can extract aberration from a single image frame. We discussed how the number of foci can affect the wavefront correction on a bead sample, and we showed that six foci, in general, perform better than two-foci or ten-foci arrangements. We also applied our technique to correct aberrations in biological samples, including a fixed brain tissue and BPAE cells slide.